Healthy Thanksgiving Tips

The holidays are just around the corner. As we sit down around the table to give thanks with our friends and family, make sure you have prepared a healthy meal. Here are some tips as you plan your Thanksgiving feast.



Turkey:

Avoid buying a "basted" or "self basting" turkey if you are going to brine your turkey, as they already contain natural broth, stock and seasonings. Making a "self basting" bird makes it too salty. If you are deep-frying your turkey, use peanut oil instead of vegetable or canola oil. It is healthier, and has a high flash point, and taste great!



Cranberry:
Ditch the canned cranberry sauce and make your own. Most canned cranberry sauce comes sweetened, and one serving contains 21 grams of sugar. Some homemade recipes using fresh cranberries even call for up to a cup of sugar. Make your cranberry sauce more healthy-friendly by swapping sugar for a substitute like Stevia.



 Pumpkin Pie:

Bake a healthier pumpkin pie. The average slice of pie has 323 calories, and we haven't even added the whipped cream and scoop of vanilla ice cream. Instead of buying a store pie, make a healthier version at home. Everyone loves homemade pies better anyways. Try 2% evaporated milk instead of whole milk. Any dessert that is homemade allows you to control the incidence.

Stuffing:
Use an alternative "stuffing." While some people may have difficulty parting from the traditional crab-packed white bread or corn bread stuffing, take a walk on the wild side by using wild rice or quinoa. Both of these grains are packed with nutrients and are gluten-free. Add and apple if you really want to take a recipe up a notch. The apple gives it a great taste and texture.



Green beans:
Cut the fat and the sodium from the green beans casserole. Start by choosing a can of cream of mushrooms soup that is either "reduced-fat" or "low sodium." As for those fried onions, saute them instead. Buy fresh green, instead of using canned. Most green beans that are in cans are in salted water. 




Enjoy this Thanksgiving knowing you made a healthy dinner for your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving from Longview Farms!!