Nov. 18, 2021 | Thanksgiving is this Thursday, a time for remembering all we are grateful for and the things that matter most, family, friends and food. But exactly where does all that food come from? Minnesota is the leading producer of turkey in the United States, followed by Arkansas and North Carolina. The cranberry is a native wetland plant that likes cool weather and is primarily grown in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Oregon, and New Jersey. Illinois is the pumpkin capital of the U.S., producing more than the next six states combined. Potatoes are primarily grown in Idaho and Washington state, the two states accounting for more than half of the nation’s potato production. Field corn and sweet corn are produced in different parts of the country. Washington tops the sweet corn production table while Iowa leads in field corn. Green bean production is dominated by Wisconsin while California is the only state with a sizable harvest of Brussels sprouts.

Nov. 18, 2021 | Most of us pack on a few extra pounds during the holidays, thanks to the endless stream of parties and tasty treats. But with Thanksgiving almost upon us, it’s important to know that being stuffed is only a good idea if you’re a turkey. To avoid gaining weight this week, create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods. Increase your steps or lengthen your fitness routine the weeks ahead and especially the day of the feast. And make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories. There is more sugar and fat in most recipes than is needed, and no one will notice the difference if you skim calories by using lower calorie ingredients. Try using fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy. Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods. You can also try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.

Nov. 18, 2021 | Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends. The main event should be family and friends socializing, spending quality time together, not just what is on the table. This is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss. This way, at the start of the New Year, you will be ahead of the game if you can avoid gaining any weight over the holidays. Be sure to eat slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food, experts say. Choosing whole grains, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber will add to the feeling of fullness. And go easy on the alcohol. Have a glass of wine or a wine spritzer and between alcoholic drinks, enjoy sparkling water. This way you stay hydrated, limit your alcohol calories and stay sober.

Nov. 18, 2021 | Today is Thanksgiving, a day for celebrating the things for which we are most grateful, things like family, friends, your home and, of course, your health. It’s a good time to practice gratitude, because mental health is just as important as physical health. Before you sit down to eat today, try giving each member of your family a pen and a small piece of paper. Ask each person to write down three things they’re grateful for. Then, go around the table after everyone’s done eating and share what you wrote down. It lengthens the meal process and slows eating, as well. Today is one of those days where we have little else on our calendar, no piano recitals or soccer games to rush off to. So appreciate the time and strike up a conversation in a room that isn’t the kitchen. Often we mindlessly snack just because the food is in arm’s reach. So engaging in conversation or other activities outside of the kitchen will naturally help curb how much you eat.

Nov. 18, 2021 | If you’re like most people, you have some leftovers sitting around after yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast. To ensure your food is stored away before harmful bacteria can form, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends dividing up dishes into shallow containers within two hours of cooking. It’s OK if your food is still warm when you pack it up. Cooked turkey can be kept in a fridge for three or four days. The same is true if your family likes to partake in other meat-based protein sources on Thanksgiving, including cooked chicken, cooked pork and cooked beef. Plant-based alternatives like tofu can be stored for up to a week in a fridge if fresh or five months in a freezer, according to the USDA. Leftover stuffing should be consumed or frozen within three or four days. When frozen, stuffing can last between two and three months. When reheating gravy, it’s recommended that you boil the liquid to ensure its safety. The same is true for leftover sauces and soups.