Smart Thanksgiving Substitutions

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is almost here! The weather is getting cooler, and with that and the holidays warming everyone’s hearts, many people are turning to those holiday comfort foods to get in the spirit. You can still enjoy those foods and not go overboard or ruin your diet, though. Check out these smart Thanksgiving substitutions that will have you in the spirit and on track with your diet. 

Green Beans

Instead of beans cooked in heavy sauces, try some fresh green beans. They are delicious and easy to make, plus a lot cheaper than some other side dishes. To make them super tasty, cut off the ends, snap them in half, and steam them in a large pot. Drain the water, rinse them, and then toss the beans in olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper and top with Parmesan cheese. This gives you one delicious serving of vegetables that are high in iron. 

Roasted Red Potatoes

Mashed potatoes and gravy, or loaded baked potatoes, are a hit around the holidays, but they are high in calories with all the add-ons. Do something easier, healthier, and tastier this year- try roasted red potatoes. Quarter the potatoes and wash them, then place them on aluminum foil and roll them in Italian herb seasoning, garlic salt, crushed black pepper, and sunflower oil. Wrap them in the foil and bake for 45 minutes at 425 degrees.

Avocado eggs

If look forward to those deviled eggs each year, you may be heartbroken to discover they are really high in calories and not all that healthy for you. Before you get upset, though, there is an alternative! Make your deviled eggs, but instead of mayo to blend the centers, use an avocado. Your deviled eggs will still get that creamy, smooth texture as well as a boost of B-vitamins, without all those fats and calories. 

Pick your pie

The breakdown of the traditional Thanksgiving pie is as follows:

Pecan pie- 676 calories per every 130 gram serving
Apple pie- 700 calories per slice (about 130 gram serving)
Pumpkin pie- 161 calories per the same serving size

When trying to save calories, the answer is clear!

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!