Thanksgiving and other seasonal holidays only come around once a year, which makes it hard to resist some of the mouth-watering foods associated with these festivities. While it’s okay to indulge a bit on these special occasions, you may not want to go completely off the rails. After all, enjoying all of your favorites may add up to thousands of calories.
Here are some food swaps that allow you to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday while saving you over 1,000 calories in just a single meal!
Alcoholic drinks: Sure you want to have a good time, but every glass of wine, beer or cocktail you consume clocks in at over 100 calories or more. Have a glass of water or seltzer between drinks and you’ll save loads of calories. You’ll also stay hydrated and will be less likely to experience a hangover the next day.
Approx. calorie savings (2 glasses of wine): 250
Turkey: Eat roasted turkey without the skin instead of fried turkey with the skin. You’ll still get all the turkey goodness, but with less fat and calories:
Approx. calorie savings: 125
Veggies: Want to save your calories for something truly indulgent? Skip the green bean casserole and other creamy veggie dishes and have steamed veggies instead.
Approx. calorie savings: 150
Potatoes: Unless mashed potatoes are something you wait all year to enjoy, have a baked sweet potato with a sprinkle of cinnamon instead.
Approx. calorie savings: 175
Stuffing: This side dish can be loaded with carbs and fat. To lighten it up, swap in wild rice for half of the bread stuffing. You’ll get some healthy carbs and will lower the calorie count.
Approx. calorie savings: 100
Pie: Perhaps the most quintessential Thanksgiving foods appear on the dessert table – the pies! Opt for pumpkin over pecan pie and you’ll still enjoy the tastes of the season with fewer calories.
Approx. calorie savings: 250
Total calorie savings? 1,050
Here are a few other tips for eating more mindfully this holiday:
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