Make Just a Few Changes to Eliminate Calories and Fat from Thanksgiving Dinner

What if I told you that making a few simple changes to your Thanksgiving menu could significantly reduce the number of calories and amount of fat you consume, and nobody is probably even going to notice how much healthier they are eating?

You don’t believe me?

It’s true.

Here are some ideas for healthy recipes you and your family will be thankful for.

In the article “Thanksgiving: The Ultimate Meal Makeover!” the Cleveland Clinic promises a menu that cuts calories by about one third and fat by 89% over traditional fare.  Recipes include minted fruit kabobs, herb and apple stuffing, cream cheese whipped potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes in an orange-brown sugar glaze, lemon-Dijon green beans, and pumpkin pie with whipped topping. See, sounds pretty good, right?

The folks at foodnetwork.com are showcasing their “Healthy Thanksgiving Menu,” which includes two appetizers, antipasto sausage skewers and spinach and green apple salad; turkey roulade with apple-cider gravy, jewel roasted vegetables, smashed potatoes with sour cream and chives; mashed sweet potatoes with orange essence; and pear ginger crumble.

“Thanksgiving recipes: Delicious and healthy options” offered by MayoClinic.com include a wide range of recipes under the following categories: soups and salads, turkey and stuffing, side dishes, bread and muffins, and healthy desserts.  Some of the recipes that caught my eye are pumpkin soup, glazed turkey breast with fruit stuffing, acorn squash with apples, pumpkin-hazelnut tea cake, and rustic apple-cranberry tart. Yum!

If you’re skeptical, this year maybe you only want to try a few new healthful recipes before overhauling your entire menu. Who knows? You may start all-new, all-healthy traditions that everyone will be thankful for!

And some general eating tips to keep in mind as the holiday season approaches from WebMD.com: don’t skip exercising, don’t skip breakfast, watch your portions, skip seconds, eat slowly, and watch your alcohol intake.

Happy Healthy Thanksgiving!