Now that I’ve been doing the Mediterranean Diet I’ve been recently thinking about what I am going to cook for Thanksgiving. I have skimmed pictures of what I made last year as well as viewed charts I received from my dietician of “heart healthy” meals. I have been studying, so I want to share a few ideas with you. I will copy some images, but right now I’d like to give you a brief description of some things you and your family can consume while enjoying Thanksgiving and maintaining your health. Let’s not overeat this holiday season and include some important food groups!
Of course we can’t leave out Turkey! A serving size is considered 3-4 oz. or something the size of a “deck of cards” with the Mediterranean Delight, so one piece of turkey (or turkey pieces) that equal that amount would be fine! Keep in mind you are allowed 2-3 servings of protein per day on this diet, so there would be no issue with going back for another “deck of cards” sized 3-4 oz. turkey piece later! You can’t leave out leftovers!
A vegetable I love to make and that I made last Thanksgiving was asparagus. I love to boil them and saute with salt and pepper. Just a table spoon of olive oil or butter added would account for 1 serving of a “fat/oil” for the day. So it would be totally find to add butter or oil. Since asparagus is considered a “leafy vegetable,” you can go crazy and even have a whole cup! Lol Some non-leafy vegetables only permit a 1/2 cup while on the Mediterranean Delight (diet). You can get in 2-4 servings of vegetables per day.
How about brown rice as an addition. On this diet, you are allowed rice and bread, but everything must be brown brown brown! Whole weat, whole grain, well, you get it! A personal sized loaf of wheat bread would usually run about 100 caloires. That is the amount of calories that is permitted for a serving of grains/breads on this diet. You are only allowed 2 grains/breads per day. At least that is what my customized plan says.:-)
So There you have it. I have added turkey (3-4 oz.). I estimate that will be about 160 calories. Then I added the cup of asparagus. I googled it and a cup of boiled asparagus is a whopping 27 calories! lol A cup of cooked brown rice is 150 calories. So much better than mashed potatoes! 😉 I also added a personal sized wheat loaf. We will guesstimate that is about 100 calories. Your total Thanksgiving Mediterranean Heart Healthy Meal is going to be: 437. I almost forgot the tablespoon of olive oil added to your veggies: that is around 100 calories. There is your whole dinner. A low 500-550 calories.
Instead of my all time favorite pumpkin pie for dessert I may even substitute with a handful of cashews. Then I can also get in my “nuts/seeds” food group and avoid some of the sugar! Let me know what you think about this meal plan/idea in the comments.
About Zina
Zina Hermez has authored the Best-selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s been featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written hundreds of articles and has taught thousands of students. Additionally she’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She is also a major foodie and loves to help others. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, or Twitter.
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