Category Archives: Holidays

Undo holiday damage with ‘Deck the Halls’ workout

DeckTheHalls1

‘Tis the week of Christmas, and you might be feeling less than motivated to break a sweat amid the festivities. Or maybe you’ve been cooped up inside, and the opposite is true: You’re just itching to burn off some extra energy.

Either way, I’ve got a great solution that’s both challenging and fun — all you need is a deck of cards and some comfortable workout clothing and shoes…no other gear required!

Work through the entire deck (52 cards) if you’ve got the time or the inclination; otherwise pull one at a time, performing the prescribed moves for a set number of cards (e.g. 25 cards’ worth of moves) or duration of time (e.g. 30-minutes worth of moves).

If you’ve got access to machines and want a more cardio-focused workout, add a five-minute warm-up and cool-down, plus five-minute intervals on the machine every five cards.

If you’ve got weights and want to work in additional strength training, try holding them while performing some of the moves (lunges, squats), or mix things up with a set of bicep curls, shoulder presses, rows, etc. after every few cards drawn.

However you do it, enjoy! And maybe even challenge your relatives to get in on the fun to make fitness a family affair this holiday 😉

DeckTheHallsWkt

Healthy holiday tips from Skinnygirl Bethenny Frankel

Source: Shutterstock.com

Source: Shutterstock.com

Before you resign yourself to having to undo a bunch of holiday damage come January, consider some of talk show host and former reality star Bethenny Frankel’s words of wisdom on how to partake without going overboard. Her no-nonsense approach to this month’s festivities just may allow you to enjoy the rest of 2013 without regretting it later.

Here are seven of her healthy holiday tips to keep in mind throughout the season:

1. Half and half hot chocolate: If you’re in the mood for the sweet stuff, cut it in half with coffee. You’ll still get the shot of sugar, but save a few calories in the process.

2. Spoil your dinner: Smart guests know not to show up to parties empty-handed, but smart eaters know not to show up with empty tummies. Eat a fiber- and protein-packed snack before you make the rounds and you won’t be as tempted to “belly” up to the buffet.

3. Invest wisely: The holidays call for celebration, not deprivation, so go ahead and enjoy the seasonal treats. Just have a plan on where you want to spend your calories (i.e. alcohol versus desserts) and stick to it.

4. Ditch the clean plate club: The simplest yet most-ignored principle of eating is to stop when full. Don’t feel guilty for leaving a few bites – or even skipping the big entrée and snacking on more manageable appetizers.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Order cocktails on the rocks to get some water from the diluted ice cubes, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and aim to drink more H2O throughout the day. Water keeps your system running properly, helps to curb appetite and – contrary to popular belief – helps beat bloat.

6. Splash it with soda: Add a dash here and there to any cocktail in place of full-strength heavy mixers. You’ll cut calories and enjoy a new bubbly take on your go-to holiday drinks.

7. Beware of the binge: Finally, don’t go into the holidays with an all-or-nothing mentality; this will only lead to a binge. Instead, make smart choices, but don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations.

By following a few common sense guidelines for healthy holiday eating, it is possible to ring in the New Year without wishing for your old figure!

For more healthy eating ideas and lifestyle tips, visit Bethenny’s website here.

Impress holiday guests with a sweet treat that won’t break the calorie bank

Source: Romas Foord

Source: Romas Foord

Apples, cranberries and pumpkins may get all the glory this season, but don’t forget about an oft-overlooked juicy gem: Pears. Not only is their soft, sweet, buttery flesh delicious, but they’re also pretty healthy.

For example, did you know that…

  • …the hydroxycinnamic acid found in pears is associated with preventing stomach and lung cancer?
  • …pears are a hypo-allergenic fruit, meaning that those with food sensitivities can usually eat pears with no adverse effects?
  • …Quercetin, an antioxidant found in the skin of pears, helps prevent cancer and artery damage that can lead to heart problems?

So save the best for last this season, and end a special meal with this lovely inverted pie dessert featuring caramelized pears.

It’s the perfect finale for parties because you don’t have to worry about being overly fussy; the more haphazardly this dessert is constructed, the more rustic and charming it looks!

