The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, and for some, a time to put their healthy eating habits on hold. For followers of a controlled-carbohydrate lifestyle, holiday temptations of candy, cookies and other sweets can be overwhelming.
The key to maintaining good eating habits is not denial, but rather, adaptation. Preparing ahead and making sound dietary choices are essential to staying on track.
“You already know temptations are going to be there,” says Atkins Nutritionals Inc. Food Editor Allison Fishman. “So, plan ahead. If you’re going to a holiday party, bring your own snacks or make a quick inventory of the food your host is serving. Instead of picking up the first thing you see, look for foods that support your controlled-carb program and indulge in those.”
For instance, Fishman suggests shrimp or sliced meats instead of breaded appetizers, and nuts or fruit instead of carb-loaded cookies.
The following recipe and more can be found in “Atkins Best Holiday Recipes,” released in early October 2004. Pick up a copy at your local grocery store.
WILD MUSHROOM STUFFING
(Makes 10 servings)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 small shallots, sliced (1/3 cup)
9 garlic cloves, minced (1 1/2
tablespoons)
2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup Madeira wine
9 slices Atkins Bakery Ready-to-Eat Sliced White Bread, torn into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 cup lower sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Butter a 7 by 11-inch baking dish.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper; cook until moisture released by the mushrooms evaporates, about 8 minutes. Add wine; cook until liquid evaporates, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Place mushroom mixture in a large bowl. Add bread, parsley and thyme; toss gently. Whisk broth, cream and egg in a small bowl. Pour over mushroom mixture and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to baking dish. Bake until golden and set, about 45 minutes.
Prep time: 40 minutes.
Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes.
Nutritional information per serving: 8.5 grams net carbs; 14.5 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams fiber; 14 grams protein; 13 grams fat; 220 calories.
Atkins offers a free newsletter with product updates, low-carb tips and recipes. For more great recipes, look for “Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution” (Harper Collins) and “Atkins for Life” (St. Martin’s Press). For more information, visit Atkins.com.
Courtesy: NewsUSA
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