Smart Food Swaps for a Healthy Fall and Thanksgiving

Stressing about holiday fare? Have you already overindulged in the Halloween loot and cider? Never fear, the Halloween treats may be gone (or nearly), but clever holiday food tricks can turn a potential diet derailment into a season of bliss. Plus, most of them are easy as apple pie!

Instead of Spinach Dip…

Try: spinach labneh (strained Greek yogurt)
Why: high in protein with no difference in taste or texture from cream cheese! Really.

Instead of Green Bean Casserole…

Try: pan roasted green beans with shallots and turkey bacon
Why: because sophistication tastes good!

Instead of Mashed Potatoes…

Try: mashed cauliflower with garlic and olive oil (or try ½ potato, and ½ cauliflower)
Why: surprisingly creamy but lower in carbs with a slight bite in the taste; therefore, terrific with horseradish and chives

Instead of Candied Yams…

Try: an oven roasted veggie mélange: sweet potatoes, delicata squash, carrots, red onion, and Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil and seasonings and roasted at 400 degrees.
Why: limits your intake of sugar to only those that occur naturally

Instead of Pumpkin Pie…

Try: chocolate pumpkin avocado truffles
Why: no baking required, packed with omega-3s, and a chocolate BOMB that’s satisfying in every way. Plus, they’re a great place to incorporate anti-inflammatory spices like ginger or adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha.

…And Speaking of Chocolate:

If you overindulged on candy this Halloween and think you have to “cleanse” yourself of anything sweet and indulgent for some time, chocolate is your loophole. Chocolate has myriad evidence-based health benefits, including the ability to significantly raise heart-healthy HDL cholesterol.¹ Indeed, the bioactive compounds in chocolate (cocoa, flavan-3-ols) can address an array of cardiovascular risks, including inflammation and insulin resistance.² Just be sure to choose a 70% or higher, organic, and fairly traded chocolate.

Nom, Nom!

~Ally