Pear Tarte Tatin (6 servings)

Ingredients: 

  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar, divided
  • 4 peeled ripe Anjou pears, cored and halved lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 5 (14 x 9-inch) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons crème fraîche

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with 1.5 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of sugar into pan. Arrange 7 pear halves (cut sides up) in a circle in pan; place remaining pear half in center.
  3. Cover skillet, and place over medium-low heat. Cook, without stirring, for 15 minutes or until sugar mixture is bubbly and caramelized. Place pan in oven. Bake at 400° for 5 minutes.
  4. Place oil and remaining butter in a bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds or until butter melts. Lay 1 phyllo sheet horizontally on a flat work surface; brush lightly with butter mixture. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons sugar evenly over phyllo.
  5. Place next phyllo sheet vertically on top of first. Repeat procedure twice with remaining butter mixture, sugar and phyllo, ending with phyllo. Fold edges in to form a 9-inch circle.
  6. Place phyllo circle in pan over pears, pressing gently. Bake at 400° for ~16 minutes or until filling is bubbly and crust is browned.
  7. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes.
  8. Place a plate upside-down on top of pan; invert tart onto plate. Cut tart into 6 wedges, and top each wedge with 1/2 teaspoon crème fraîche.

Nutritional Information (per serving): 

Calories: 258
Fat: 10.3g
Saturated fat: 4.4g
Monounsaturated fat: 2.9g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrate: 41.7g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 17mg
Iron: 0.5mg
Sodium: 79mg
Calcium: 70mg

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light magazine. 

Fight the flu: 8 tips for beating bugs this season

Source: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Source: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

With widespread outbreaks inevitable and not a cure in sight, there’s no denying it could be another nasty cold and flu season.

While over-the-counter treatments can bring some relief and help shorten the duration of symptoms, your best bet is to take a preventative approach to try to ward off bugs before they take hold.

Below are a few immunity-boosting tips to help stave off sickness this season:

1. Get a flu shot. Yes, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in defending your body from viruses. Although there are many different flu viruses circulating, the vaccine is designed to protect against the three that research suggests will be most common.

2. Wash your hands. One of the simplest yet most effective ways in which you can stop bugs from entering your body is by practicing the correct hand washing technique. Use warm water, plenty of soap and do it for about 20 seconds (Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice).

3. Mind your diet. Sugar can suppress the immune system, so cut back on holiday sweets and alcohol, wherever possible. Instead, load up on antioxidant- and vitamin-rich fruits and veggies, which help keep your immune system running strong.

4. Manage stress levels. Another immunity-killer is both chronic and daily stress, which will leave your body ill-equipped to fight infections. Decrease stress by taking some time out, whether that’s practicing meditation, getting a massage or simply going for a walk.

5. Get ample rest. Along those same lines, a tired body is one that’s also more prone to illness. Aim for a good stretch of uninterrupted sleep each night, ranging anywhere from seven to eight hours for most adults.

6. Break a sweat. The health benefits of exercise are endless, including increased circulation and blood flow, which helps keep your immune system oxygenated and strong – not to mention, it’s a terrific way to reduce stress (see No. 4 above).

7. Stay well hydrated. Most of us need around half an ounce of non-caffeinated fluids for each pound of body weight daily to maintain proper hydration. This helps detox the body, carry nutrients to cells and keep mucous membranes moist, which lessens the likelihood of cold or flu bugs invading your nose or lungs.

8. Look on the bright side. Finally, do yourself a favor, and lighten up. Scientific evidence shows that laughter not only helps people breathe easier, but it also massages the heart and vital organs and may increase the release of disease-fighting cells of the immune system.

What are your secrets to staying well during cold and flu season? 

10 tips for healthier eating at this year’s holiday parties

Source: PGOA Media

Source: PGOA Media

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with holiday appetizers; we love to eat them, but hate the toll they take our waistlines come January.

Here are my 10 tips on how to indulge in delicious party starters without finishing the season filled with regret.

