Eat This, Not That: Thanksgiving Edition

November 20, 2018

It’s more than okay to fill your plate up with #allthefood at Thanksgiving dinner, but certain dishes can make the post-holiday slump all too real in dance class the next day. To combat that sleepy, too-full feeling, try swapping a few Thanksgiving staples for lighter (but just as flavorful!) options.

Eat This: Baked sweet potato with brown sugar


Thinkstock

Not That: Vegetable casserole

Traditional casseroles can be loaded with cream of mushroom soup, breadcrumbs, and butter—which will make you feel sluggish. Instead, dig into a vitamin B6, fiber, and protein-loaded sweet potato, topped with brown sugar and melted butter for added deliciousness.

Eat This: Homemade cranberry sauce


Not That: Canned cranberry sauce

Standard canned cranberry sauce can have anywhere from 24 to 53 grams of sugar. If you’re making cranberry sauce from scratch, you’re in control of the ingredients. Use fresh cranberries, orange juice, apple cider, and a pinch of sugar. The sauce will be full of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Eat This: White turkey meat and some crispy skin


Not That: Dark meat turkey leg with fatty skin

Turkey skin can be a good source of healthy fat, and a great source of flavor. Grab 3 ounces of white meat (the size of a deck of cards) for a punch of low-fat, energy-producing protein. Too much dark meat can make you drowsy.

Eat This: Pumpkin Pie


Not That: Pecan pie

The high sugar content of pecan pie makes pumpkin a healthier, equally satisfying alternative. Pumpkin pie is packed with potassium, vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene.

A version of this story appeared in the November 2018 issue of
Dance Spirit with the title “Eat This, Not That: Thanksgiving Edition.”