Quick and Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Swaps the Family Will Love

When we think about Thanksgiving, it’s often surrounded by tradition – including what kind of food is served at the dinner table. While it’s okay to indulge in moderation, there are also some delicious ways you can swap out traditional Thanksgiving dishes for something healthier without losing the comfort and flavor you crave. Give these four options a try this year – we don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Pass on Regular Dips

Instead of going with a vegetable tray with pre-made dip from the grocery store, make your own at home with yogurt in place of sour cream. Pick up low-fat or non-fat plain Greek yogurt and substitute it in place of sour cream for a delicious veggie dip. You can use it any other recipes that include sour cream as well. Doing so could cut around one-third of the calories out of the dish.

Try Sweet Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a common option at the Thanksgiving table, but sweet potatoes can be an equally delicious, albeit healthier, choice. Mash them like you would with white potatoes and top with chives for added flavor. Not only does this provide you with more vitamins than mashed potatoes, but it beats the traditional casserole topped with marshmallows, too.

Stuff the Stuffing with Goodness

One of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes is stuffing. High in carbohydrates, stuffing can leave you feeling tired and overly full if you consume too much. Opt for a recipe that cuts the bread and uses whole grain rice instead, or consider baking stuffing in a muffin tin to help with portion control.

Skip the Dark Meat

Turkey is the staple of Thanksgiving dinner, but luckily it isn’t terrible for you if you eat it correctly. Dark meat has almost twice the fat and 40 percent more calories than turkey breast, so opt for the lighter option instead and make sure you remove the skin. Opt for no more than a 3.5-ounce portion and skip the gravy, which can be high in sodium.

What are some of your favorite healthy recipes for the holidays? Share them in the comments below.