Thanksgiving is a great time to reconnect with our families and sit down to a big meal together. However, Turkey Day meals are often unhealthy and begin a downward spiral of poor choices. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case.
To start. Instead of putting appetizers like chips and dips out, opt for vegetables and a homemade dip made from Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
The main event. Make things from scratch. For the gravy, use the turkey drippings, herbs and a thickening agent instead of the pre-made kind. Make your own stuffing with whole wheat bread, vegetables and cranberries.
Healthier sides. Skip the mashed potatoes, and make sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower instead. Choose carrots or squash instead of pasta. Forget the green bean casserole and serve green beans.
You don’t have to lose the dessert. Even though most of us are full by the time dessert comes, you don’t have to skip it! It’s the best part! Choose a tart or pie. Make your own pie crust to use healthier ingredients such as oats and whole-wheat flour.
Just a few simple changes to your Thanksgiving menu can make all the difference. Opting for homemade sides instead of pre-made, might take more time, but it will also keep your family healthier. If the preparation feels too daunting, ask each person to bring something. This will make it fun and encourage wellness for everyone!