Watch Fat, Add Flavor To Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is a time to embrace your heritage and our shared traditions.

As you plan your shopping list for this much-anticipated holiday meal, add healthy ingredients to make family favorite recipes not only tasty but good for you, too.

For dips, sauces and pie toppings, use nonfat yogurt or fat-free sour cream. Nonfat yogurt works best in dishes that don't require heating. Use yogurt in sauces that need warming to keep the yogurt from separating.
Use egg substitutes in place of whole eggs.
Try evaporated skim milk instead of whole milk.
Use low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth in your mashed potatoes to lighten holiday fat content.
Top casseroles with almonds instead of fried onion rings.
Choose reduced-fat cheeses for salads and casseroles.

Pack your shopping cart with plenty of fresh vegetables like potatoes, both white and sweet, winter squash, broccoli, carrots and green beans. Apples, cranberries and pears combine easily for a tasty salad, fruit crisp or topping for the turkey. Use whole-grain bread and wild rice for the stuffing or as a side dish.