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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2017)
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Wildflower Studio FIT FOR SISTERS Th e Th anksgiving calories avalanche A r t B o u t i qu e & F r a m i n g Holiday gifts handmade by local artisans, hats, scarves, jewelry, ornaments, paintings and prints. By Andrew Loscutoff, Columnist Thanksgiving is a holiday to reflect upon the good fortunes, experiences, and lessons throughout the year. Gratitude and respect is laid at the table with a spread of traditional foods. Nostalgia, memories, and the warmth of family create a cozy and comforting setting in which to enjoy some of fall’s iconic bounty. This idealistic setting comes with the tradi- tion of overeating, overstuffing, and indulging ourselves. The American Thanksgiving meal can contain over 2,500 calories — more than the entire day’s allotment for most people. This is not a tradition that should live on, while so many in society are struggling with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Thanksgiving’s most-valued dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole. A closer look at the calorie counts reveals these as carrying the highest density of calories. There are obvious discrepancies in calorie counts, but look at the average for tra- ditional preparations: 1 cup potatoes (mashed with milk and butter) around 220 calories. One cup stuffing, 380 calories. One cup green bean casserole (like Mom used to make), 450 calories. Imagine all the exercise needed to burn these foods. Assuming a person of average age and 150 pounds: 16 continuous minutes of jump rope for the potatoes; 53 minutes of moderate weight training for the stuffing; and 45 minutes of running at 5 mph would take care of the green bean casserole. A workout warrior would have a great time trying to accomplish this, but con- sider, these are only the biggest blunders of Thanksgiving’s feast. Rolls, yams, turkey, and pumpkin pie should also be considered. Is there a better way to gorge oneself on Thanksgiving without the calorie avalanche? Try starting the meal with a good portion of greens. Focus on protein; especially the calo- rie-scarce white meat (three ounces only has 115 calories). Use mindful eating techniques: slowing down, chewing the food thoroughly, and savoring the experience of being with fam- ily and friends. It’s OK to set the fork down 19 and engage the captive audience with your lat- est and greatest stories. Is there a way to keep the tradition of thanksgiving alive whilst still keeping con- sumption in moderation? Try squash instead of yams (70 vs. 180 calories in a cup). In the casserole, omit the heavy cream for a milk alternative (save up to 100 calories) and mash the potatoes with low-fat sour cream, adding toasted garlic and herbs to ignite the dish’s fla- vor instead of butter and cream. Loading a plate is a fun endeavor, and fin- ishing it is satisfying. There are studies that show that plate size actually can influence the amount consumed. Smaller plates, frequently filled, amount to less eaten than the giants brought out for holiday meals. A small plate, or just keeping portions in check (one can always head back for more!) will keep appetite and consumption down to earth. Take this advice with a grain of salt. Thanksgiving is to be enjoyed, and the deli- cious foods make over-consumption inevitable. Enjoy Thanksgiving — and respect the fact that so much food is available to us for the sheer enjoyment of gathering with family and friends. Framing for the Holidays! 20% OFF Custom Picture Framing 541-904-0673 • 103-B E. Hood Ave., Sisters a unique blend of working artists’ studios & custom framing wildflowerstudioartandframing.com 7th Annual Holiday Faire November 24 - December 17 Great selection handmade items from local vendors. High quality! Unique gifts! Free admission! Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 142 E. Main Ave. , Sisters SPONSORED BY THREE SISTERS LIONS CLUB • Locally owned and operated • Large natural & organic selection • Meat cut & ground fresh daily • Huge bulk-foods department • Only 20 minutes from Sisters Located in the Cascade Village Shopping Center, Bend Open every day, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tis The Season ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MENTALART Most importantly, enjoy your spenial meal with family and friends. We hope your holidays are full of good cheer and great beer! Give the perfect gift: Gift cards • Beer to go • Retail Stitchin’ Post & Twigs Cheryl Crawford has been fascinated by collage since she was young. “I’m just drawn to it because… it’s kind of an interpretive dance to me,” she says. Crawford’s work will be featured at the gallery at Twigs through the month of December. Cheryl will be on hand there during the November 25 Fourth Friday Art Stroll to talk about her work. The work is striking — strips of paper torn from maga- zines mingles with paint to create an impressionist aspen grove. She doesn’t start with a plan — she “tears and tears” and something grows in the imagination. “It just evolves. It’s really organic to me,” she says. Visit Twigs to enjoy the art, and look around for unique gift items to fill your Christmas list. Twigs helps you blend styles and accessories to fit any lifestyle — from the garden, to the table, to caring for your skin. threecreeksbrewing.com 721 Desperado Ct., Sisters 541.549.1963