Every year families and friends gather around the table to celebrate and give thanks for the bounty of the year. They also tend to consume 3,000 to 4,500 calories per person. Should giving thanks be about gluttony?

 

Many people are interested in lower-fat, lower-calorie options for Thanksgiving meals that don't take away from the traditions of the holiday. It's possible to cook and serve foods that are healthier and offer the spirit of 

Thanksgiving. Let's examine traditional fare and some alternatives that are healthier.

 

Traditional: Turkey and stuffing.

 

Alternative: Turkey that has been roasted or cooked on a rotisserie so that the excess fat drips off. Turkey itself tends to be lean. Avoid basting the turkey with butter and remove the skin upon serving. Do not stuff the turkey with bread dressing, which tends to be fat-laden. Also, from a food safety standpoint, a raw turkey could infuse salmonella or other bacteria into the stuffing during cooking.

 

Traditional: Candied sweet potatoes and marshmallows.

 

Alternative: Forget the butter, brown sugar and marshmallow topping on sliced sweet potatoes. Instead, serve sweet potatoes in their natural glory, baked and sprinkled with a little cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.

 

Traditional:Gravy made from pan drippings.

 

Alternative: Gravy made from a low-fat broth. Why douse turkey and fixings with extra calories? A light au jus will provide flavor and a little extra moisture to the bird.

 

Traditional: Cheese and buttery crackers platter.

 

Alternative: Fresh vegetables and a light dip. The recommended daily serving of cheese is one ounce. People tend to graze on Thanksgiving, eating much more than an ounce of cheese. Plus, they're pairing the cheese with fattening crackers. Instead, offer sliced fresh vegetables and a dip made of low-fat sour cream. If crackers are served, choose whole grain varieties.

 

Traditional: Bread stuffing.

 

Alternative: Fruit stuffing. Whip up a batch of stuffing that is much more about fruit than the bread and butter. Use cubed whole-wheat bread and slices of apples, pears, cranberries, raisins, and any other in-season fruits. Wet with a low-calorie broth and bake until browned. For even more flair, bake in individual muffin cups so that portions are clearly identified.

 

Traditional: Fruit pies, such as pumpkin and apple.

 

Alternative:A buttery, flaky crust is certainly delicious, but it can pack even more calories on the end of a meal. Serve cobblers that are much more fresh fruit and much less crust and extra calories. Better yet, simply serve a platter of refreshing fruit slices. TF10B030

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