Thanksgiving Ideas!

Here are a few (awesome!) ideas from Fitness Magazine for eating a HEALTHY Thanksgiving dinner:
1.Turkey
Turkey is a healthy protein source - unless it's deep fried and slathered with gravy. Sarah Krieger, RD, National Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, points out that a serving of turkey provides almost half of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid and is a good source of vitamin B, zinc, and potassium. These nutrients have been found to keep blood cholesterol down, protect against cancer and heart disease, and boost the immune system. A normal portion size is usually 3 to 4 ounces - and if you stick to white meat and peel the skin off, you'll literally save hundreds of calories at the Thanksgiving table.
2.Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are among the healthiest vegetables around - so long as they don't get doused with butter, marshmallows, or some other high-calorie holiday sabotage. If roasted - which keeps the flavor very intense without adding fat - sweet potatoes burst with fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and phytochemicals, which ward off aging, cancer, and arthritis. Plus, they're very filling, so you don't have to overload your plate with them.
3.Cranberries
As millions of us reach for cranberry sauce to garnish our turkey and stuffing, few realize we're getting much more than a sweet-tasting accoutrement. Krieger points out that cranberries are loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and their fiber content helps to lower "bad" cholesterol levels. However, because these beautiful berries are naturally low in sugar, many recipes call for large doses of added sweetener. Steer clear of all that sugar and, instead, try adding a sugar substitute like Splenda to keep this side dish healthy, suggests Krieger.
4.Stuffing
This fluffy side is often regarded as one of the most fattening holiday dishes, but with only a few minor adjustments it can actually be a healthy standout. Pack it with nuts, dried fruits, carrots, and celery, and you'll benefit from fiber and a range of vitamins, recommends Krieger. Also, and this is crucial: Use low sodium chicken broth instead of butter to keep the dish moist and low in fat.
5.Pumpkin
It's not Thanksgiving without a slice of pumpkin pie. This veggie is packed with heart-healthy fiber and vitamin A. Plus, says Krieger, because pumpkin is very moist, you don't have to add lots of unhealthy ingredients to make it taste flavorful yet still be low-fat (sub in skim and egg substitutes to make any recipe healthier). A guaranteed way to avoid accidentally gorging on a high-fat dessert? Bring your own pie, so you know what's in it.
6.Red Wine
While wine and cocktails can add needless calories to an already over-the-top meal, wine delivers heart-healthy properties in exchange for its calorie count (about 100 calories per 5-ounce serving). All wine is naturally heart-healthy, but red wines will provide the most antioxidant bang for your calorie buck. And take note: the dryer the wine, the higher the concentration of those disease-fighting properties.

Originally published on FitnessMagazine.com, November 2008.

Eat Better, Spend Less

Check out this awesome article from Fitness Magazine on how to shop smarter, eat better, and spend less at the grocery store. They have some really great tips! Eat Better, Spend Less