Thanksgiving is here which means food galore! However, you don’t have to give up all of your nutrition and weight loss goals to enjoy the holiday. Luckily, a lot of classic Thanksgiving staples already contain healthy ingredients, but let’s talk about how you can make some simple swaps to ensure you’re getting the most out of your meal this year!
Opt for Whole Grain Rolls
Instead of serving white dinner rolls, opt for whole grain bread for a fiber boost! White bread is processed in a way that eliminates most of the fiber and nutrients found in grains, which means you’re missing out on the good part!
Rethink your Mashed Potato Recipe
Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving item, but they can be made healthier. Swap out some of your butter and milk for Greek yogurt and get a protein boost. The amount you swap is up to your desired taste and texture, but roughly ½ cup of Greek yogurt per cup of butter is a good place to start. If you’d like to skip the potatoes completely, opt for mashed cauliflower instead.
Swap Pecan Pie for Pumpkin Pie
If you’re a pumpkin pie lover, you’re in luck. Pumpkin pie has almost half the amount of calories, fat and sugar in comparison to pecan pie.
Swap Green Bean Casserole for Brussel Sprouts
While the classic green bean casserole smothered in fried onions and cream soup is delicious, it’s also very unhealthy. Opt for brussel sprouts roasted with pecans, cranberries and thyme or rosemary for a healthier alternative.
Fresh Cranberries instead of Canned
Canned cranberry sauce is high in sugar and other artificial flavors. Instead, make your own cranberry sauce and put yourself in control of how much sugar is added. You can spice it up by using orange juice or orange zest, cinnamon, thyme, or plenty of other flavorful healthy add-ins!
Make Sweet Potatoes Less… Sweet
Ironic, right? Instead of sugary canned sweet potatoes, opt for fresh sweet potatoes. Also, skip the marshmallows and maple syrup. Opt for a smaller amount of brown sugar, and feel free to add toppings like pecans, feta, or cranberries.
Thanksgiving can be healthy and delicious at the same time! If you’re looking for some less traditional healthy Thanksgiving options, check out our recent post on fall harvest staples here. Which one of these recipes would you consider swapping at your table?
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