Thanksgiving Lights

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, many people are preparing for their annual Thanksgiving feast. However, before diving into a plate piled with sweet potatoes, cornbread, baked potatoes twice, stuffing, and, of course, Turkey, consider this: The average holiday meal contains 3,000 calories. It is much more than what most people need in a day, much less in one sitting.

So how can you enjoy Thanksgiving without adding inches to your height? The answer is simple. Take time to plan a delicious menu with lighter choices. It does not take much effort to ease your feast. In addition, your friends and your family will never guess that this food is healthier for them. All these options are light, full of flavor and taste to your dinner party.

For many, the Thanksgiving feast began with some appetizers. Your best bet for keeping things Slim is two fruits and vegetables with a dip of light. You can find lighter versions of precast hollow in stores, or make your own with a simple recipe. So instead of cheese or cream-based dips something different, like hummus (which comes from chickpeas) for vegetables or fat-free Greek yogurt for fruit. If you want some amateur appetizers for your guests, consider a simple recipe for shrimp cocktail. The shrimp are remarkably low in calories and rich in heart-healthy omega-3. Another excellent choice are miniature kebabs and meatballs. Make sure to choose lean meats like chicken and turkey.

To start your meal, prepare a simple and easy soup, made with broth. The course of light is actually proven to help you eat less during the rest of the dinner. Try something new, such as pumpkin or squash soup, or a stick with a traditional base, such as nutritious vegetable. Try to avoid adding noodles or meat soup. You'll have lots of turkey and stuffing to catch up later.

Next on the menu are dishes. A simple rule is to avoid pans! That means staying away from candied yams with marshmallows and green beans bathed in cream or topped with fried onions. Instead, pick sides seem actually lighter than most class to the table. Some options are good roasted squash or steamed vegetables in a light vinaigrette. As for stuffing, try changing your eggs in the traditional recipe of egg whites. You can also divide certain hardened bread rich, light slices of whole wheat. Another trick is to double the amount of vegetables in your recipe and extra dice. This will help you and your guests full of vegetables instead of carbohydrates. Desiring to make a still greater? Get rid of traditional bread stuffing and try something else. Mushrooms and stuffing barley or rice pilaf of wild rice are very healthy alternatives, but you can probably find others.

Of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without Turkey. If you're willing to be bold, skip the whole bird and get a bone, all white meat instead of breast. Not sure it's Thanksgiving without bones and legs? Grab a piece of white meat without skin. Dark meat is not as lean and oily skin and adds unwanted calories. Finally, on top of your feast, some low fat desserts. Search for a great recipe crustless pumpkin pie cut calories a classic. You can also serve baked potatoes instead of a crisp apple crumble or loaded, or be creative and make mini fruit tart pastry. Remember, this festival is about to enjoy friends and family, and not stuffing yourself silly!