Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love Christmas and I’m more than happy to yank out my decorations as soon as we bit Halloween a fond farewell. But, I really love Thanksgiving. I love it because my family made it a big deal. When I was younger I spent most of my Christmas’s with my dad and Thanksgiving with my mom and so my mom made it special.
My favorite memories are noshing on turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie while we binge watched “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” As a grownup, I’m a little more conscious of my waist line but I’m not willing to give up my favorite binge eating day of the year. So I’ve scoped out a few ways to make stuffing yourself a little more guilt-free.
Enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving dinner without the sacrifice
Skip the butter: Heaven knows dousing your turkey in butter and garlic is like heaven for your taste buds, but it’s not particularly heart healthy. Instead, opt for an olive-oil baste with garlic, basil and a blend of your favorite herbs and spices. Cook your turkey upside down for the first hour and you’ll have a juicy turkey without the extra fat.
Nosh on the veggie tray: We always had a huge veggie tray with dip. We set out carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and other veggies while we were cooking so we had something a little healthier to nosh on before the official start of dinner. The veggies will help fill your tummy a little so you don’t snarf down quite as much stuffing.
Pumpkin Pie is king: Pumpkin Pie is my favorite pie. Ever. I firmly believe that you cannot have a proper Thanksgiving without it on the table. Fortunately, it’s also one of your healthiest options when it comes to Turkey-day desserts. A bit of whip cream on top and you have a low-calorie, sweet treat to wrap up the day.
Skip the soda: Thanksgiving is all about the food for me. I’d rather have extra room for rolls, pie and yams so I go for water. If you skip the juice and soda, not only will you save a little extra stomach room for the real stars of Thanksgiving, you’ll also save yourself a ton of calories.
Join the guys for a bit of Football: Make the Thanksgiving Day football game a family tradition. Step away from the kitchen and the food and head out back for a half hour of sprinting, tackling and throwing. You’ll burn calories and give your heart a healthy boost.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. The fall colors, the smell of turkey, the taste of pumpkin. Instead of feeling guilty when you load your plate this year, make a few healthier choices and you can escape the biggest eating day of the year a little less stuffed.
