(11/2019) Over the past several years I have written a Thanksgiving Dinner article with suggestions and recipes for a healthy holiday meal. I am still interested in finding new and healthy foods to add to the traditional turkey, ham, stuffing and veggies and of course pumpkin and apple pie but thought I would go a different direction this time.

Today's holiday gatherings have become more casual for some families. A buffet is sometimes the way to go when everyone is so busy and has more than one house to visit for the holiday meal. You can fix some of the food a day or so ahead and heat it up or serve cold. Crock pots are a great way to keep foods hot without drying out or over cooking them. A hardy autumn soup or stew with some home baked warm bread or muffins will hit the spot and can be served whatever time your guests arrive.

A healthy tray of fresh veggies with a low sugar dip is also a great way to serve good for you foods that are ready all day long. Most people like veggies and dip and they can choose the ones they like best. Sometimes the kids only like a few vegetables but when you add the dip they seem to eat a better variety.

Keeping with the traditional turkey and ham, these can be served for sandwiches. Everyone likes the leftovers after Thanksgiving, this way you can start with them in a sandwich. Today many people are going carb free and don't eat as much bread so you can serve the meat along and they can choose their favorite side dishes to go with it. Another dish that can be kept warm and served when people arrive is a turkey or ham casserole. You can add vegetables like peas and carrots and have a complete meal in one dish. You need to enjoy the holiday too, so make it a little easier on yourself. A friend just told me they did a buffet last year, it went really well and will probably do it again.

I don't have any changes to the pumpkin and apple pies. Dessert always seems to be allowed on Thanksgiving. Of course, these can be made a day ahead so you can share quality time with your family and still have dessert. Maybe they are eating at someone else's house and coming to yours for dessert. If that is the case you may want to make a few other family favorites like apple cake, sweet potato pie or whatever is traditional for your family. Today there a lot of recipes with less carbs and calories. Check the internet for substitutes and make a healthier version of their favorites.

Whatever your holiday has in store, I hope you have a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to take a walk or get some type of physical activity after dinner, You'll be glad to share the time with the people you love and you'll feel better after a big meal.

If you have any questions or need help getting started, please call me at
717-334-6009, or via e-mail at fitness@emmitsburg.net