Thanksgiving Favorites Made Healthier

Stuffing doesn't have to be a major calorie bomb; it can actually be a great way to sneak some healthy ingredients into your feast. Just use whole-wheat breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of Italian breadcrumbs and add some Granny Smith apples for extra fiber. 

We know what you're thinking: there's no way to make healthy gravy taste good. But using beef broth, mushrooms, and cornstarch (instead of flour and oil) can transform your turkey drippings into delicious gravy without adding tons of fat and calories. 

And while you're diet-proofing your gravy, why not mash your potatoes with low-fat Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice instead of butter and whole milk? They'll be just as creamy without all the guilt. 

Green bean casserole is usually made with high-sodium cream of mushroom soup and topped with fatty fried onions. To make a less processed and much tastier version, try using fresh mushrooms sautéed in olive oil with chicken broth instead of canned soup; you can thicken the broth with a roux made from a few tablespoons of butter and flour if you'd like. And, if you're missing the crunch, top your casserole with healthy chopped almonds.  

Put those mini marshmallows away! Sweet potatoes are delicious without all the added sugar. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, top your mashed sweet potatoes with rolled oats, crumbled pecans, and a touch of organic maple syrup.

The secret ingredient in most cranberry sauces is sugar, but you can easily make a satisfying sauce without using too much of it. Put a small bag of fresh cranberries in a small saucepan with a sprinkle of sugar and some grated orange zest. Add a very small amount of water (2-3 tablespoons) and simmer over low heat until the cranberries soften and burst.

Dessert isn't the place to skimp on flavor.  Using coconut milk in your pumpkin pie is an easy way to make a creamy filling that's full of healthy fat. Plus, its natural flavor allows you to cut back on sugar; try using ¾ the amount the recipe calls for. Then, make your whipped cream using half cream and half protein-rich Greek yogurt, and you'll have a delicious dessert you can feel good about.