Every year we tell ourselves. “This Thanksgiving I’m going to watch what I eat and stay in shape over the holidays.”
If you’re anything like me, you are lying to yourself. The spirit of the season calls for treating yourself, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t make healthy choices while doing it.
Swapping traditional Thanksgiving foods for a healthier option is easy and can save you major calories.
Swap #1: buttery mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes
All that butter mixed into the mashed potatoes can add up, causing the amount of fat you consume to skyrocket. Try baked sweet potatoes instead, which have over 300 percent of the daily amount of Vitamin A in one cup. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for a little bit of spice.
Swap #2: Stuffing for roasted vegetables
Instead of carb-loaded stuffing, switch out the popular Thanksgiving sides with some roasted vegetables. Stuffing can have upwards of 400 calories in one cup. One swap for roasted vegetables can save calories and fat. Sautee some squash, zucchini and peppers in a tiny bit of olive oil and don’t feel guilty about getting seconds.
Swap #3: Pecan pie for pumpkin pie
With about half the calories and fat in the same serving size, pumpkin pie is the better choice. The pumpkin everything frenzy shouldn’t leave out the classic pie. Pumpkin is also high in Vitamin A and iron, and it can help support a healthy immune system. The pumpkin craze has its benefits.
