An Athlete’s Thanksgiving Dinner

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Many young athletes spent last week signing their national letters of intent to continue playing the sports they love at the colligate level. To become an elite athlete it takes hard work, dedication and sacrifices. It may be the extra practice during two a days in the August heat or the 5 a.m. mile run in the December cold, but this time of year it is important to remember that along with exercise and hard work it also takes a solid diet to help you reach your goals.

Thanksgiving dinner can be a stressful time for any young athlete, but whether you are a power forward, offensive lineman, or clean up hitter looking to pack on the pounds or a swimmer or sprinter trying to maintain a slim physique for speed purposes we have your turkey dinner all mapped out.

Justin Hayward is an NPC bodybuilder and a nationally recognized trainer. In 2010 he founded the New Star Athletic Company and the company has already blossomed as he currently has clients all across the globe. Hayward mapped out the perfect Thanksgiving feast for whatever you are looking for.

“There is a way to get around any type of meal,” Hayward continued, “It’s all about portion and making it with the right ingredients.”

For the people looking to put on some weight and bulk up Hayward recommends:

□       12 oz. Turkey breast

□       6 oz. Dark meat

□       2 Cups of stuffing

□       ¾ Cup of cranberry sauce

□       1 Cup of onions, corn or other vegetables

□       2 Slices of apple pie

For the athletes hoping to stay slim over the holidays Hayward offers his own special six pack stuffing recipe.

□       8 oz. Turkey breast

□       ½ Cup cranberry sauce

□       1 Cup of six pack stuffing

□       1 1/2 – 2 Cups of onions, corn or other vegetables

□       1 Slice of apple pie

“Thanksgiving is never complete without stuffing, but all that sugar and fat is not going to sit well on your waist the day after.” Said Hayward, “With our six-pack stuffing you can enjoy Thanksgiving and still walk away with that flat stomach.”

One batch will make about eight single cup servings.

Ingredients:

□       1 tbsp Macadamia nut oil

□       14 oz Wheat stuffing bread

□       ½ Cup of chopped onion

□       ½ Cup of chopped celery

□       ½ Cup of chopped carrots

□       ½ Cup of chopped mushroom

□       2-3 Cloves of garlic

□       1 ½ Cups of chicken broth

□       Poultry seasoning to taste 1-2 tbsp

□       Dash of pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Heat a large sauté pan, once heated ad macadamia nut oil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Add carrots, celery, onions, garlic and mushrooms. Continue cooking until veggies are tender, then remove from heat and transfer to a bowl and allow them to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, add bread stuffing and veggies, toss together, season with pepper and poultry seasoning, add chicken broth mixing until moist but not soaking. Taste and adjust the seasonings if you’d like.
4. Spray casserole dish with cooking spray, add stuffing mix and cover with foil. Bake 20-25 minute uncover and cook it for an additional 10 minutes or until slightly crispy on top.
5. Let it cool, then enjoy your Six-Pack Stuffing