LiveWell Vermont

For the Thankgiving holiday we are throwing it back to last year's 3 fun holiday facts. If you missed them last year or forgot them, here is another opportunity to enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving, State of Vermont Employees! Here are 3 fun facts about Thanksgiving for your day: 1. The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 1924 and had NO balloons. It did have animals from the Central Park Zoo. German American illustrator and puppeteer, Tony Starg introduced the first balloons in 1927 . 2. The woman behind "Mary Had a Little Lamb" is also responsible for Thanksgiving's recognition as a national holiday. In 1863, through countless letters and articles, writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale convinced President Abraham Lincoln to officially declare Thanksgiving a national holiday that reoccurred every year. 3. According to CNN, about 46 million turkeys are cooked for Thanksgiving every year.

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving! So many people find they have more food than they know what to do with- here is a simple salad idea to avoid wasting.   Thanksgiving Leftover Salad: For the Cranberry Vinaigrette: 1 tablespoon Cranberry Sauce 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar 3/4 tablespoon Olive Oil For Salad: 1 cup lettuce of your choice (kale is recommended) 1/4 cup cooked Quinoa/grain of your choice (if you're feeling crazy, try it with a little extra stuffing) 1/4 cup turkey meat, shredded 1 tablespoon pecan halves Mix ingredients to make vinaigrette in a small bowl. Put all salad ingredients in separate bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad and enjoy! Explore different options with this salad! Consider adding sweet potatoes or apples to change the taste. If salads are not your favorite thing, consider using leftovers to create an amazing sandwich or a soup. Regardless of what you choose to do with your leftovers- have a happy holiday!

Are you thinking about dropping smoking as a habit? Today is the Great American Smoke Out! Join us and the American Heart Association in celebrating all of those that have stopped smoking and supporting those that are trying to quit. "Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on November 21 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit." Learn more about GASO and how to quit smoking or support a loved one that is trying HERE. If you are looking for a Vermont resource to quit smoking, check out 802Quits !