DIXFIELD – Healthy treats for the holidays was the focus of the monthly series sponsored by the Elsemore Dixfield Center in Dixfield on Tuesday.
Registered nurse Deborah Gorham, Maine’s cardiovascular nurse of the year, served a complete Christmas dinner to 22 attendees.
“We entertain during the holidays because we like the people,” Gorham said, “so why not adapt the menu and give them healthy choices?”
She presented an appetizer of seven grain crackers and low sodium dip served with punch packed full of nutrients. Filling the punch bowl with crushed ice, she added frozen pink lemonade and grape concentrate and two bottles of diet ginger ale.
Gorham’s dinner in small portions was cranberry glazed pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes which were half parsnips whipped with skim evaporated milk, and green bean casserole made with low fat cream of mushroom soup and topped with buttered rice cake crumbs. A cranberry salad completed the dinner.
A bowl of tangerines with assorted chocolates was a dessert offering. She also suggested a cup of hot spiced tea or chai or cider with a small candy cane stirrer and brightly wrapped chocolate on the saucer.
Another suggestion for keeping the party healthy was to have different tables of goodies, so people have to move about and not sit in one place.
She also said that during the holidays people should weigh themselves every day. Salty foods will quickly cause people to retain water.
Rich desserts, especially those containing corn syrup, raise triglycerides faster than anything and should be avoided or limited. Fish oil and walnuts are great for lowering triglycerides, she said.
Gorham said people should be practical during the holiday parties. “Enjoyment of the holidays is really what’s important, not the way you look,” she added.
After the holiday feast Gorham offered a stress relief exercise. Playing a tape of soft Christmas music, dimming the lights and adding lit candles to the tables, she quietly led the group into a total relaxation exercise.
Several prizes on healthy eating and lifestyle were presented at the end of the program.
The next Elder Issues Series will be Jan. 6 with David Saphier speaking on sleep disturbances.
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