Here are five easy and healthy Thanksgiving recipe hacks to try that won’t make you feel deprived, and help you feel better about heading into the holidays about managing your weight.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Hack with Benefits: So, you know that creamy, indulgent mashed potato dish everyone loves at Thanksgiving? Well, you can enjoy it guilt-free by swapping out half of the potatoes with cauliflower. Not only does it save you around 100 calories per serving, but you also get a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the cauliflower. It's a win-win!
Serving Size: 1/2 cup. Calories per serving: 80
Calories Saved: About 100 calories
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Hack with Benefits: Skip the butter and brown sugar when preparing sweet potatoes. Instead, toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of cinnamon before roasting. This not only saves you about 50 calories per serving but also provides you with a healthy dose of vitamin A, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Plus, they taste amazing!
Serving Size: 1/2 cup. Calories per serving: 90
Calories Saved: About 50 calories
Green Bean Almondine
Hack with Benefits: Green bean casserole is a classic, but you can make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. Sauté your green beans with a touch of olive oil and top them with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. This saves you around 60 calories per serving and gives you fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from the almonds. Yum!
Serving Size: 1/2 cup. Calories per serving: 40
Calories Saved: About 60 calories
Lean Turkey Gravy
Hack with Benefits: Gravy is a must-have on Thanksgiving, and you can make it lighter by using low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and a small amount of cornstarch for thickening. This little change shaves off about 50 calories per serving and reduces saturated fat while still giving you that savory flavor.
Serving Size: 1/4 cup. Calories per serving: 30
Calories Saved: About 50 calories
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Hack with Benefits: Canned cranberry sauce is loaded with added sugars, but you can create a healthier version at home. Make your cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, a touch of honey, and some orange zest. This saves you about 40 calories per serving and provides vitamin C and antioxidants from the cranberries. Plus, the orange zest adds a delightful citrus twist.
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons. Calories per serving: 30
Calories Saved: About 40 calories
These recipe hacks not only make your Thanksgiving meal more calorie-conscious but also introduce a range of nutritional benefits to keep you and your guests feeling good during the holiday feast! Note these calorie savings are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Additionally, consider incorporating more vegetables and lean proteins into your Thanksgiving meal to help control calorie intake while still enjoying the flavors of the season.