Thanksgiving is a holiday when most of us indulge in carbohydrate-rich, high-fat food. However, this day doesn’t have to be a holiday away from healthy eating. Find ways to take your family’s favorite recipes and make them more nutritious with simple substitutions. If you are trying to improve your family’s nutrition and expose children to different foods, Thanksgiving can be a great occasion to prepare some healthy new recipes, too. Local farmers markets are open until Thanksgiving and offer a variety of fall produce items to include in your Thanksgiving menu.
Substitute a starchy side dish with a lighter vegetable side dish, like leafy greens, which are abundant in the fall. Try slow cooking collard greens with smoked turkey for added flavor. Pomegranate is a fun fall fruit which can be sprinkled over a winter salad with a brightly flavored pomegranate dressing. Winter squash and other root vegetables can be roasted and seasoned with cinnamon and other spices. Pumpkins and squash can be cooked in a broth with vegetables and pureed to make a smooth and comforting fall soup. Even desserts can get a healthy makeover without sacrificing taste.
Have kids help with planning and making your new creations, and teach them that food that it good for you can taste delicious too. Make new family traditions with a few updated recipes that can stay in your family for years of healthier Thanksgiving Days.
For some fall recipe ideas visit www.doctoryum.com . Send me your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and I will select a few for a healthy update.
