7 Easy Ways to Make Classic Thanksgiving Dishes Guilt Free
Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and what better way to celebrate the fall season than with quality time with your family around the dinner table! From cooking in the kitchen to stuffing our faces until we must unbutton our pants, Thanksgiving is all about the eats. While the abundance of amazing food can lead to post-meal regrets, it doesn’t have to. Here are 7 easy and flavorful recipes you can add to your lineup of Thanksgiving dishes to keep you feeling slim while enjoying an amazing holiday.
1. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must have on the Thanksgiving dinner menu. Though this warm, festive dish is a crowd favorite, it is loaded with butter and carbs. An easy way to modify this dish is by making cauliflower mash. Don’t make that face… it actually tastes like the real thing! Trust us, this simple mashed potatoes trick will leave you feeling guilt free while giving you the same taste and satisfaction.
2. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup (without the cream!)
Another amazing way to cut the calories during Thanksgiving is by serving an appetizer. By having a healthy appetizer, you won’t be starving before indulging during the main course. Therefore, you will be less likely to over eat. Butternut squash soup is an amazing appetizer that is both healthy and delicious. Just leave out the heavy cream and you’ll turn this soup into a guilt-free delight.
3. Vegetables
The doctor always says “eat your vegetables” and he is right! Load up your plate with veggies during Thanksgiving dinner. There are so many different options when it comes to vegetable dishes. Some of our favorite fall sides are roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, grilled zucchini, and sautéed string beans. And yes… you can go back for seconds!!… or fourths.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Who doesn’t love sweet potato casserole… it’s basically dessert for dinner! This dish could be healthy with a simple modification. Lose the marshmallows!! Yes, we love them, but our butts do not need dessert before dessert. Trust us you will be okay.. try it.
5. Quinoa
Another one of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes is quinoa. Yes, we all want carbs during our thanksgiving dinner and this superfood will not disappoint in keeping your guests full and satisfied. Mix it up by adding vegetables, dried fruit, or even nuts. The options are endless and so so yummy!!
6. Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving would be nothing without the turkey, and what would turkey be without cranberry sauce? A simple way to make cranberry sauce healthier is by making it yourself, of course. By making your own sauce you can decide what you want in it. Aka; NO ADDED SUGAR! Cranberries have enough sugar already, you do not need to add any more.
7. Dessert
Our favorite part of the night has arrived. As you scout the dessert table for what you want to indulge in first, remember you have been so good during dinner… no need to ruin it now. Stick to fruit with low fat whipped cream, low fat chocolate pudding pie, or baked apples with our favorite Halo Top ice cream.
See? There are so many healthy options that will leave you satisfied without your pants buttons popping. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
