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A Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally a fat and calorie laden feast. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie are all normal Thanksgiving fare. However, these favorites can be filled with unhealthy fat and calories, and if you're on a diet or simply desire a more healthy alternative, check out our recipes for a healthy Thanksgiving dinner that cuts the fat, not the flavor!

The Turkey

For a lower fat turkey, be sure to choose one that isn't self basting. That way, you won't get the extra fat. And don't stuff your turkey, as this makes your stuffing higher in calories and fat. For a lowfat turkey, just prepare it the way you normally would sans stuffing. Turkey is luckily a very healthy food that is naturally low in fat and calories!

Low-Fat Mashed Potatoes

10 potatoes
4 teaspoons butter flavored sprinkles
1/3 teaspoon salt
1 cup skim milk

Boil the peeled potatoes until soft, then drain excess water. Mash the potatoes using a traditional potato masher. Slowly stir in the milk and butter granules, then fluff with fork. If you prefer a different consistency, try a little more or less milk. Garnish with salt and pepper if desired.

Simple Cranberry Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup cranberries

In this simple recipe, you just bring all ingredients to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and the cranberry skins pop. Remove from heat and allow to cool before serving.

Green Beans with Slivered Almonds and Dried Cranberries

1 pound fresh green beans
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup dried cranberries

For this easy recipe, boil the green beans until soft, approximately half an hour. Drain, then toss in the red pepper, almonds and cranberries.

Lowfat Pumpkin Pie

1 lowfat pre-prepared pie crust
1 can of pumpkin
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ginger
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of cloves
4 egg whites
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup lowfat whipped topping

Blend together the pumpkin, spices, sugar and milk in a bowl. Then, slowly add the egg whites and mix with a whisk until well blended. Pour filling into pie crust, then bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.