Did you know a fresh take on the classic Thanksgiving dinner can help you stay on track with your diet during the holidays? Even subbing one or two of the foods you normally serve for a healthier alternative will help you in your quest for better holiday eating habits.
Check out some of the recipes below for healthy dishes to add to your Thanksgiving menu.
Appetizers
Crispy Brussels Sprout Chips — This high-fiber, low-calorie salty snack takes less than 10 minutes to make. Get the recipe here.
Lemon Ricotta Kale Dip — A healthy alternative to calorie-laden spinach dip. Get the recipe here.
Beverages
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte — Enjoy your own DIY latte with less sugar but the same pumpkin spice goodness as the original. Get the recipe here.
Wine Spritzer — Eliminate some of the unnecessary calories in your beverages this holiday season by replacing 2 of the 5 ounces in your red or white wine with club soda. Doing so can cut out as many as 60 calories!
Side Dishes
Sausage, Apple and Butternut Squash Stuffing — Forget the bread stuffing and cook this Paleo version instead. Get the recipe here.
Vegan Mushroom Gravy — This gravy will fool even the most faithful carnivores in your family. Rich and creamy, yet low in fat. Get the recipe here.
Orange Cranberry Sauce — This is one of the easiest holiday recipes ever, and it’s so much better than its canned counterpart. Get the recipe here.
Celery Root and Parsnip Puree — Before you stop reading, let us assure you that this is a legitimate alternative to mashed potatoes and just as delicious. Plus, you’ll save more than 100 calories per serving. The increased fiber and protein counts are an added bonus. Get the recipe here.
Desserts
Pumpkin Carrot Bars — You really can’t taste the difference with the carrots, and these bars pack extra vitamin A for a healthy boost. Get the recipe here.
As you’re planning your holiday menu, consider these recipes or take some time to research other healthy alternatives to your Thanksgiving favorites. Substitutions like these will keep you from eating as many as 6,000 calories in just one sitting and help you stay on track with your weight loss through the holidays and beyond.
