Turkey day is almost here. Thanksgiving has always been a time when we meet our relatives, remember the things that we are thankful for and gobble up heaping quantities of food. While feasting on delicious turkey and stuffing may be fun, it is always a good idea to be mindful of what you eat, even during the holidays.
Whether you are watching the Detroit Lions play the Dallas Cowboys or Barack Obama pardon a turkey or two this Thanksgiving holiday, here are a few lighter versions of your favorite holiday dishes.
Herb Rubbed Turkey Au Jois
Photo courtesy of eatingwell.com
Turkey has always been an iconic part of Thanksgiving, but you don’t have to have it with gravy or stuffing. An addition of herbs can bring out the flavor nicely while not making your bird too heavy.
Herb Stuffed Turkey Breast
Photo courtesy of greatist.com
Don’t have space for a whole bird? You can still satisfy your Thanksgiving turkey cravings with this “fun sized” treat.
Buttermilk Biscuit
Photo by Mimi Takano
Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without biscuits. With fat free buttermilk, you can enjoy this flaky, delicious dish with less worry about your waistline.
Herb and Apple Stuffing
Photo courtesy of goodhousekeeping.com
Love stuffing? Try this beautifully festive fall creation and savor the stuffing while maintaining a healthy diet.
Turkey Gravy
Photo by Helena Lin
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a gravy boat on the table. But because it’s composed mostly of oil and broth, gravy can be pretty heavy. Try this simple, low-calorie dressing for your turkey.
#SpoonTip: Use vegetable oil rather than turkey drippings for less fat.
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Photo by Helena Lin
They may seem like empty carbs, but these spuds contain a wealth of nutrients including Vitamin C, potassium and iron. Just be sure to use a light seasoning to cut down on the calories. Shallots and thyme are great garnishes for added flavor, and fat-free sour cream can thicken everything up to add some much appreciated tang.
Quinoa and Sweet Potato Portobello Mushrooms
Photo courtesy of greatist.com
Not a meat eater? You can still enjoy the holiday festivities with this savory vegan-friendly potato dish stuffed with mushrooms and quinoa.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Photo by Helena Lin
Every year, I always look forward to seeing the cranberry sauce ooze its way out of the can ready to simmer. Sauce-in-a-can might be convenient, but a homemade cranberry sauce often has less sugar and preservatives than its canned counterpart. The cranberries taste better too.
Green Bean Casserole with Shallots
Photo courtesy of smittenkitchen.com
Skip the soup in this classic Thanksgiving dish. Use skim milk instead to create a lighter, but just as creamy, casserole. While they might taste like mild onions, shallots can definitely add extra depth to your casserole.
Apple Crisp
Photo by Claudia Di Capua
Another surprisingly nutritious dessert, this dish combines the crispiness of streusel with the sweetness of the apple pieces and brown sugar for a delightful fall treat.
Pumpkin Pie
Photo by Abigail Graham
Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dish with its sweet, creamy texture and crunchy crust. I always look forward to crunching on the crust, but unfortunately, it adds a lot of starch, which can add calories. One way to make a lighter pie is to cut out the crust. If you enjoy pie filling, you’ll love this.