Thanksgiving is that time of the year when families meet to give thanks for all their blessings throughout the year. And, yes, it’s a time for eating all kinds of delicious foods. You may already sense your mouth watering at the mere thought of stuffed turkey waiting to be carved, butter drizzled over mashed potato served with gravy, and sweet potato pie patiently awaiting its turn to be gobbled down for dessert.
This holiday is also a time when some people inadvertently jumpstart their weight gain due to overeating. Watching calories go out the window as they go for plate after plate of the sweet and savory delicacies. Loading up on foods high in fats, oils, carbs, sugars, and sodium can also have negative effects on health, particularly for those who trouble with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
As the host of this year’s festivities, you could opt for food alternatives that are hearty and healthy for you and your guests without compromising the taste.
Here are 6 food ideas for preparing sumptuous Thanksgiving meals that will leave your guests wanting for more. They won’t have to worry about their waistline or triggering symptoms of medical conditions such as diabetes:
Low fat gravy is just as flavorful
Gravy adds so much more flavor especially to the turkey and mashed potatoes. Traditional gravy is usually made from ingredients high in saturated fats and cholesterol such as turkey drippings, unsalted butter, and flavored butter—if you like. These ingredients help bring out the flavor but are not healthy for your heart or body.
In fact, gravy is one of the biggest calorie culprits on the table. Instead of turkey drippings, you can choose vegetable oil or other oils that are low in saturated fat and are cholesterol-free. You can also use a kitchen device known as a fat separator to make a leaner gravy if you can’t resist using turkey drippings. Pour the gravy into the device. Let it to stand for a few minutes until the fat rises to the surface then skim the fat off.
