Winner, Winner-Turkey Dinner!

1

December 19, 2013 by Dr. Sana Keller

Can’t you almost smell it already?? The turkey dinner smells that start several hours before the meal is ready…I have no idea how the blended smells of roasting turkey, bubbling green bean casserole, baking pumpkin pie, boiling potatoes, and simmering cranberries work together, but they sure do!

This year, instead of dreading the shedding of those extra holiday pounds, why not be proactive and make a few simple menu changes to help with holiday eating ‘damage control’?

Below are a few healthier options for some favorite Christmas favorites—see what you think! It’s amazing how wonderful foods can taste when using fresh ingredients—and they are so much healthier for you!

Cranberry sauce (No sugar or high fructose corn syrup): http://wellnessmama.com/3392/slightly-sweet-cranberry-sauce-recipe/  

Green bean casserole (No highly processed soup or onion rings): http://allergyfreemenuplanners.com/2009/11/16/healthy-traditional-green-bean-casserole-gluten-free-dairy-free-and-grain-free/  

Mashed potatoes (No potatoes yet so-so good! One of my faves): http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2006/04/pureed-cauliflower-with-garlic.html

Pumpkin pie (No processed milk or sugar):  http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/11/maple-honey-pumpkin-pie-with-coconut-milk.html

Small changes in our eating styles can turn into big health benefits. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is NOT about depriving ourselves of good food—it’s about making simple changes where needed to promote optimal health and minimize our risk of developing serious illness and disease.

I know the saying is: ‘Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner’ yet I  hope you find that these recipes can be a part of your ‘Winner, Winner Turkey Dinner’—And may you enjoy many wonderful, healthy dinners with family and friends throughout this wonderful holiday season.

Sana Keller, MS, RN, CNC, MH, HHP    www.healthumlimited.biz