Five Ways to Make Thanksgiving Dinner Healthier

Thanksgiving is not the time for a lecture on diet or to leave yourself feeling deprived. This has been a rough year for everyone and there is no better time than Thanksgiving to pause and reflect on all of the good things in our lives that we have to be grateful for - even in 2020. And food is always a part of the holiday.

Here are some things you can do to make you meal healthy as well as fun and delicious rather than instead of fun and deliscious. Feel free to share any tips of your own.

 

1. Turkey is a great source of lean protein, but many Thanksgiving preparations call for way too much salt. Try omitting the salt and seasoning your turkey with flavored herbs such as garlic, rosemary, oregano, cilantro and parsley instead.

2. Traditional stuffing can be made much healthier without sacrificing any taste! Exchange the white bread for 100% whole-wheat bread to increase fiber and substitute olive oil for the butter. (1Tbsp of butter equals 2tsp of olive oil.) Toss in some walnuts or almonds and who says you can't add some cranberries right into the stuffing? (No offense to those who prefer to call it dressing!)

3. Incorporate a wider variety of vegetables than usual. Many of the vegetables that are in season during the fall and winter are superfoods packed with nutrients. Brussels sprouts (roast them in garlic and oil!), pumpkins, squash (makes a great, easy soup), and so much more! Bake or sauté your vegetables with garlic, olive oil and herbs as delicious and healthy side dishes. Try something new.

4. Go easy on the alcohol. Don’t forget those alcohol calories add up quickly. By all means have a celebratory drink and a glass of wine with dinner. And in between alcoholic drinks, enjoy some sparkling water. This way you stay hydrated, limit alcohol calories, and stay sober.

5. Savor slowly. Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food, experts say. Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness. So does giving your tummy a chance to catch up with your mouth.

Here are a few healthy recipe suggestions for Thanksgiving from Food Network.


And finally, don't forget to be realistic. The holiday season is a time for celebration, not diet Nazis. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss. Don't beat yourself up if you overdo it once or twice. As long as you swing right back into your regular diet and exercise routine later its not going to be a weight disaster for you. In fact, most people gain only 2 or 3 pounds over the holiday eating season. As long as it comes off soon, you are good.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and stay safe.