1. Start with a strategy. “Heavy appetizers” do not a meal make; although it may sound counter-intuitive to eat dinner beforehand, you’ll be less apt to overindulge at that next soirée if you arrive without a grumbling tummy.

2. Come prepared. Better yet, bring your own delicious dish to a potluck, and rest assured you’ll have something good to snack on without blowing your healthy eating habits over the holidays.

3. Make simple swaps. Get creative with traditional recipes; use yogurt in place of sour cream, try ground turkey instead of beef, drop creamy dressings in favor of vinaigrette, and sprinkle a salad with walnuts instead of croutons, just to name a few.

4. Go nuts…in moderation. Fast and festive, protein-packed and full of “good” fat, nuts are a favorite holiday snack. They’re healthy, too – just not in an excessive number of handfuls.

5. Corner the crudités. Fill up on veggies during the first round, and you’ll not only squeeze in a few of your recommended daily servings, but you’ll also be less tempted by the siren song of the pigs-in-a-blanket platter on round two.

6. Amp up flavor, not fat. It’s easy to make a meal of the cheese tray (guilty, as charged), but try to target dry, aged varieties over soft ones; not only will you need to nibble less of a bolder-tasting cheese, but it’ll also pack fewer grams of fat and calories.

7. (Try to) fly by anything fried. Does this one need any explanation? But if you simply can’t part with a family-favorite recipe, try baking for the same crunchy texture with diminished damage to the diet.

8. Seek smarter dips (and dippers). Steer clear of anything that oozes, skip the chips, and opt instead for something veggie-based, such as this Seven-Layer Fat-Fighting Dip from TV’s Dr. Oz.

9. Rethink the drinks. By all means, toast to the season with your favorite cocktail or glass of wine – just don’t go overboard, lest you’ll be tempted to throw caution to the wind…diet, and otherwise (and, let’s face it, no one likes a sloppy party guest).

10. Remember, less is more. Follow the lead of the French, originators of the phrase “amuse-bouche” (meaning, “amuse the mouth”), and go for for quality over quantity by offering a refined selection that is light, luxurious and, most importantly, memorable.

How do you retain some sense of self control at holiday get-togethers? 

How to stay healthy during holiday travel

Source: ShareCare

Source: ShareCare

‘Tis the season to head home for the holidays, but getting from point A to point B can really mess with your body during peak time for colds and flu.

The sheer stress of the journey – from flight delays and crowded planes to a disruption in sleep schedules and eating habits – lowers your body’s defenses, making you more susceptible to illness. But take a few precautionary measures, and you’ll be well on your way to a much happier holiday.

Here are the top five tips for steering clear of sickness, whether you’re traveling to a winter wonderland via plane, train or automobile:

1. Wash your hands.

It’s the No. 1 rule from experts; with a greater concentration of people and germs indoors, disinfecting hands and other frequently-touched surfaces (think shopping cart handles, airplane tray tables, etc.) is extremely important. When soap and water aren’t available, go for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, such as these from Bath & Body Works.

2. Get plenty of sleep.

The frenetic pace of the holidays often results in sleep deprivation, which not only affects your immune system, but can also make you more susceptible to overeating, lethargy and mood swings. Aim for six to nine hours a night, and supplement with naps in between. Try the J-pillow ($31.95), an update to the 40-year-old U-shaped travel accessory, which was named a 2012/13 British invention of the Year.

3. Eat well (and often).

Just like the advice of not going grocery shopping on an empty stomach, the trick here is to make smarter meal choices well before hunger hits. Pack high-protein, low-sugar snacks in your carry-on for quick access and to stay energized throughout your trip. Check out FitSugar’s list of healthy road trip snacks, which will help tide you over to the next meal without falling prey to the fast food rut while on the road.

4. Stay hydrated.

To add insult to injury with air travel, there’s a serious lack of humidity in the cabin, which leads to dry noses, throats and mouths. To combat dehydration and help keep mucus membranes moist (so they can do their job), bring on the drinks! But skip the sugar, caffeine and alcohol; instead, sip eight ounces of water for every hour in the air. Check out BluFit Bottle, a smart water bottle that works with your phone to record your water drinking habits and help keep you hydrated and healthy.

