Thanksgiving

LOW FAT THANKSGIVING FEASTING

 

Use a quinoa stuffing using fat free chicken broth in place of butter and sauted onions and garlic and fresh herbs in place of the fat loaded bread stuffing.  Again limit your portion size to 1/2 cup. 

Sourdough bread stuffing also is lower in calories if you just can't forego bread dressing.  Use a low fat turkey sausage, celery, onion, Italian flat leaf parsley,  thyme, sage, pepper, and fat free chicken broth in the stuffing.

Gravy-make a fat free gravy by skimming all the fat from the drippings.  Limit the amount of gravy to 1/4 cup.

Now if your choice is mashed potatoes use a fat free half and half in place of heavy cream or fat free chicken broth to mash them with and lotsa freshly groundpepper for a flavour boost.  Potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals.  Just make sure to keep your portion small i.e. under 1/2 cup.

Cranberry sauce is an excellent choice as it contains compounds that prevent UT infections.  Use orange zest and juice to increase the vitamin C and to zap up the flavour.  I often add some freshly grated ginger, a little cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg to our cranberries as well.

Roasted or steamed vegetables are a great choice.  Use seasonings other than butter such as tarragon with carrots and parsnips,  Brussels Sprouts with chestnuts, garlic, a touch of maple syrup and a turkey bacon crumble will cut back on calories but be very high in flavour. 

Healthy Choice brocollini with garlic

  Forget the fat and sodium ladened Green Bean Casserole with it's deep fried onions on top. 

 Instead opt for fresh or frozen green beans sauteed with carmlized shallots and garlic.  Use a healthy choice olive oil in plce of butter on the veggies.

Many families opt for a buffet style or to eat at a restaurant.

 Our family always has a sit down with the food being served family style.  We usually have a turkey so there are leftovers to make enchildadas, but the main attraction will most likely be a Beef Wellington and most likely a game choice like venison, and many veggies.  The appetizers will include Beggars Purses, Mini Crab Cakes with a Chipotle Hollandaise, Masala Phyllo wrapped Shrimp, etc.

I know desserts can be a problem to limit fat and sugar, but use a phyllo dough in place of a pastry crust.  Use fat free half and half in place of cream in a pumpkin filling or use fresh apples with a small amount of brown sugar.  A fresh fruit tart is a great option using phyllo dough.

Deviled Eggs are a popular American appetizer, as well as Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie for dessert-all high in fat.

Another great dessert choice is a Pumpkin Souffle using Newchatel (low fat cream cheese).

Typical family Thanksgiving-many bad choices here!  Not our meal.

It is important not to starve yourself saving up calories for Thanksgiving dinner.  Eat a low fat breakfast such as veggie omelette with a beaten egg or egg whites.

Typical family Thanksgiving gathering

Be sure and limit your alcohol consumption as those glasses of champagne and wine calories add up real fast as well as making you hungry. 

 Drink lotsa water!

Although Thanksgiving is a Traditional family time many will not be home with their families for the celebration.

Thanksgiving for those alone is offered by various organizations