It’s our favorite time of year again, Thanksgiving! Time for loved ones, fun gatherings and of course, plenty of food. Like most people, I love eating a little bit of everything at Thanksgiving, and that little bit can sometimes turn in to a little too much. Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy good company and good food, and wouldn’t it be great if the food was healthified and didn’t blow your waistline? Luckily enough there is a way to take your Thanksgiving favorites and cut calories and fat for a healthier dish.
For a healthier Thanksgiving experience there are a few tips I try to follow:
• First, survey the spread. Look at all of the foods that are offered and carefully decide which ones you want before piling up your plate.
• Fill half of your plate with vegetables, ¼ of your plate with starch, and ¼ of your plate with lean meat-turkey!
• Try to resist the temptation of getting seconds!
• For dessert, get a small plate, and choose a dessert like pumpkin pie that nutrient rich as well as delicious!
• Watch your drinkable calories. Try to drink water in between other beverages that you may be consuming.
• And most important of all, enjoy yourself! If you eat too much, remember that tomorrow is a new day and you can start eating healthy again.
• Move it! Go for a walk after dinner to work off some of the feast.
Now let’s healthify our favorite dishes! Thanksgiving is notorious for decadent and high fat side dishes, but by replacing a few ingredients you can have a healthier alternative in no time.
One of the dishes that people always looking forward to at Thanksgiving is stuffing. Stuffing usually offers little nutritional benefits but by using whole grain bread, and olive oil instead of butter you can greatly reduce the calories and fat in this Turkey Day favorite. Add celery, onions, and carrots to give it more bulk with fewer calories like in this recipe!
Thanksgiving dinner can’t be complete without pumpkin pie. This delicious treat is packed with nutrients but is also high in fat when original recipes are used. If you’re looking to enjoy your dessert with little guilt make this healthier version of pumpkin pie. Your guests will be pleased with the flavor, and you can tell them afterwards how much healthier it is for them!
Now that you know some great tasting alternatives, get ready for a tasty and fun time with friends and loved ones.
I was recently on G’s Power Hour podcast talking about Thanksgiving and what to do with Leftovers! Take a listen!
Happy Thanksgiving!
