3 Healthy Ways to Spruce Up Your Thanksgiving Feast

By Brandi Swieter

Once the month of November arrives many people start thinking about the delicious Thanksgiving dinner they’ll be preparing in a few short weeks. Those who are trying to eat healthy may find it difficult to enjoy the many fattening foods found on their plates. Rather than sticking with traditional recipes, there are at least three healthy ways to spruce up the feast so everyone can enjoy, including those who are choosing to watch their weight around the holidays.

Replace Sweet Potato Casserole With Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Many people opt for a sweet potato casserole dish, often including sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows. This high calorie side portion might be fine if it’s the only sweet on the menu, but that often isn’t the case with options like pecan and pumpkin pie still to come. Roasted sweet potatoes provide a healthier alternative that still tastes delicious. Sprinkle on some cinnamon and add a drizzle of honey to get the sweetened effect without adding many calories.

Substitute the Egg Yolks in Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a favorite appetizer among many around the holidays. Most people boil their eggs and take out the yolks to mix with mayonnaise. Egg whites are healthy to consume, but the yolks are high in cholesterol. Adding mayonnaise to the mix also ups the calorie count. A healthier alternative is to use mashed tofu instead of egg yolks. Add mustard, chives, a bit of hot sauce, and some horseradish for a healthy kick to the dish.

Choose Better Bread for the Stuffing

Those who make their stuffing homemade often grab a large loaf of white bread to do the trick. Whole wheat should get used instead for a lower calorie, healthier option that can still taste great mixed with the right ingredients. Rather than making a sausage stuffing with lots of high-calorie meat, herb and apple stuffing could create a new favorite dish. Rosemary, parsley, celery, and onion should get added with apples for the right mix of savory and sweet ingredients.

Thanksgiving only comes once a year, so many people feel they're entitled to indulge. With Halloween candy eaten up beforehand, and Christmas cookies and meals to consume afterward, the holiday fixings should really include some healthier alternatives to provide adequate nutrition for those trying to watch their weight. Plenty of healthy options exist that still taste great and make people feel like they’re still getting the same type of holiday meal they’re used to eating.

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