We all know it’s hard to resist the abundance of comfort foods that will soon be surrounding us on Turkey Day.  No one wants to be deprived of their candied yams and green bean casserole!  However, there ARE simple steps you can take to lessen the blow of those second and third helpings.  Follow these tips and those skinny jeans won’t seem so terrifying after all!

• Try quinoa or wild rice stuffing instead of white bread stuffing to boost whole grain consumption!
• Sub dried fruit to add a bit of sweetness to your vegetable sides
• Swap greek yogurt for sour cream- you will pack in protein and lose the fat!
• Use a bag to cook your turkey!  It seals moisture in, as opposed to basting it with butter or syrup
• Use coconut oil instead of butter to pack your dishes with nutrients and extra flavor
• Kick white flour to the curb and use whole wheat flour instead
• Go for unsweetened pumpkin pie filling-pure pumpkin- and sweeten with coconut sugar, stevia, etc

Remember, Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so don’t beat yourself up over enjoying your favorite dishes.  Most importantly, appreciate the food you are eating and make sure you save your splurge for something you are REALLY looking forward to!