Five Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings and hearty meals, but one does not have to overindulge to have a good time. There are alternatives to the high-caloric staples found on most dinner tables during the Holidays. Look to these healthy substitutes and keep the pounds off this Thanksgiving.

Cranberry, Cherry & Walnut Marmalade

EatingWell recommends a cranberry, cherry and walnut marmalade as a tasty replacement for the traditional canned cranberry sauce or marmalade. The walnuts and dried cherries are full of anti-oxidants that are good for one’s body and circulatory system. The texture and taste of this dish is fun making it an ideal alternative to less exciting marmalades.

Baked Apples and Figs

Although traditional apple pie and pumpkin pie are extremely popular, they do pack on the calories. Foods 4 Better Health recommends serving baked apples or figs in place of traditional sweets, which is a simple yet tantalizing substitute. The natural sugar in the apples and figs is good for those used to candy, junk food and canned preservatives.

Mashed Butternut Casserole

Although mashed potatoes have their benefits, they are not the healthiest dish on the table. The starches and sugars are not consistent with a low glycemic diet, which many people adhere to for weight loss and diabetic purposes. Shape recommends serving up a mashed butternut casserole instead, which involves mashing cubed butternut squash with spices and seasonings.

Pumpkin Brulee Cheesecake

For those that enjoy the flavor of pumpkin pie and the richness of cheese cake, the Food Network recommends trying the healthy pumpkin brulee cheesecake. Reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt are used to ensure the cheesecake has the right consistency and texture but with far few calories involved. It is important to enjoy sweets on Thanksgiving, and the healthier they are the better.

Herb-rubbed Turkey Au Jus

The Mayo Clinic suggests serving turkey without all of the buttery toppings that traditionally come with the dish. The herb-rubbed turkey au jus has a much healthier seasoning that adds flavor to the dish without all of the unwanted aftereffects of traditional gravies. Enjoying turkey is a must during the Holidays and doing so in a health-conscious manner is ideal.

Keep servings lite during Thanksgiving to manage waistlines and maintain physical well-being. It is important to mix dinner items up every once in a while to add some excitement to meals.