10 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is a notorious holiday for calories, carbs and other dreaded dietary words. Add that to the overwhelming portions, and you have a recipe for quick weight gain. With more awareness of chronic illnesses being linked to obesity and poor dietary choices, it is important to focus on eating healthy during the holidays. Here are a few suggestions for Thanksgiving.

1. Healthy Apple Crisp

Skip the fattening crusts and sugary pie filling with this surprisingly satisfying dessert, which is featured in Dr. Oz’s recipe blog. It calls for Stevia, oatmeal, applesauce and spices. Serve it with a dessert latte made from low-fat milk and Stevia.

2. Couscous-Stuffed Peppers

Add a splash of festive fall colors to your table with this protein-packed recipe. You will need several colored bell peppers, and you must remove the tops for baking. The couscous stuffing includes feta cheese, currants, spinach and several spices. The Food Network provides a great recipe.

3. Maple Cranberry Sweet Potatoes

Good Housekeeping features a healthier spin on sweet potatoes. You can reduce the butter measurement to one-half of the requirement and use butter that is infused with olive oil for a healthier option.

4. Turkey Wraps

For an appetizer, you can use a whole-wheat tortilla. Put some low-fat cream cheese in a thin layer on the tortilla. Add diced turkey, black beans and cranberry sauce for a scrumptious snack.

5. Stuffed Butternut Squash

These squash halves are perfect if you want a side dish that is both aesthetically pleasing and delicious. This recipe from 12 Tomatoes includes mushrooms, quinoa, Parmesan cheese and several herbs and spices.

6. Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider

Use two bottles of apple juice and one bottle of cranberry juice. Both should be naturally sweetened. Cut four oranges into thin slices. Add all ingredients in a large pot. Throw in about 10 cinnamon sticks, a few slices of fresh ginger and a teaspoon of allspice. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, and let it cool before serving.

7. Quinoa Stuffing

Since traditional stuffing often tops the list for being unhealthy, try this recipe for a much healthier and equally delicious side. It calls for cranberries, pistachios, butternut squash, spinach and some scrumptious spices.

8. Pumpkin Bowl Squash Soup

If you want to impress your guests with a fun meal starter, this Food Network recipe will not disappoint. You use small baking pumpkins to create bowls, and you combine the inside contents with squash, onion and cream. You can substitute milk for the cream and olive oil for the butter without sacrificing too much flavor quality.

9. Healthy Green Bean Casserole

With its heavy canned soup and high-calorie breaded onions, traditional green bean casserole is a diet killer. If you want that same smoky mushroom flavor with crispy onions, try this fresher vegan recipe from Hummusapien. The white wine and hint of nutmeg make it savory enough to become a yearly staple for your Thanksgiving gatherings.

10. Cranberry Orange Bran Bread

You can make this as muffins or loaves. This recipe posted at Chef In You is a good guide. However, you can use bran and wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Also, you can substitute Stevia for sugar with proper conversion, and you can use butter that is infused with olive oil or use a combination of butter and coconut oil.

Keep track of sugar levels, carbs and fat content in any recipe from turkey glaze to dessert. To help ensure that you stay on track, plan your menu in advance. Figure out serving sizes and total calories. For snack trays, provide lean meats or raw vegetables. This turkey veggie platter is a fun idea for all ages. Most of all, have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

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