Make A Lean, Tasty Holiday Meal

It is easy to celebrate the holidays with your health in mind. With a few small menu changes, you can modify traditional holiday menus to lower the calories and fat content. Your friends and family won't even notice the difference, except in their waistlines.

Compare this traditional holiday menu with its leaner version from the American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (3rd ed.):

Original Menu
3 ½ ounces roasted turkey with skin
½ cup stuffing
½ cup broccoli with 2 tbsp. hollandaise sauce
½ cup cranberry relish
1 medium crescent roll
1 slice pecan pie

Total calories: 1,140
Total fat: 50 grams
Leaner Menu
3 ½ ounces skinless, roasted turkey
½ cup wild rice pilaf
½ cup broccoli with lemon juice
¼ cup cranberry relish
1 whole-grain roll
1 slice pumpkin pie

Total calories: 735
Total fat: 20 grams

The leaner version contains less than two-thirds the calories and less than half the fat. Quite a difference with no loss of flavor!

Holiday Recipes:

• Visit Our Holiday Guide's Recipe Section
• Check Out Holiday Recipes From Allrecipes.com