5. Sneak in some exercise.

Think there’s no time for exercise between shopping for presents, running errands and attending parties? Think again; it’s easy (and dare I say – fun?) to incorporate heart-pumping activities into the holiday hubbub. Park farther away at the mall, take the stairs at work, shovel snow, count pre-party housecleaning as cardio, and don’t forget to walk the dog, which will help you both burn off excess energy. When all else fails, try making some form of physical activity a tradition, such as heading over to the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square for some fun and fresh air for the whole family.

Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season!

Holiday cocktails that offer hidden health benefits

Cranberry Cocktail

Indulgences and holidays go hand in hand, and while most of the focus is on how to keep from over-eating, many of us forget about the calories we can accumulate from over-imbibing.

But despite the talk of reining in holiday excess, there’s some good news for those of us who still like to raise an extra glass (or two) in celebration: Common ingredients found in your favorite holiday libations—such as cinnamon, cranberry, pomegranate and chocolate—can offer hidden health benefits.

So, cheers to moderation, and drink to your health this season!

Cranberries

Festive, fun and colorful, cranberries are known widely for their protection against urinary tract infections. But the potent berries are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, manganese and other phytonutrients called flavonoids, which help maintain cell structure and eliminate free radicals and other toxins from the body.

Drink Idea: Cranberry Mint Margarita (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

      • 16 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
      • 8 ounces lemon-lime soda
      • 6 ounces tequila
      • 8 mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except mint leaves in a pitcher. Serve drinks cold, garnishing each glass with mint leaves. As an added touch, freeze a bag of fresh cranberries and add them instead of ice to keep drinks cool.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most beloved flavors of the season, but it has also traditionally been used as medicine throughout the world. With the highest antioxidant capacity of any spice, it is a powerful antimicrobial agent that may lower blood sugar and reduce inflammation, plus it is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.

Drink Idea: Spiked Hot Spiced Cider (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

      • 2 quarts apple cider
      • 2 cloves
      • 2 cinnamon sticks
      • 1 orange spice tea bag
      • 4 shots apple brandy
      • Orange rind twist
      • Dash of cinnamon

Directions:

Gently heat cider with cloves and cinnamon, bringing to a simmer. Remove from heat and toss in the orange spice tea bag, allowing it to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bag, and pour a shot of apple brandy into each mug, topping it off with the hot cider mixture. Garnish with orange twists and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Chocolate

Yes, chocolate may add more calories and fat to the average cocktail, but the fact that this sweet treat is also rich in antioxidants and boosts natural levels of serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) makes up for it in spades. Chocolate has been linked to lowering bad LDL cholesterol levels, promoting healthy blood flow and even lowering blood pressure – just remember, the darker the chocolate, the more nutrients it contains.

Drink Idea: Hot Peppermint Patty (Serves 5)

Ingredients:

      • 1/2 cup sugar
      • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
      • Dash salt
      • 1/3 cup hot water
      • 4 cups (1 quart) milk
      • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
      • 5 ounces peppermint schnapps (divided equally among five mugs)
      • Whipped cream (optional)
      • 5 teaspoons green creme de menthe (optional)

Directions:

Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; add in water, cooking over medium heat and stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir two minutes, then add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature (but not to a boil). Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Pour into mugs with peppermint schnapps, topping with whipped cream and drizzle of crème de menthe, if desired.

Pomegranates

One of the original superfoods, pomegranates are a welcome addition to any healthy holiday table (or bar!), as they are rich in vitamins C and B6, plus potassium and fiber (the seeds offer about five grams per half cup). Studies also show that pomegranate juice may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol while boosting iron levels and brain power, plus just one glass contains as many cancer-fighting polyphenols as two glasses of red wine or 10 cups of green tea.

