Alas, Thanksgiving is finally here, one of my favorite holidays of the year. While this holiday is traditionally filled with too many calories, fat and sugar, this year let’s try something new.

Here are some tasty tips without sacrificing flavor.

{ Turkey } Choose white meat over dark and avoid eating the skin.

{TIP} Make your own low-fat gravy by placing turkey drippings in the freezer and skim off the fat.

{ Stuffing } Skip stuffing your bird. Cooking the stuffing inside the turkey cavity adds more fat. Try cooking your stuffing in a separate baking dish.

{TIP} Sautee your onions and celery in low-sodium chicken broth instead of butter.

{ Mashed Potatoes } Everyone’s favorite comfort food.

{TIP} This year make your mashed potatoes with skim milk, low-fat sour cream or chicken broth.

{ Green bean Casserole } A familiar 70’s dish passed down for generations. Consider sautéeing your green beans in garlic and olive oil,

{TIP} sprinkle them with sliced almonds instead of those crunchy onions.

{ Cranberry Sauce } Loaded with antioxidants and fiber.

{TIP}Use whole cranberries and cut down on the sugar by adding a pureed fresh apple with the skin, packing your sauce with extra fiber.

{ Pumpkin Pie } Pumpkin is chock-full of beta-carotene and fiber. Use non-fat evaporated milk and egg whites. Cut calories by cutting portion size.

 {TIP} By cutting your pie in 10 pieces versus 8, this reduces the calories and fat by 20%.

{ Alcohol } Choose dry wine, champagne or light beer. Toast to the Thanksgivingholiday with lower calorie options.

Enjoy Thanksgiving this year without feeling like you gave up your favorite holiday foods. A few simple changes can trim down your calories, sugar and fat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(photo via Kenton Library)