How to cut calories from your Thanksgiving Day feast
(A few simple changes will trim hundreds of calories from your Thanksgiving feast).
By Brittany Anas
Like to gobble till you wobble? Find yourself in a tryptophan-induced turkey coma before kickoff on Thanksgiving Day? Been there! The biggest eating day of the year is approaching, and whether you’re hosting a festive feast at your house or are bringing a side dish to a turkey day gathering, there’s a few easy ways that you can tweak the table that will trim hundreds of calories from the meal.
Here’s how to skip on calories — without skimping on any of the Thanksgiving day staples.
- Leave the green beans alone. The ‘green bean casserole’ might just be one of the most controversial trimmings ever to hit the Thanksgiving table — people either love it or turn their noses up at it. Adding cream of mushroom soup to green beans and then topping it with crunchy fried onions just adds extra calories and fat. (There’s about 225 calories and 10 fat grams in a one-cup serving of the vegetable casserole. We don’t know about you, but we like to save our calories for dessert). Instead, toast some almond slices and sprinkle them on top of steamed green beans for a healthy crunch. For added flavor,
- Season your turkey. Instead of deep frying the bird or greasing it up with butter, rely on a flavorful rub — like a cajun spice or one rubbed with fresh rosemary.
- Change up your potatoes. Buttery mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving Day staple, sure. But maybe bring an alternative to the table: Purple potatoes. The deep purple color will add a gorgeous pop of color to your guests’ plates (and presentation can go a long way). When it comes to healthy potatoes, purple potatoes are second only to sweet potatoes. Roast them with some olive oil and sprinkle with an herb. They’re known to boost the antioxidant capacity of your blood, and, if they are fresh, they have anti-cancer properties, according to NutritionFacts.org.
- Make mashed potatoes with cauliflower. Watching carbs? Make “mashed cauliflower” following recipe. Season with garlic, salt and pepper.
- Make simple adjustments. Use chicken broth instead of pan grease drippings for gravy, set out mini marshmallows so your guests can top their sweet potatoes with the sweet extras only if they want. No-calorie mineral water can be used to cut juices or cocktails. Let guests use whipped cream at their own discretion.
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Read more articles about Omaha Steaks here.
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