Don’t fret about what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers. Below are 9 different ideas for using all that Thanksgiving leftover goodness. You might even turn Thanksgiving Part Deux into something your family will ask for next year.

I reject the whole “oh–no–not–more–leftovers–idea.” I like to think of leftovers as an opportunity, really.  An opportunity to share with family and friends, to be creative, to encourage my family to try something new, and to plan ahead a bit for the cold winter months lurking around the corner. Below are a few suggestions you might like, too.

9 Ideas For Using Thanksgiving Leftovers

1. Assess the situation and make a plan. For instance, I know I’ll want to make Turkey and Sausage Gumbo, so the first thing I’ll do is cut the meat off the bone and portion it out.  The carcass and about 1/2 pound of meat will be set aside for that.
2. Next, share. Send some turkey and fixin’s home with family and friends. I like to make each guest a “turkey bag,” with a bit of everything from dressing and cranberry-cherry compote to green beans and pie.  It’s a nice way to send it home with them because they end up with an entire meal that can be reheated and enjoyed later. Some in my family make what they call a “kitchen sink” sandwich, which is basically a taste of everything between two slices of bread. They swear by it. I’m dubious.
3. Then, portion remaining leftovers into manageable serving sizes, such as for sandwiches.
4. Freeze whatever’s left to enjoy later. Once you freeze your leftovers, it’s a good idea to keep track of what you have on hand.  Especially if you have quite a bit leftover, as I expect to have this year, a list will help you make the most of it.  When portioning up your turkey leftovers, think about what you’ll use it for. Example, wings will make a great broth for cooking a pot of collard greens or a delicious soup base. Breast meat can be sliced and used in pasta or chili.
5. Think outside the box. Replace the beef normally used in traditional dishes like lasagna with turkey and add a little health to your new year.
6. Tired of the turkey sammy? Try something new like the spicy blend of southern and Asian influences in Turkey-Ramen.
7. Have turkey for breakfast, but not your ordinary turkey hash — instead try Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches. This recipe puts all that leftover goodness to good use.
8. Want something completely different? Try Herbed Turkey and Waffles! It’s a unique dinner featuring crunchy waffles and a creamy parmesan cheese sauce. Topped with cranberry relish, it’s a wonderful week night change of pace.
9. Last but not least, and I know this is a routine suggestion, but don’t ever throw out those wonderful turkey bones. Put them in a large pot of water along with some carrot, celery and onion, a little sage and thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and let simmer for an hour or so. Strain out the solids and use for your favorite soup, stew or as a base for cooking vegetables. Or fill an ice cube tray with the broth and freeze for later use. One ice cube is equal to about 2 tablespoons of broth.

Now that you have some good ideas of what to do with all those leftovers, you might want to run out an d get a bigger turkey.  Or maybe not.

Happy Mission Monday! The holidays are upon us and we want to know about the traditions you and your family include in your holiday celebrations. Do you hang a mistletoe? Or hide the pickle ornament on your Christmas tree? What is your favorite fun or even wacky holiday tradition you look forward to each year? We hope you take a moment to answer and play along on Twitter or Facebook.

Today’s challenge: What is your favorite fun or even wacky holiday tradition you look forward to each year?

If you’re playing along on Facebook, simply comment in our Mission Monday post before 11:59 p.m. ET tonight to be entered to win!

If you’d like to play along on Twitter, simply tweet us your answer with #wildoatsmission #sweeps by 11:59 p.m. ET today to be entered to win!

Good luck! Full Sweepstakes rules and details can be found here Twitter and Facebook.

Being mindful of what you eat on Thanksgiving is a way of giving thanks to yourself. On this special day of celebrating with the ones you love, it is important to keep in mind your goal of becoming healthier. By respecting and sticking to your current plan, you are not only giving thanks to yourself but the ones you love. Share your healthier lifestyle with your family and friends by setting a good example.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

• Make sure to eat breakfast and lunch. This helps curb appetite, controls temptation and prevents overeating.

• Take a walk around the block before you sit down for dinner. Work up an appetite and invite family members to join you.

• Offer to bring a healthy appetizer, side dish or dessert. That way you know there will be at least one healthy option to choose from.

• Portion sizes are key. Limit your choices to one dinner plate.

• Add color to your plate. The more color, the more vitamins and minerals.

