A Thoughtful Thanksgiving: Southern Edition

By Eboni Poole, MPH

Family, football, and Black Friday frenzies are exciting aspects of Thanksgiving, but let’s face it – we’re all excited about the food.  While many of the dishes are mouthwatering, some of the foods we tend to indulge in aren’t always healthy. A traditional Southern Thanksgiving meal is historically high in fat, sodium, and sugar. With a few simple changes we can increase the nutritional value of our dinner spread.  Adding vegetables, using oil or unsalted butter instead of regular butter or margarine, substituting white flour for whole wheat flour, and replacing high sodium seasonings with fresh herbs are some simple steps we can take to create a healthier Thanksgiving meal. Incorporating these simple alterations will increase nutrients (ex: Vitamin K, Potassium, Calcium, and Iron) and decrease salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake. Let's Move Pittsburgh encourages you to challenge yourself and make healthy swaps to at least two of your dishes this holiday season.

Here are some simple and easy Southern style recipes that are both nutritious and delicious:

             Roasted Parmesean Green Beans                          Creamy Mashed Parsnips       

          Traditional Herbed Roast Turkey                      Cauliflower "Macaroni and Cheese"

Sources and Photo Credit:

EatingWell

Mother Rimmy

Paleo Hacks

Skinny Taste