Drink Idea: Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

      • 1/2 cup sugar
      • 1/2 cup water
      • 2 ounces vodka
      • 2 ounces fresh pomegranate juice
      • 3 ounces sparkling wine
      • Pomegranate seeds, as garnish

Directions:

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Combine vodka, pomegranate juice, and 1 ounce (~2 tablespoons) sugar syrup. Divide among two tall, ice-filled glasses. Top each with sparkling wine, and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Holiday gift guide for athletes on the run

Source: AP/Standard Times, Peter Pereia

Source: AP/Standard Times, Peter Pereia

We’re three weeks out from Christmas, so there’s still some time to pick that perfect gift for the runner in your life. From cozy clothing and tools for recovery to techie gadgets and accessories for making any run more fun, these are my favorite picks for making any athlete merrier this season.

To keep ’em warm…

Moving Comfort Sprint Insulated Vest ($110)

On those in-between days when wearing a full jacket for your workout feels like overkill, the Sprint vest keeps your core warm and allows for unrestricted movement. Plus, the streamlined design means it’s a versatile layering piece for “running” casual errands around town, as well.

MCvest

Oiselle Lux Layer ($76)

The thought of heading out for a winter run is much more bearable when you have a velvety-soft base layer to help shield skin from the searing cold. This one is moisture-wicking and has a fitted shape that’s not too tight, along with thumb holes to keep sleeves from riding up.

Source: Oiselle

Source: Oiselle

Moving Comfort Endurance Tight ($60)

I’m digging all the crazy prints on this season’s running gear, and the Endurance tight is one of my favorites. Not only is the pattern funky (without being too over-the-top), but it’s also got great reflective details and a perfect, muffin-top-free fit thanks to a wide, flat waistband.

MCtights

To keep ’em healthy…

The GRID Mini ($25)

I credit the full-size GRID with helping me get through marathon training injury-free this fall, and the Mini makes a nice travel companion for runners who double as road warriors. Small enough to squeeze in a suitcase, it still provides targeted massage for circulation and flexibility.

Source: TPtherapy

Source: TPtherapy

Zensah Compression Ankle/Calf Sleeves ($50)

Recovery is one of the most important parts of the training process, and Zensah just raised the bar for compression with its new fusion technology. Soothe legs and feet with graduated pressure that improves circulation for muscle recovery, shin splint relief and targeted support.

Source: Zensah

Source: Zensah

The Stick Body Stick ($43)

Compact, lightweight and easy to use, The Stick is used by Olympic athletes, sports professionals, and weekend warriors to roll out muscle knots and treat trigger points. When used after tough workouts, it can help disperse lactic acid, accelerate muscle recovery and improve flexibility.

Source: The Stick

Source: The Stick

To keep ’em happy…

OllyDog Mt. Tam Leash ($29)

Although I don’t run with my dogs, I see many owners who do — and I’m sure they’d appreciate this handy leash for a more comfortable, hands-free run. It’s fully-adjustable, shock-absorbing and includes a reflective traffic handle for control and visibility.

Source: OllyDog

Source: OllyDog

HeavyMedalz SportHooks Race Medal Holder ($35-65)

You worked hard to earn all that race bling, so get it out of that dusty drawer and display it proudly with this wall-mounted medal hanger. Choose from one of the existing designs, or contact the company to have one specially customized.

Source: HeavyMedalz

Source: HeavyMedalz

Moving Comfort Hit the Road Carry-All ($125)

Stylish and smartly-designed, this carry-all offers ample storage — minus the look of a bulky gym bag. Use the six external pockets to store small items, while the interior pouch is large enough to hold all the essentials (and will even accommodate a full-sized yoga mat!).

Source: Moving Comfort

Source: Moving Comfort

To keep ’em connected…

JayBird BlueBuds X Bluetooth Headphones ($170)

Rid yourself of one major running pet peeve (cords that tangle and can get caught) with the smallest Bluetooth headphones available. They pack an incredible eight hours of play time, are sweat-proof, skip-free and offer two options for a comfortable, secure fit.

Source: JayBird

Source: JayBird

Nike+ Sportwatch GPS ($150)

My never-leave-home-without-it run companion, this water-resistant watch has all the bells and whistles, including GPS, pace tracker, timer, calorie counter, pedometer and lap/interval marker. Like a personal running coach on your wrist, it keeps runners motivated and on track with features like run reminders and notifications of personal records.

