3 Worst Thanksgiving Dishes and How to Make them Healthier

 

I think it’s a fair statement to say that when we think of Thanksgiving Dinner we think of yummy, savory and sweet foods that are not so friendly to the waist line. But no matter how dedicated you are to your nutrition and fitness routines, smelling those flavors swirl around your kitchen would be a challenge to anyone!  But just because these foods are heavy with calories, fat, sugar, butter, etc doesn’t mean you have to miss out!!  Here are a few of the worst holiday dishes followed by a healthier version so that you can enjoy without all of the guilt!!

1. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes on their own are a healthy side dish packed with Vitamin A and high in fiber. But one serving can tip the calorie counter at 460 calories when you add in the butter, marshmallows, nuts and brown sugar.

HEALTHY SWAP – Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
What You Need

* 2 large  sweet potatoes (1-1/2 lb.)

* 2 oz.  (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) Philidelphia Neufchatel Cheese, cubed

* 2 Tbsp.  fat-free milk

* 1 Tbsp.  brown sugar

* ¼ tsp.  ground cinnamon

* ¼ cup  chopped pecans

Directions:

HEAT oven to 425ºF.

CUT potatoes lengthwise in half; place, cut sides down, on foil-covered rimmed baking sheet. Bake 30 to 35 min. or until tender.

SCOOP out centers of potatoes into medium bowl, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shells. Add Neufchatel, milk, sugar and cinnamon to potato flesh; mash until blended.

FILL shells with potato mixture; sprinkle with nuts. Bake 8 min. or until potatoes are heated through and nuts are toasted.

Shortcut

Pierce whole sweet potatoes with fork; wrap in damp paper towels. Microwave on HIGH 7 to 8 min. or until tender. Cut potatoes in half; scoop out centers and continue as directed.

Make Ahead

Stuff potato shells as directed; refrigerate up to 1 hour. When ready to serve, bake as directed, increasing baking time as needed until filling is heated through. 

Calories: 210, Fat: 8, Fiber: 4

2. Stuffing
Stuffing is a doozie!! It contains white bread and lots of butter. Some recipes call for sausage or other meats. But have NO fear!! You can lighten it up and still enjoy a clean version packed with flavor!

HEALTHY SWAP – Apple, fig and Sage Stuffing
What You Need

• 1 24-oz loaf whole-wheat bread (680 g), trimmed of crust and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 to 3 carrots, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 to 4 celery ribs, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp chile powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 10 to 12 unsweetened dried figs, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 apples (such as McIntosh, Cortland, Gala or Golden Delicious), cored and chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, plus additional 1/2 cup as needed
• 1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh sage

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Divide bread among 2 rimmed baking sheets and arrange in a single layer; transfer to oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once, until lightly toasted.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil on medium-high. Add carrots, celery and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in thyme, rosemary, chile powder, salt and pepper. Add figs and apples and stir well to combine. Remove from heat, add bread and stir to combine. Stir in broth. Stuffing should be uniformly moist but not wet; if needed, add additional 1/2 cup broth. Stir in sage. Stuff turkey and cook according to recipe.
   
   

Nutrients per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 162, Total Fat: 3 g, Sat. Fat: 0 g, Carbs: 33 g, Fiber: 5 g, Sugars: 11 g, Protein: 6 g, Sodium: 324 mg, Cholesterol: 0 mg

Source:  http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/recipes/under-45-minutes/fig-apple-sage-stuffing/

3.  Pecan Pie

Pecans provide you with healthy fats and aren’t the worst part of the dessert. Once you add it to the buttery crust and top it with whipped cream, brown sugar etc the calories and fat are through the roof!

HEATHY SWAP: Baked Fruit

What You Need

• 1 1/2 pounds ripe apples; peeled, cored and quartered
• 1 1/2 pounds ripe pears; peeled, cored and quartered
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350′. Lightly butter a 9-inch (8-cup capacity) oval gratin baking dish. Add the apples, pears, cranberries, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla; mix well. Bake until the fruit is tender, can be 30 minutes or up to one hour. Sprinkle with walnuts and serve hot or at room temperature.

Serves 6

Source: http://acowboyswife.com/walnut-dusted-oven-baked-apples-and-pears/

You can HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!!!

What's your favorite holiday dish that you would like a clean version of? If you post in the comments I will give you some suggestions and possibly a recipe!

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