One day of gluttony isn’t a big deal. But if you chase it with three days of the same rich, calorie-dense leftovers, you risk undoing everything gained from weeks of moderation. However, if you integrate your holiday treats into healthier fare, you can empty out your fridge and still enjoy the long weekend without worrying about dieting later. The following recipes have been tailored to leftovers, from the bird to the cranberry sauce.
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TURN LEFTOVER PUMPKIN PIE INTO A... CINNAMON PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin pie, crust removed
½ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
6 tbsp 1% low-fat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ice cubes
Directions:
1) Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 280 calories, 20g protein, 40g carbs, 2g fat
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TURN LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE INTO... APPLE-WALNUT OATMEAL
Ingredients:
½ cup quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 small apple, cored and chopped
2 tbsp cranberry sauce
2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
Directions:
1) Place oatmeal, milk, and apple in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 1–1½ minutes on high. Stir in cranberry sauce. Top with walnuts.
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 437 calories, 17g protein, 63g carbs, 14g fat
TURN LEFTOVER CIDER INTO... MULLED CIDER
Ingredients:
2 whole cinnamon sticks
1/8 tsp ground cloves
¾ tsp whole allspice berries
4 strips orange peel
4 strips lemon peel
6 cups apple cider
Directions:
1) Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Serve in mugs.
Serves: 6
Nutrition: 115 calories, 0g protein, 28g carbs, 0g fat
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TURN LEFTOVER TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO INTO A... STUFFED SWEET POTATO
Ingredients:
1 large cooked sweet potato, skin on, cut lengthwise
¼ cup cooked turkey, chopped
¼ cup canned black beans, drained
Pinch of paprika
Pinch of chili powder
2 tbsp salsa
1 tbsp low-fat sour cream
Chopped scallions or cilantro, if desired
Directions:
1) Open up the potato to accommodate filling. Microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
2) In a small bowl, combine turkey, beans, paprika, and chili powder. Cover and microwave for 30 seconds.
3) Place turkey mixture in center of potato. Top with salsa and sour cream. Sprinkle with scallions and/or cilantro.
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 320 calories, 20g protein, 50g carbs, 5g fat
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TURN LEFTOVER TURKEY, MASHED POTATOES, GRAVY, CARROTS, AND GREEN BEANS INTO... TURKEY SHEPHERD'S PIE
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked turkey, diced
2 cups cooked carrots, sliced
2 cups cooked green beans
1 cup turkey gravy
½ cup reduced-sodium chicken or turkey stock (or broth)
3 cups mashed potatoes
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350˚.
2) Layer the turkey in a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with carrots and green beans.
3) In a small bowl, combine gravy and stock/broth. Microwave for 45 seconds. Stir well.
4) Pour gravy mixture over turkey and vegetables. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
5) Bake 30 minutes; serve immediately.
Serves: 6
Nutrition: 260 calories, 25g protein, 25g carbs, 7g fat