NikeSWgps

GoPro HERO3 White Edition ($200)

Document and share your favorite run experiences with the HERO3, which is 20 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than previous models and is compatible with all GoPro mounts and accessories — making it the most mountable, wearable and versatile White Edition GoPro ever.

Source: GoPro

Source: GoPro

What’s on your wish list this year?

Race Recap: Turkey Trail Trot XI

TTT5

Happy holidays, and I hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving filled with family, friends and all kinds of delicious food!

We enjoyed all of the above, but only after burning off a few pre-meal calories in the five-mile Turkey Trail Trot in San Francisco.

TTT2

The weather was gorgeous (around 70), and they capped the field at 1,400, so it wasn’t too crowded as we gathered at the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park for the start.

TTT1

Our friend, Matt, had invited Hubby and me to join his brother and extended family in their annual Thanksgiving tradition, so a fun run seemed like the perfect way to cap off a successful running season (not to mention an excuse to dress up in costumes).

TTT3

I was coming off last weekend’s half marathon, plus my legs were pretty shot from working out with the November Project crew (more on that in another post) and taking a riding lesson the day before, so my plan was to jog it super easy, sans music, and just relax and enjoy the ride.

TTT4

Of course, that included some super-awkward mid-run selfies along the way, but we had a blast and crossed the finish line in 47:24, averaging 9:29 minutes per mile. Not a PR, by any means, but the point was to get out, stretch the legs and prep our stomachs for the feast that evening.

TTT6

On the menu? Turkey two ways, squash, stuffing, salad, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, gravy and, of course, a selection of pies (apple, pecan, peanut butter, pumpkin chiffon), plus a pear tart thrown in for good measure. Oh, and wine…lots and lots of wine.

It felt good to indulge, even if it took until mid-day the next day to fully digest everything and finally feel hungry again!

How much damage did you do on the big day?

A healthier way to use those Thanksgiving leftovers

2008_12_4-Leftovers2v2

Happy Thanksgiving!

Later today when dinner’s done and you’re left with a lot of bird, don’t panic: Turkey is a lean, versatile protein that fits easily into healthy, hearty meals that are low in fat and high in flavor.

Here are a few tips for livening up your Thanksgiving-leftover repertoire — without repeating the meal or breaking the scale.

First, attack the carcass (after your guests leave, that is). Once you’ve removed all the large slices of meat, be prepared to spend some time picking off every last bit from the bones. Chop or shred it as you go, partitioning into bags or containers in the refrigerator (or freezer) for easy access later.

Source: Kthread, Flickr

Source: Kthread, Flickr

Next, take stock of other leftovers, and get creative by utilizing them in a variety of wraps, salads and “dump” dishes (one-pot meals) for the first few days following the big event. When you’ve had your fill and cleared out the majority of the trimmings, turn to some creative dishes that can breathe new life into the last of the meat.

Try a quick soup, for example, by mixing a few cups of diced turkey with chicken broth, noodles and your favorite vegetables. Sprinkle chopped turkey on salads for a healthy lunch that packs a protein punch. Use shredded turkey in quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and tacos to spice up a weeknight dinner. Or add turkey bits to pot pies, casseroles and pasta dishes for a fresh twist on classic comfort foods.

Need more ideas? EatTurkey.com has a list of the “Top 10 Ways to Use Leftover Turkey,” including dishes such as Thai Grilled Pizza, Creamy Creole Turkey Bake and the ever-popular Turkey, Mandarin and Poppy Seed Salad.

Source: Fitday

Source: Fitday

Last but not least, save the bones. If you’re not going to make use of them within a week or so, wrap and store the carcass in your freezer for up to six months. Next time you get a turkey hankering, plop it in a big pot of water with a mix of vegetables and herbs, and in no time at all you’ll have a simple stock for soups, stews and gravies (try this recipe from Martha Stewart).

Now, that’s a gift that keeps on giving all season.

What are your favorite ways to make the most of Thanksgiving leftovers?