After every Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of leftovers. Follow these tips from PealPoint’s own registered dietitian, Margaret Martin, RD, MS, LDN to make storing holiday leftovers safe and easy.
- Plan how you are going to handle leftovers as you plan your menu.
- Enlist help in cleaning up after the holiday meal.
- Store food within 1-2 hours of serving.
- Work to store the meats and casseroles first.
- Divide large dishes into small containers to quickly chill or freeze.
- Give guests a container or two of food to take home after the dinner.
- Have extra ice on hand in case your refrigerator goes out.
- Keep cold foods cold at 40 degrees or less and hot foods hot 140 degrees or more.
- Get back to your nutrition plan right after the holiday meal. Holidays are a free day, not a free week.
- Seek medical help if you have symptoms of food-borne illness such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. As a cancer survivor, with a weakened immune system, a food borne illness can be a medical emergency in a matter of hours.
Need something tasty to make with all the leftover turkey and veggies? Try this Turkey Pot Pie with Cornbread Crust from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Learn more about food safety.
