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