Thanksgiving Isn't the Time To Diet, And That's OK

Gloria Tsang, author of the book Go Undiet, shares a bit of sanity for or those struggling to maintain a healthy weight and facing Thanksgiving dinner, which can be one of the toughest meals of the year.

Is it even possible to make it through Thanksgiving without a huge overdose of fat and calories? Yes, says Tsang. In fact, if you plan ahead, "you can cut loads of fat and close to 400 calories from your holiday meal – and still make it seem like a feast," she explained. 

Here are a few simple strategies Tsang says can help make it happen:

• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are usually made with heavy cream and butter. Try using buttermilk instead of cream, and use half the butter you normally use. You'll be surprised how similar they taste. Calories saved: about 90.
• Cakes and pies: Yes, you can still serve dessert! Try substituting unsweetened applesauce or pureed prunes for half the sugar in your baking recipes. To make your cake even leaner, try substituting egg whites or egg substitute for the eggs in recipes. If the eggs are used as an emulsifier, it’s best to use egg substitute (1/4 cup = 1 egg). Calories saved per 1/8 cake or pie piece: 96.
• Whipped cream: Cutting whipped cream from a holiday meal seems a bit cruel – but this tasty topping is loaded with fat. Try making your own whipped cream using evaporated milk instead. It offers a similar taste and texture without the fat and guilt. Calories saved per 2 Tbsp serving: 60.
• Turkey: It's not a holiday meal without the turkey! And believe it or not, turkey is actually a healthy item on your holiday menu. It’s an excellent source of protein, and has the least amount of fat per serving among all meats, if you pass on the skin. Calories saved per serving by skipping the skin: 45–63.
• Celebratory alcohol: Instead of eggnog, serve champagne or sparkling wine. Calories saved per serving: 100.

Our own observations tell us that the less it appears you're on a diet at the Thanksgiving table, the less you'll be goaded into eating more, or suffer through feelings of depriving yourself and gorge later.  Being smart and feasting therefore don't need to be mutually exclusive.  Pass the potatoes!