Many of the foods included in Thanksgiving dinner are actually good for you:
- Turkey: A lean protein, with little saturated fat and also provides the antioxidant selenium. Try basting your bird with low sodium broth or wine.
- Mashed potatoes: Good news. No need to spend that extra time peeling your potatoes. Leave on the skins and enjoy extra fiber and potassium.
- Stuffing: Whole wheat bread seasoned with fresh herbs makes for a delicious side of stuffing. Add carrots, celery and onions for tons of flavor and good-for-you nutrients.
- Green beans: Need I say more. Steam them and add some fresh lemon juice.
- Cranberries: These bright reds are filled with antioxidants. Add half the sugar of your traditional recipe and enjoy.
- Pumpkin pie: From my previous post, you know that pumpkin is low calorie and full of dietary fiber. But let's face it, pumpkin pie isn't the most nutritious dessert. No scrimping here. Grab a huge piece of your favorite pie and enjoy every bite. After all, it's Thanksgiving (and you have on your biggest pair of sweatpants).
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI now am not going to feel guilty for trying everything on the table at Thanksgiving! You are so right, everything does not have to be covered in butter to make it delicious and healthy for you. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow I don't think I could eat 4000 calories worth of food! This is a great thanksgiving menu. I especially liked where you mentioned the potato skin has the added benefits of fiber and potassium. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteI am quite shocked that we could easily eat 4000 calories on Thanksgiving day. Combine those calories with all the calories over the following month and I wonder how many calories we consume on average over the holidays. Your tips for reducing calories are great suggestions. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Thanksgiving dinner amazing! We up the ante nutritionally at our house by making our glaze out of rosemary, oregano and orange juice (and of course a little butter). It crisps up the skin amazingly and also reduces the amount of sodium. We put cut lemons, oranges in the turkey cavity to increase the juices and give the bird a fresh citrusy (very light) taste.
ReplyDeleteWe add almonds to the green beans, chopped walnuts to the stuffing, orange juice to the fresh cranberry sauce. Any way we can add in extra nutrition.
Every other meal of the year we eat from smaller salad plates...but since it is Thanksgiving we treat ourselves to the full size dinner plates (only one plate) and enjoy a little bit of everything. Great post! Can't wait to start cooking!