Thanksgiving dinner, quite possibly the most anticipated meal of the year, is generally not thought of as healthy. Crispy bread stuffing, sweet potatoes with caramelized marshmallows, creamy green bean casseroles, salty gravy and canned cranberry sauce are all fan favorites, but incredibly high in added fats, sugars, sodium and calories. However, you can change the fact that Thanksgiving dinner is an unhealthy splurge, while still enjoying all of your favorite recipes. Fresh ingredients and simple substitutions equal less fat and more flavor. Convinced yet?
This year, surprise your family and friends by cooking these top five healthy side dish recipes for Thanksgiving dinner:
- Stuffing is one of the most variable items on the Thanksgiving table, being a hodgepodge of different types of bread, vegetables, meats and spices, which makes it the perfect candidate for a makeover. Skip common stuffing recipes with white bread and sausage that are high in fat and try this wholesome cornbread and apple stuffing recipe.
- Sweet potatoes are naturally high in potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-6 and vitamin C, but most casserole recipes cover this already sweet power vegetable with brown sugar or marshmallows in a casserole that is more of a dessert than a side. This year, enjoy this healthy sweet potato casserole recipe with half the fat and calories compared to a traditional sweet potato casserole.
- Green bean casserole, like sweet potato casserole, has a vegetable as its main ingredient, but most recipes call for high in fat and sodium canned cream of mushroom soup, and a lot of fried onions. On their own, green beans are high in vitamin A and vitamin C, so enjoy their healthy value without the sodium and fat by making your own mushroom cream sauce and using fresh onions in this healthy green bean casserole recipe.
- Gravy is a staple item for Thanksgiving, because it pairs well as a topping for not only the juicy turkey meat, but also over sides like stuffing and mashed potatoes. However, ready-made gravy mixes found at the supermarket are high in added sodium, about 370 mg per serving. Instead, try this homemade low sodium gravy recipe with just 28 mg of sodium per serving.
- Cranberry sauce, arguably the most underrated side dish is a must have at Thanksgiving for its tangy and sweet flavors that compliment the savory turkey. Instead of eating a common canned version of this dish that is high in sugar and loaded with preservatives, opt for a homemade cranberry sauce without any added sugars. This sugarless cranberry sauce is sweetened with orange and pineapple juice and honey, which make a guilt-free and sweet side dish that is high in vitamin C and vitamin E.
Photo credit:
http://www.chow.com/recipes/30504-cornbread-and-apple-stuffing
http://www.fitsugar.com/Healthy-Sweet-Potato-Casserole-Recipe-25911337
http://wellnessmama.com/3392/slightly-sweet-cranberry-sauce-recipe/
http://teaspooncomm.com/teaspoonofspice/2012/11/healthy-green-bean-casserole-the-recipe-redux/