Forget Counting Calories This Thanksgiving

by Jody Perrecone

Did you know the average Thanksgiving Dinner is 3,000-3,500 calories? That’s nearly two days worth the calories eaten at one meal! You can forget counting calories and enjoy seasonal favorites with these Thanksgiving ideas.

First, look and what you’re serving and see if a lighter version can be made. Do you add cream cheese and butter to the mashed potatoes? Forget them and don’t tell anyone.  Instead add a couple of chopped turnips or parsnips to the boiling potatoes and whip with the potatoes for slightly sweet flavor and a nutritional boost. Prepare roasted vegetables by cutting any combination of potatoes, carrots, onions, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets in ¾” chunks, drizzle with enough oil to coat, and sprinkle with rosemary and/or thyme and salt. Roast in a 400° oven for 30-35 minutes until tender tossing once. A low calorie alternative to candied sweet potatoes is whipping cooked sweet potatoes with just a dash of cinnamon added.  

What about the green bean and mushroom soup casserole topped with fried onions? A calorie-reducing idea is to cook green beans in salted boiling water until crisp-tender for about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Meanwhile sauté onion and sliced mushrooms in a little oil. Add the green beans and toss. Put in serving dish and top with sliced almonds. Carrots will become a favorite by steaming sliced carrots and tossing them in a glaze of 2 tablespoons oil, one teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of honey. A new salad idea everyone will enjoy is mixed greens with walnuts and dried cranberries tossed in a vinaigrette dressing.

Limit the number of desserts offered. In addition to traditional pumpkin pie, try a fruit crisp. You will keep the waistline in check and still enjoy a feast this Thanksgiving with these guilt-free ideas