oven-roasted, grilled or steamed vegetables, baked squash and a tossed green salad.
Dressing is also in the side-dish category—it too can be more wholesome if you use a little less butter or margarine, sodium-reduced broth and whole-grain bread or brown rice, depending on the type of dressing you’re making.
You may also boost the flavor with minced garlic, smoked paprika or smoked pepper.
Main Dishes
Turkey is the star attraction on most tables; however, it can also be joined by roast beef or ham. These are protein foods without any carbohydrates. Limit servings to 3 to 4-ounce portions.
If turkey is your main-dish choice, go for roasted turkey and not deep-fried. Choose turkey breast which is lower in fat than the drumstick or thigh, and removing the skin also reduces the calories. If gravy is on the must-have list, limit it to a couple of tablespoons or half a ladle of gravy.
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Dessert
Now, this may be your weakness, and it is where many folks slip up. Don’t deny yourself dessert, choose bite-size or personal portion sizes; this will trim calories and can be much easier to serve. Skip the added whipped topping, and if eggnog is in the picture, pour a juice-size glass or make the eggnog your dessert in place of cake or pie.
Beverages
Drink plenty of ambient or sparkling water. Add a slice of lemon, lime or orange to give it a touch of citrus flavor. If the beverage is an “adult” libation, avoid mixed punches or cocktails.
Go with a light beer or one or two glasses of white or red wine.
Though the holiday may look different, you can share the meal by dropping off a couple of plates to family members who are not joining you for dinner, sharing your healthwise recipes, having a virtual toast via phone or by computer with Zoom.
The goal is to share fellowship as best you can be thankful, safe and healthy.