Keep the turkey and give the rest of the dishes a twist!
Fall is an intimidating time to eat healthy. Many of us have Halloween candies lingering, chocolates tempting us… then a few weeks later, a Thanksgiving feast (And leftovers!), followed by holiday parties, dinners with family (and if you have a huge extended family like mine that can mean multiple dinners and desserts), and then a New Year celebration to cap off the year with a toast— FYI, those cocktails are not calorie-free!
Instead of completely sacrificing the comforting foods we traditionally associate with Thanksgiving, I would like to offer a few ways you can alter recipes so that they retain their appeal, but minimize calories and fats.
Simple substitutions can cut a lot of calories.
- Casseroles. Most Thanksgiving dinners include a casserole or two or three. One dish that has been a welcome treat at my family dinners is a simple substitute: Roasted veggies with garlic and olive oil. Broccoli, asparagus and butternut squash work well. A ‘casserole’ is not complete without cheese! Top with grated Parmesan, Gouda or sprinkle goat cheese before serving.
Olive oil can hold many flavors when you infuse with garlic and herb blends.
- Replace butter. You can generally substitute healthy oils for butter in most recipes—or at least a portion of the butter requirement. Butter is high in saturated fat and calories. With many pies adorning tables this holiday season, lightening up the butter content in other dishes can help offset your saturated fat intake. Offer various infused olive oils for breads instead of butter patties and use applesauce as a substitute for some baked goods.
Switch out ingredients in your bread to make them higher in fiber and nutrients.
- Gluten free. You don’t necessarily need to suffer celiac or a gluten allergy in order to enjoy Thanksgiving. For bread, try homemade or store-bought gluten-free dinner rolls. They are usually made with garbanzo bean flour, almond meal, rice flour, and other higher fiber non-wheat flour blends. Instead of conventional stuffing, try a “stuffed rice” alternative by adding dried cranberries, warm apples, herbs, nuts and bacon to make extra hearty.
Can you forecast how your entire Thanksgiving dinner will play out? Where everyone will sit? Is your holiday décor the same year after year? With just a few simple changes you can transform your Thanksgiving dinner experience and make it memorable for everyone:
The Turkey Table. One long table for one long dinner? Perhaps, but if space allows, you can make the meal more social by arranging tables in a U-shape or L-shape, setting up a kids’ table nearby to keep them included. For table decorations, considering mixing traditional flower arrangements with other natural elements. Pinecones, colored leaves and acorns all make great seasonal options. Consider spray painting gold and mixing in various candles in glass jars or hurricanes for a layered effect.
Island time. If you are the chef behind the Thanksgiving dinner and normally use a kitchen island for food prep, consider clearing counter space and using the island as a serving space.
Place cards. Place cards are an easy place to be creative. To maximize table space, take advantage of place settings. Everyone will need silverware, so wrap fabric or construction paper around silverware and apply a chalkboard label. Have your little one help you apply the chalkboard label stickers and let them write the guests’ names too.
Have you tried twisting things up before? Let us know what worked for you! Happy Thanksgiving ~ Cheers!
Her Heel Flops 