Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  This year I am thankful for my husband, family, friends, and my health!  To stay healthy, I believe it has something to do with the foods I consume on a daily basis, and the fact that I do not deprive myself of foods that my body may be craving and foods that I do not eat on a daily, or even monthly basis.

With this being one of the most feast-ly holidays for people, I want to share some of my go-to tips to have a healthy, yet satisfying Thanksgiving this year.

~When cooking or baking, try using some of these substitutes to keep your foods healthier~

– Plain Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream-  More protein, not as much fat and same consistency!

– Veganaise for Mayonaise- You will get pretty much the same flavor but because it is not made with eggs, you will be consuming less cholesterol.

– Coconut oil for butter- coconut oil is just overall great for everything! It may even aid in weight loss.  Find out more next week when I write about the benefits of Coconut Oil!

– If you still want a buttery taste, or using it for something like an apple crisp, try Earth Balance– which is lactose free, gluten free, and a vegan choice.

– Coconut Sugar instead of regular sugar or brown sugar-  You won’t be consuming the same amount glucose and fructose as you do with the white and brown sugars and it is natural.     Keep in mind, brown sugar is just as bad as white sugar! (You can also use Agave or Honey)

– Organic Apple Sauce instead of eggs when baking-  Three tablespoons of apples sauce for one egg.  It will help bind whatever it is you’re baking and you will not have the cholesterol from the eggs and it keeps the recipe moist.  Make sure whatever applesauce you are using is organic and you read the ingredients, because many companies sneak things in that you do not want in your body.

– Almond milk in place of regular milk- however, start off with a little less than recipe calls for since Almond Milk can be a little more watery than regular milk.

– Rice Pasta instead of regular pasta- Who needs all that gluten and wheat? Can we say tummy ache and lethargic afterwards?!

These are just some substitutions to start with.  Most people can not even taste a different when switching ingredients around, however when doing this, you do need to go in with an open mind because some things do not taste as heavy or thick as you may be use to.  And don’t tell people, I promise you will still get a great reaction to whatever it is you make, and people will not even know they are eating something so much healthier!!

Now I know you won’t be cooking everything, so when it comes time to eat, be conscious of what your putting in your body.  Start with a salad, and always make sure to have 75% vegetables and 25% of everything else on your plate.  And when it comes time for dessert, I am all for it, but be aware of what you are eating.  Take small bites. Chew slowly. Savor the flavor. And be done with it.  No need to eat three different pieces of of pie, maybe three bites of the three pies you want to taste and call it a day! You do not want to leave with your stomach bulging out of your pants!

When using healthier alternatives and paying attention to what you are eating,  your body will notice the difference and thank you for it!  So not only will your waist be thankful this Thanksgiving for eating more consciously, so will your insides! 

Have a safe, happy, healthy, and warm holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!!