It’s just about that time… Thanksgiving! Every year we get together with family or friends, do our best to put together (or order) a mouthwatering Thanksgiving meal and give thanks for the big and little things in our lives that make it all worthwhile. Whether it’s traditional foods that we’ve been eating every year for as long as we can remember or exciting new dishes that play with ingredients and flavor to push the meal to the next level, we are completely and totally hooked on this food-lover’s holiday. So, embrace fabulous Thanksgiving foods like these without getting stuffed, and enjoy the time with loved ones for a healthy holiday:
Turkey – Often the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, this lean protein easily fits into a healthy diet. Turkey offers a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins for energy and iron for carrying oxygen in the blood. Both nutrients will help you stay on your toes and one step ahead of all those questions at dinner.
Sweet Potatoes – This fall staple adds a sweet touch to dinner even without the old marshmallow topping. Loaded with vitamin A and fiber, both important for maintaining a healthy weight, sweet potatoes are often mixed with high calorie and fat ingredients that may not fit your healthy eating goals. Opt for a plain sweet potato when possible, offer to make a healthier version of sweet potato casserole or stick to a small serving to savor an old favorite.
Green Beans – The sky’s the limit when it comes to serving up delicious green beans. These green beauties contain fiber, calcium and potassium, important for a healthy diet and for keeping you in top form for anything the day may bring – from family football to a post-dinner game of charades to running out the door as fast as you can when any late night family fights start.
Cranberry Dressing – Not only is it a beautiful jewel of an addition to any Thanksgiving table, cranberries and cranberry dressing are great ways to include more antioxidants and vitamin C in your diet! For the biggest health benefits, opt for fresh cranberry dressing instead of the can-shaped, jellied kind.
Pumpkin Pie – Dinner would hardly be complete without this traditional Thanksgiving dessert, but even with pumpkin’s vitamins A & C, pie is a splurge. Slowly enjoy a smaller slice to end the meal on sweet note without the guilt.
What foods do you enjoy on Thanksgiving? How do you make traditional dishes healthier to lighten up everyone’s meal?
When the last thing you want to do is spend the day in the kitchen preparing a big Thanksgiving meal, rely on restaurants to serve up delicious dishes that will leave you free to enjoy time with family and friends.