- Portion control: Thanksgiving is about choices. Think about which dishes you don't mind skipping, and plan to fill your plate only once. It's easy to get carried away going back for second and third helpings.
- Fruits: Get your serving of fruit with a fruit-based dessert. Baked apples, poached pears and fresh figs are a few festive options.
- Grains: Use whole grain or 100 percent whole wheat bread for a stuffing rich in fiber.
- Protein: Serve yourself 3 ounces of roasted turkey or a portion the size of your palm. Skip the fat by removing the skin on your turkey before eating it. Go easy on the gravy.
- Vegetables: Choose vegetable side dishes that include roasted or cooked vegetables, and skip the creamy sauces and added fat. Instead, season vegetables with fresh herbs to add flavor.
- Dairy: Try non-fat Greek yogurt as a healthier topping for side dishes than sour cream or butter.
- Don't forget to be active. After the holiday meal, go for a walk, bike ride or play football with the family.
Not sure what to do with your leftovers? Reinvent your Thanksgiving feast with these quick and easy one-sentence leftover recipes.
- Cranberry smoothies
Whirl cranberries with frozen low-fat yogurt and orange juice. - Crunchy turkey salad
Toss cubed turkey with celery, apples, and light mayo with shredded spinach. - Stuffing frittata
Mix stuffing with egg and cook thoroughly, pancake-style. - Turkey berry wrap
Wrap sliced turkey, spread with cranberry sauce and shredded greens in a whole wheat tortilla.
Recipe source: www.eatright.org
Author: Melissa Tamargo