We know what you're having for dinner on Thursday—and how much of it you'll eat. It's okay. Even the most stringent weight loss plans allow for the occasional "cheat meal," and Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to pencil one in. Enjoy it. Then get back on track.
Eating smart isn't about sacrificing every meal to the gods of deprivation. It's about making strategic food choices for most of your meals, including those that involve Thanksgiving leftovers. Try these Men’s Health-endorsed turkey-based recipes, which will allow you to have the taste of turkey anytime you want—even for breakfast—without reliving Thanksgiving dinner for 17 consecutive meals, or letting the holiday feast inflate your waist.
1. The Two Turks
- 2 slices turkey
- 1 whole-wheat tortilla
- 2 slices cooked turkey bacon
- 3/4 cup mixed greens
- 3 slices avocado
- 2 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
Arrange turkey slices down center of tortilla, then add remaining ingredients. Fold outside edges in, then roll.
Per serving: 407 calories, 27 g protein, 32 g carbohydrates, 24 g fat (6 g saturated), 10 g fiber, 1376 mg sodium
2. Three Amigos Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 1 can diced tomatoes with jalapeños
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) each garbanzos, black beans, and kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon Hot sauce to taste
Heat oil on medium-low. Add onion and sauté until soft (about 3 to 5 minutes). Add turkey and brown (about 5 minutes.) Add tomatoes with juice, beans, broth, and spices. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Serves 6 (Freeze the leftovers and save $5 by taking them for lunch.)
Per serving: 293 calories, 31 g protein, 32 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat (0 g saturated), 11 g fiber, 788 mg sodium
3. The Day After Thanksgiving
- 2 tablespoons cranberry relish
- 1 whole-wheat tortilla
- 3 slices turkey
- 1 slice Muenster cheese
- 3/4 cup mixed greens
Spread cranberry relish down center of tortilla. Add turkey and remaining ingredients. Fold outside edges in, then roll.
Per serving: 311 calories, 24 g protein, 40 g carbohydrates, 11 g fat (6 g saturated), 3 g fiber, 1063 mg sodium
4. Tom Tomelet
- 2 eggs
- 1 slice turkey, diced
- 1 tablespoon shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
Stir 2 eggs with a fork until white and yolk are well blended. Add the remaining ingredients. Nuke for 2 minutes and 30 seconds or until the eggs are firmly set. Serves 1.
