While Thanksgiving is tomorrow, some of this Q+A may be a little on the “late” side but maybe not!
Q: What are you cooking or sharing for Thanksgiving?
A: Even though some of the family has said “don’t worry we have it all here”, I’m always one to bring something. For one I like to share, and for two it means I know that there will be a lower carb option with no hidden surprises. Having discovered last year that turkey meat eaten in great quantites actually gives me a “reminder of the teen years” style acne breakout, it will be very easy not to gorge myself tomorrow anyway. That being said, here’s some items that are always crowd pleasers, even if the crowd is simply you and a friend:
- Roasted green beans (or other roast vegetables)
- And always consider the welcome addition of a solid green salad and a home made dressing or two to choose from.
- A very rich and robust stuffed mushroom appetizer with only three ingredients
- Hasselback sweet potatoes may require a little time, but are sure to impress and delight.
- This festive variation of cauliflower mash
- Everyone loves a nut crust pie!
- Never been much of a fan of eggnog, but this coconut milk chai tea is wonderfully rich and warming.
Something else to consider, for those who have smaller family situations, the idea (and burden) of preparing an entire turkey can be daunting. Fortunately there’s tons of other great things you can do — personally I like any excuse for a good beef roast, but other options include a home-roasted chicken, if you haven’t done that in a while, it’s surprisingly simple and really really good. You’ll never even be tempted by store-purchase rotisserie that’s for sure. Also, in the meat case (or ask your butcher) you can often find a rolled turkey breast, it’ll be in a kind of cook-able twine-mesh bag that holds it together for even cooking. It’s a great shape for easy carving (no bones) cooks relatively quickly, and makes for good sandwich style meat slices later if any is left. For people wanting to have a real “Rennaissance Fair” feel for the holidays, why not roast some turkey legs for the lords and ladies! Turkey legs are very economical too. Cornish game hens also cook quickly and each person gets one so that’s kind of fun as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, and are having a good year, why not try your hand at a richly flavored roast duck or small goose!?
Vegetarians do have that tofurky thing available, but roasting a beautiful squash and filling it with savory vegetable and nut “stuffings” seems like a lot more fun (granted you would also run the risk of having to share it with someone like me too). I’ve even seen neat presentations with a golden roasted large crookneck squash that was vaguely goose-shaped!
Q: Oh no! I will be traveling away from my usual gym and have this idea from social media that I need to pack an unweildy amount of equipment for holiday workouts away from home!
A: While I personally avoid hotel workout rooms (cramped spaces, little if anything useful inside, creepers, etc.) if they have a decent set of dumbbells, it can be fun to do various combinations of overhead presses, squats, rows, etc. BUT many times I’d rather not be bothered with going there and the risk of awkward conversations or someone’s unruly children they’ve unleashed on the place. During travel, many of the Convict Conditioning plans work incredibly well. Even if you are not currently working on the specific progressions, good old fashioned push up variations, bridges, bodyweight squats (and pistol squats, and shrimp squats), lunges, jump lunges, headstands, handstands etc can really fit the bill — worst case? If you’re feeling extra antsy, knock out some burpees or sprawls by yourself or with a partner. Choosing move variations that are challenging enough and with enough workout intensity and focus will absolutely keep you active and strong over the holidays — without the need of dragging around an entire gym with you. Granted, an Ultimate Sandbag can easily go places with you too — OR get creative with the ideas like those in Zach Even-Esh’s Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning (including pushing cars, trucks and rocks around!)… the possibilities are endless. Imagination and creativity negate excuses.
Q: Do you have any tattoos?
A: No, I have “forever commitment” issues, and a couple of adventure related small scars. But I can appreciate them on other people. Even after all this time, at a given PCC Workshop dinner, it never fails that I’ll notice a tattoo that Al or Danny has had on an arm all along!
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Both, but not in the same cup or mug. 🙂
I am hoping to make some new how-to videos soon for another couple of Q+A answers that are better shown than written too, so keep watching for that. Have a great Thanksgiving, there’s so much to be thankful for! If you’re in Central Florida, check out CFL Organics and get fresh fruit and veggies delivered right to your door!
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