“L’shanah tovah!” to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah!
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and repentance, where no work is permitted and the holiday is spent with family. The term Rosh Hashanah literally means to Head of the Year or the New Year which occurs on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei.
Symbolic foods like challah, apples and honey are a must to eat on this holiday, which may have you feeling self conscious about your waistline. Whatever you are thinking, STOP! Here at Lucille Roberts we are firm believers in balance. There is absolutely no reason for you not to enjoy these foods with your family. Remember, moderation is very important for staying on track.
Tips to stay on track during your holiday:
- Instead of “dieting,” try changing the portions of the foods you eat – both at home and your holiday gatherings. Plate foods using this method from Registered Dietitian Nicole.
- Take small portions of special holiday foods like honey cake, matzo ball soup, and challah. Remember these “extras” can often double the calories of your holiday meal.
- Skip high caloric drinks such as sodas and juices. These range between 150 calories for one 12-oz. can of soda or juice. Plus, who wants to drink these when you can eat apples and honey which are sweeter and better for your health!
- Move your body! Go for a walk, get your workout in at Lucille Roberts’ classes, continue your exercise routine as best you can while still enjoying the holiday with friends and family.
- Eat proper meals to avoid a situation in which you forget to eat. Skipping meals can cause you to feel overly hungry, and can sometimes lead to a overeating or binge eating.
- Have a lot of left overs? Send them with your guests. Sharing is caring.
- Try cooking the main dishes, such as beef or chicken, baked instead of fried. Eat smaller portions of starchy foods like kugels (baked casserole).
Last tip: Your weight does not control you, do not let it control your life and happiness.
On that note, enjoy your traditional Rosh Hashanah foods and try this unique twist with a Honey Glazed Apple Roasted Chicken recipe from Life Is But a Dish! Apples and honey are classic must haves in every Rosh Hashanah gathering. They symbolize a sweet new year, but we want you to have a sweeter new year by using these two ingredients in your main dish to really impress your family and friends! See below for the recipe.
Honey Glazed Apple Roasted Chicken
Image courtesy lifeisbutadish.com
Ingredients
- 1 brined whole organic chicken (4-5 pounds)
- 1 apple, cut into wedges
- 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound small yukon gold potatoes, quartered
- 1 small onion, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup honey
For some other unique spins on traditional appetizers, sides and dessert you can add to your holiday menu, see the recipes below!
Honey Maple Roasted Carrots with Pomegrante
Chocolate Cranberry Zucchini Bread
To everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah, on behalf of the entire Lucille Roberts family, Shana Tova!
