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Healthier Thanksgiving Meal

Anne Kolker • MS, Registered Dietitian • Oct 30, 2011

holiday eating healthy foods for children

Thanksgiving time again and time to plan the big family get together. Everyone is looking forward to a delicious festive meal.

And with a little changes in your shopping and cooking, you can also promote healthy foods and choices.

It isn't too hard to keep children on track with healthy habits while enjoying a wonderful holiday meal. There are some easy ways that you can promote a healthy holiday meal for the entire family.

Kids are also learning about the importance of helping prepare for a healthy Thanksgiving on their Explorer’s page

Quick Thanksgiving Nutrition Facts And Tips To Keep Your Family Healthy

thanksgiving holiday meal eating healthy family

This holiday season is a great time to take steps to keep your family healthy. Kids are developing their habits through the daily experiences. Since Thanksgiving is the kick off for the holiday season, demonstrate healthy holiday habits. This Thanksgiving you can teach the kids how to prepare for Thanksgiving by making healthy choices.

Don’t forget breakfast. Start the morning with a healthy pumpkin smoothie.
Don’t starve. Avoid trying to save your appetite for dinner or you will tend to overeat.
Cook with natural ingredients. The first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 had no processed foods and no access to sugar
Shop smart. Buy fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables for a better price such as squash, carrots, turnips, and pumpkins.
Go for Veggies! Cook healthier, low calorie seasonal vegetables for a nutrient packed meal.
Cook healthy. Look for healthier substitutes for your recipes by substituting whole grains and low fat items whenever possible. See our list of Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Substitutions.
Think out of the box! Consider fish or a vegetarian meal for your main entree.
Start the festivities with healthy choices. Offer some tasty and healthy appetizers with low fat dips to keep the calories down!
Use low fat creams for soups and desserts.
Get moving! After dinner, get the family active with fun indoor or outdoor activities.
Don’t beat yourself up! If you feel like your family forgot their healthy habits, then just get the family back on the healthy track.