Handle Leftovers Safely
After your Thanksgiving meal is over, the countdown to repurpose leftovers into soups, hash, sandwiches, and other uses begins. But how long can you safely keep leftovers to enjoy after Thanksgiving day?
First, within two hours after dinner has been served, make sure to pack up leftovers right away and store them in the refrigerator. For every 20 minutes over two hours your food sits at room temperature, the level of bacteria doubles in quantity, so don’t wait!
Leftovers can safely keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Follow the following USDA guidelines for handling leftovers safely:
• Throw away hot or cold food that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature happened to be extremely warm, such as above 90°F (for instance at an outdoor event).
• Large quantities of hot food can take longer to cool to a food-safe temperature, thereby increasing the risk of bacteria growth. To speed up the cooling process, store hot food in shallow, small containers so that it cools quickly to a safe refrigerator-storage temperature of 40°F. Along those same lines, cut large portions of hot food (such as a turkey or ham) into smaller portions.
• Store leftovers in airtight packaging such as plastic zip-top bags, plastic wrap covered dishes, or storage containers.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
Read here for more information: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/11/thanksgiving-leftover-safety-keep-your-family-safe-through-the-holidays/#.VHi_xGTF-c8
Video Resource: Tiny Bites Add Up!
Maintaining your weight during the holiday season can often be a challenge. Check out this video to see how those “tiny bites” can add up to extra weight gain.
December 2014 Healthy Times Newsletter
Download your copy of the latest version of the Healthy Times Newsletter here: Healthy_Times_newsletter_December_2014
Maintain Not Gain Weight This Holiday Season
The first day of November marks the start of the holiday season. This means parties, food and fun for the next two months. If you’re like most Americans, you may end up gaining between 1 to 5 pounds. It’s no surprise when many holiday dishes are high in calories, fat, and sugar. This season, strive to maintain not gain weight. Follow these simple strategies to help you be healthy and happy during the holidays:
- Before your holiday feast, avoid skipping meals, which may result in overeating.
- When you do eat, be sure to add high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will fill you without all the calories.
- Go ahead and enjoy the feast but watch your portions. A sliver of pie tastes just as delicious as a large slice!
- Use smaller plates and avoid seconds (unless you’re going back for more tossed salad).
- If you’re in a buffet, start with the salads and fruits.
- Eat slowly and savor every bite.
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
-Lisa
Source: eatright.org
Easy Guacamole
Although avocados are high in fat, most of the fat is healthy mono-unsaturated fat. They are also cholesterol free, sodium free, and loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Two tablespoons of mashed avocado provide about 55 calories. Watch this video to learn the best way to cut and peel an avocado
Below is a delicious, healthy and fun recipe for guacamole that your children will enjoy helping you prepare.
Easy Guacamole
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1½ Tablespoon lime juice (or juice of 1 fresh lime)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Peel avocados and remove the pit.
Peel and mince the onion and the garlic.
Chop the tomato. - Mash the avocado in a bowl (fun for the kids) and then stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Serve cold with tortillas.
*To check if your avocado is ripe, push on it. It will be firm on the outside, but there should be a little give when you push on it.