The extended family here in OH is large, loud and very welcoming. Thanksgiving has involved 4 days of get together involving football (not a fan but I’ll figure I’ll get used to it) and copious quantities of food. They’re wonderful people and I’m having a wonderful time, but I’m not sure I can can face Christmas.

Good, solid Midwest food, very well made. Best Thanksgiving turkey dinner I have ever eaten, bar none. Only one problem - the men in the family all eat like two year olds. No veg at all (maybe fresh corn), no peppers (bell or otherwise), no vinegar, beans, spice, grains. Lots of grease - and tater tots. I love tater tots but this is going to be an issue when we host our own contribution to the festivities tomorrow - trying to figure out what to make for hors d'oeuvres, and even more football, is a challenge.

Sharon has that covered, but that leaves me with a problem. I am not used to eating like this and my body is rebelling. In short, I feel like hell. I’m thinking a few days of fruit juice or something might settle my stomach and bring me back around.

Has anyone ever done that? Recommendations?

P.S. Deep fried pepperoni slices are a thing.

Who knew?

I'm not a fan of extremes. When I overindulge during the holidays (which doesn't happen much anymore), I just drop back and eat my regular healthier diet when I'm back home. I might end up skipping a meal here or there, or just eat smaller portions. I just let my body guide me. In a day or two I feel fine again.

One thing you may notice is that you become more of a seasonal eater because the change of seasons is more extreme in your new location. I tend to start eating a lot of nuts come October/November. And salads tend to drop out of my diet almost completely. Cooked greens, root vegetables, and soups become my mainstays. Even though they're available, for instance, I won't eat strawberries or other summer fruits during the winter months. Just doesn't feel right. I mean, it's summer in South America, but it's frickin' cold where I live.

And then come springtime, it all shifts to lighter foods.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Miller:
P.S. Deep fried pepperoni slices are a thing.

Who knew?

I didn't. I've never heard of deep fried pepperoni.

My deep fried days have been behind me for quite a while. Talk about foods that sit like a brick...

quote:

Originally posted by wtg:
I'm not a fan of extremes. When I overindulge during the holidays (which doesn't happen much anymore), I just drop back and eat my regular healthier diet when I'm back home. I might end up skipping a meal here or there, or just eat smaller portions. I just let my body guide me. In a day or two I feel fine again.

One thing you may notice is that you become more of a seasonal eater because the change of seasons is more extreme in your new location. I tend to start eating a lot of nuts come October/November. And salads tend to drop out of my diet almost completely. Cooked greens, root vegetables, and soups become my mainstays. Even though they're available, for instance, I won't eat strawberries or other summer fruits during the winter months. Just doesn't feel right. I mean, it's summer in South America, but it's frickin' cold where I live.

And then come springtime, it all shifts to lighter foods.

Yes to all of this. I do find after heavier stews or meat-based meals I crave lighter crunchy vegetables, but I stick to stuff that is more or less in season. We have a million greenhouses here, so “in season and local” isn’t as restrictive as it once was. Cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes are available locally in all but the coldest of Januarys, so it’s easy to throw together something fresh that makes me feel better.

The best advice? Be yourselves. Serve the foods that you eat. I know enough about you to know you eat deliciously as well as healthy.

That said, I would keep some foods you know they will like - smoked chicken wings - or even smoked thighs -would be a decent choice. But you don't have to serve potatoes smothered in cheese-like goo. Tacos, which can be very healthy, should be in their wheelhouse. Salsa and guacamole, also stealth health foods.

You might start a revolution, or at least evolution.

Mrs pj says what she wants is a loofa in the middle of a very long string.

I like the DIY taco bar idea. You can load up on veg, everyone else will eat the meat and cheese.

Also keep in mind that what people make for big gatherings especially when football is involved isn’t necessarily what they eat day to day.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Miller:
P.S. Deep fried pepperoni slices are a thing.

Who knew?

OMG
My diet might not win any awards, but the things I see on menus and read about people eating is surprising.

Pennsylvania has a lot in common with the midwest when it comes to unhealthy foods. We will deep fry anything, especially at a county fair.

Deep fried Oreos are also a thing, as are deep fried pickles. Deep fried pieroghis are amazing. And funnel cake - oh the funnel cake!

I third the taco bar idea - something for everyone.

Hope you are feeling better!

Ah, self-control around the holiday feasts...

Tough lesson to learn when your mouth really likes all sorts of goodies (at a larger volume) than your body really needs.

1. Take less on each plate - no need to heap up all the food!
2. Eat slowly
3. Stop when full, you can always claim to be saving room for sweets...
4. Provide lots when you host and have plenty of take-out containers to share so you don't get tempted by the leftovers

quote:

Originally posted by rontuner:
Ah, self-control around the holiday feasts...

Tough lesson to learn when your mouth really likes all sorts of goodies (at a larger volume) than your body really needs.

1. Take less on each plate - no need to heap up all the food!
2. Eat slowly
3. Stop when full, you can always claim to be saving room for sweets...
4. Provide lots when you host and have plenty of take-out containers to share so you don't get tempted by the leftovers

And water! Or even sparkling water. One between every sweet or alcoholic beverage. It will help fill you up, and keep you from drinking too much. Drinking too much makes you eat more, no edit function!