Guilt Free Thanksgiving Sides

[christina f]

By the time the holiday's roll around, I already feel like a stuffed turkey. Inevitably, everything that comes in contact with my dinner table is loaded with calories. So, this year, I'm trying to cut back in a few easy ways that are bound to shave some calories off of my total intake. Think of it as a jump start to my New Year's resolution, which is always to drop a few pounds and start eating more healthfully.

Moms, what else would you add to my list of calorie savings ideas below?

Swap butter for margarine or in some cases low sodium chicken or vegetable stock. This idea works for mashed potatoes, stuffing and more.

Steam your veggies and drizzle with olive oil instead of heavy sauces.

Swap out cream for low fat milk in your recipes, whether you're making sweet potato casserole or chocolate pudding pie.

Instead of butter, just add more flavor. Zest up a roasted potato and root vegetable dish with rosemary and other fragrant herbs.

 

[kurtkamkaitsmom]

 I agree.. holidays  cook to enjoy...   All good foods are on holidays... yummm :o)

[Flaca43]

Yes!

Quoting kurtkamkaitsmom:

 I agree.. holidays  cook to enjoy...   All good foods are on holidays... yummm :o)

[amyjane22]

Those are great ideas (well, except I wouldn't do the butter/margarine one...I feel better eating butter).

 I always make sure to load up on whatever's healthy on the table (light salad, fresh green beans, other non starchy veggies) and make myself eat those first while drinking a lot of water.  Then, by the time I get to the rolls, gravy, casseroles, and pie, I'm too full to eat too much of them.

[Cafe AmyB]

My DH would be terribly upset if I changed up the menu. 

Quoting Granny1952:

My family is like Beth's they want the Thanksgiving they have always had. If It doesn't taste the same I get yelled at.

[kurtkamkaitsmom]

:o)

Quoting Flaca43:

Yes!

Quoting kurtkamkaitsmom:

 I agree.. holidays  cook to enjoy...   All good foods are on holidays... yummm :o)

[kurtkamkaitsmom]

Mine would be too

Quoting Cafe AmyB:

My DH would be terribly upset if I changed up the menu. 

Quoting Granny1952:

My family is like Beth's they want the Thanksgiving they have always had. If It doesn't taste the same I get yelled at.

[jessicasmom1]

we like potatoes, rice, cauliflower, broccoli , beans , and corn sides plus salads

[Kmakksmom]

Lol! Thanksgiving is the only day that I do not practice healthy habits :)

[Pnukey]

Calories consumed on holidays don't count, so they're all guilt free. :)