A Healthy Thanksgiving: Satisfying and Possible

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, eat, and eat some more. Holiday waistlines seem to start growing the day after Halloween, and don’t stop until we make the universal diet resolution on New Year’s Day. This equates to two full months of chowing down on any type of food that comes our way. Thanksgiving dinner is the main culprit of the season.

Although it may not seem likely, it is absolutely possible to keep that burgeoning belly in check with healthier alternatives and a game plan. All it takes is effort and a small helping of will-power.

Side dishes

Candied sweet potatoes are delicious but can overpower the health benefits of the potato itself. Forgoing the marshmallows and butter is key to making a delicious dish that will up the health factor. Trade the butter for Smart Balance and add nuts for extra protein.

Dressing and stuffing go hand in hand with turkey dinner yet isn’t so innocent. The fats and carbs are a big part of what make these dishes so decadent. Try a lower-calorie alternative instead. It’s easy to play around with recipes that leave people satisfied without the guilt.

Vegetables are a haven for those that want to keep off the pounds. You can never go wrong with fresh veggies saut�©ed in olive oil or balsamic with sea salt and freshly-ground pepper. If wanted or needed, use pancetta instead of fatty bacon to give your vegetable side dish a bit of depth, along with fresh minced garlic and onion.

Vegetarians

One word: Tofurkey. This fantastic piece of Thanksgiving happiness makes our meatless family members swoon. Stuffed with vegan stuffing, the Tofurkey has become a staple meal in homes across America. Serve with fresh veggies braised in vegetable stock with saut�©ed onions and garlic. The most important point to remember when cooking for vegetarians or vegans is foregoing animal-based foods.

Desserts

Pies, candy, and cakes abound on Thanksgiving but there are ways to avoid sugar overload. A simple fruit salad satisfies a sweet tooth and a healthy pie gives that textured sweetness that we all crave. Serve soy ice-cream with pie to cut calories.

Turkey

Use olive oil to moisturize your turkey instead of butter or margarine. Healthy fats taste just as fantastic as saturated fats. A mixture of lemon and fresh herbs added to the turkey cavity creates a light taste that will have your guests clamoring for more.

Thanksgiving is about food, fun, and family. We can all use a break from calorie-laden meals without sacrificing taste. Small substitutions can make our Thanksgiving meal a yummy one while we pass on blessings of good health to the ones we love the most.