You don't have to gain weight just because it's the holiday season. And Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to be so fattening. Try making a few changes to your basic Thanksgiving recipes, and see how you can reduce calories and fat, for a healthier dinner.

1. Avoid buying a "self-basting" turkey, most of these are injected with fat and sodium, making them much less healthy. Instead, baste your turkey using it's own juices or broth.

2. Prepare your stuffing outside of the turkey; stuffing cooked inside the turkey will absorb a lot of unwanted fat.

3. Forgo the brown sugar and marshmallow topping on sweet potatoes, instead use a little honey or maple syrup.

4. Use skim milk in your mashed potatoes, and try replacing the butter with chicken broth.

What tips or recipes do you recommend for a healthier Thanksgiving dinner?

Also See:

Make Your Recipes A Little More Healthy

Say No To Soda and Empty Calories

Eat Soup and Lose Weight

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan, Capessa Health, Women4Hope