• Ask for a “no thank you helping,” or bite-sized portion, of the least healthy choices if they are some of your favorite foods.

• Eat in a separate room from where the food is served. For example, serve dishes in the kitchen and then eat in the dining room. Removing the serving bowls and platters from the table makes it easier to avoid second helpings.

• Stop eating when you feel full. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of leftovers to enjoy at lunch the next day.

• Eat slowly and enjoy the company of family and friends. Talk more and eat less by putting your fork down in between bites.

• 3-4 bites of your favorite dessert can be as satisfying as eating the whole thing, especially if it helps you stay on track to becoming healthier.

Healthiest Choices for Thanksgiving

Best Appetizer

Butternut Squash Soup

This soup choice is loaded with vitamin A and fiber, and is very filling.

Best Entrée

Roast Turkey Breast, skin removed

Removing the skin lessens the fat content. A good portion size is 3 small, thin slices.

Best Sides

Roasted Vegetables, Sautéed Green Beans, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, no-sugar added Cranberry Sauce, and Whole Grain Dinner Roll

Load up on your veggies. Make sure they are not smothered in gravy or cream sauce.

Best Dessert

Pumpkin Pie with Whole Grain Crust

Pumpkin is full of Vitamin A and fiber. Making the pie with whole grain crust also boosts fiber content.

For healthy Thanksgiving recipes visit:

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/holidays_occasions/easy_healthy_thanksgiving_menu_and_planner

http://www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/

Lately, I have been featuring some of the wonderful and insightful articles written by prominent health-minded bloggers about Wild Oats. It’s awesome to see so many bloggers who are excited about affordable organic products! Named as “One of the Most Influential Green Bloggers,” Green Grandma recently wrote about her experience with Wild Oats products and even created a delicious and easy pasta recipe.

Here’s what she says about Wild Oats Marketplace Organic Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce:

“This tomato sauce reminded me of my childhood somehow. Maybe it was because it was made of ingredients like those of old — unmodified — and there was no excess junk in there. I admit that I normally doctor jarred pasta sauces. I add onions, cheese, and/or spices. Not this time and I’m so glad I didn’t.”

If you haven’t tried Wild Oats Pasta Sauces you are in for a treat. The sauce is simple, yet flavorful and boasts the right balance of fresh herbs. Plus, you can find a big jar at Walmart for under $4.00! Talk about an easy way to feed a hungry family!

Head here to check out Green Grandma’s Pasta Recipe inspired by Wild Oats!

My last blog was about how – and why – certain foods and drinks can keep us from sleeping well. As in – maybe it was something you ate.

Well, maybe it was something you didn’t eat!

Because while what we eat and drink can certainly zap that sleepy feeling, other things can help bring it on and help us get that often elusive good night’s sleep.

So here are the top bedtime treats that can help you get to sleep faster (without popping any pills!)

1. Cherries: This delicious fruit contains naturally high levels of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone that is the key to a good night’s sleep. If fresh cherries are out of season, dried tart versions and cherry juice appear to be just as effective.
2. Bananas: High in magnesium and potassium, bananas might well be the perfect snack before bedtime. Magnesium is thought to be key in maintaining normal sleep patterns, with even a small deficiency contributing to insomnia.
3. Almonds: Another treat that contains magnesium as well as supplying protein, almonds can helps put you in the right “mood” for sleep. Try some warm almond milk as a bedtime beverage.
4. Walnuts: These nuts not only contain melatonin, but also tryptophan, the amino acid found in turkey that is credited for the after-Thanksgiving dinner couch nap syndrome. Tryptophan converts to serotonin, and then melatonin, the magic sleep hormone.
5. Herbal tea and honey: Chamomile tea has been long known to be a sleep-enhancer. Studies have shown that the herb increases glycine, which can act as a mild sedative. Another variety of tea made from passion fruit was found in an Australian study to improve sleep, most likely due to high levels of alkaloids found in the flower. And what goes better in tea than honey? Aside from adding sweetness, honey can also help you metabolize tryptophan more easily.

Getting a good night’s sleep, of course, is essential to your feeling of well-being and proficiency at handling whatever responsibilities await you upon awakening. And very often, eating or drinking just the right thing before turning in is what can make all the difference in your ability to turn in a top performance the next day!