By Shannon Sarna

'Tis almost the official season of overeating, and Thanksgiving really kicks off the whole affair. Like so many things in America, Thanksgiving can be a bit overblown. A special turkey dinner with sides becomes a five-course meal. We add turkey-shaped cheese balls, two hours of appetizers or even extend the affair all day to begin with brunch, snacks all afternoon, the traditional dinner, and continue the feast well into the evening with dessert and coffee and more drinks.

I actually really love Thanksgiving -- what a special opportunity to literally breathe, reflect upon gratitude and spend time with family. And I especially adore the traditional foods of the holiday. They evoke some serious childhood memories for me, as I imagine they do for many of you. But in the case of dishes like mashed potatoes, pecan pie or sweet potato casserole, they can be packed with a lot of extra fat, sugar and salt.

I never advocate for cutting out entire food groups all together, or even the things you love, but I do believe that simple ingredients reign supreme over complicated dishes, and quality over quantity will produce more satisfying results -- moderation in everything is the key. Eat small portions of the richer dishes, and load your plate with protein and lots of veggies. There really can be balance between the comforting dishes we love throughout the holiday season, and healthful, real foods that our body still needs.

We may not be in the height of summer produce, but brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, winter greens and pears are in season, at least throughout the Northeast, where I live. Adding some simple roasted vegetable dishes and big green salads gives you and your guests additional options for dining and allows you all the chance to get in a hearty serving of green veggies even while indulging.

Even if people like soda, I literally never serve it when I entertain. I will put out pitchers of water with lemon and mint, or homemade iced tea. (You can also buy unsweetened iced tea at most supermarkets). I love cheesy appetizers or things wrapped in puff pastry (who doesn’t!?), but I also love making sure there is a big platter of cut-up veggies with some simple hummus or dips. Whole Foods has a great variety that aren’t laden with extra oil or preservatives, including a beautifully hued beet hummus.

And while pumpkin pies, cheesecakes, pastries and sugar cookies arrive in abundance this time of year, you can still make a lightened up dessert with my apple challah bread pudding. This version is even parve! Of course you can use a store-bought whole wheat challah loaf or you can go the extra mile and make your own with a recipe like my honey whole wheat challah.

I love this time of year for the ample opportunities we have to gather with friends and family.  Let us be thankful for our families, health, and the ability to make healthful choices about our food on holidays like Thanksgiving and every day. The better we treat our bodies today will mean more celebrations of gratitude for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving, friends! 

Shannon Sarna is Hadassah's food guru and the spokesperson for Every Bite Counts: Hadassah's Nutrition Program. She is editor of The Nosher, and her writing and recipes have been featured in Tablet Magazine, JTA News, The Jewish Week, Joy of Kosher Magazine and Buzzfeed. "Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More," her new book, was released in September 2017. 

Every Bite Counts Library

12 Diabetes-Friendly Recipes That Will Please Your Palate

Not only are these recipes heart-friendly, they’re also simple to prepare. Check them out here...

EXPLORE ›

5 Ways to Lighten Up Your Hanukkah Celebrations

A little indulgence can go a long way, but you can still make some slight adjustments to keep the...

EXPLORE ›

Citrus Ginger Honey-Glazed Salmon with Whole Grain Rice and Sugar Snap Peas

Satisfying, it’s a snap to make!

EXPLORE ›

Couscous Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Caps with Mozzarella

Enjoy this fun, filling take on stuffed mushrooms.

EXPLORE ›

Tuna Niçoise in Lettuce Cups

This recipe transforms a traditional salad into a fun wrap.

EXPLORE ›

Ooh La Latkes: Hanukkah Toppings from Around the World

Michele Weiner-Merbaum, Atlanta-based caterer and Hadassah Life member, shows how to bring an...

EXPLORE ›

Vegetable and Goat Cheese Phyllo Pie

Who says pie can’t be both healthy and delicious?

EXPLORE ›

Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes & Cucumber

Spice up your salad with this recipe. Easy to prepare and high in vegetable protein.

EXPLORE ›

Roasted Salmon with Yogurt Dill Sauce and Baked Cheesy Quinoa with Pesto

Watch Julie Ohana teach you how to make these delectable dishes, perfect for Shavuot or...

EXPLORE ›

Blackened Fish with Strawberry Kiwi Salsa

Add an exciting kick to the classic dish, ready in under 10 minutes.

EXPLORE ›

Massaged Kale Salad

This recipe turns a simple green salad into a flavorful, filling meal.

EXPLORE ›

White Bean and Tomato Bruschetta Salad

Ready in 10 minutes or less, this recipe makes a tasty starter for any meal.

EXPLORE ›

Apple Nachos

Staying healthy doesn’t mean staying away from your favorite snacks. This recipe works perfectly...

EXPLORE ›

French Style Bean Stew

You’ll love this international take on bean stew, savory and chock-full of nutrients.

EXPLORE ›

Teriyaki Salmon with Cauliflower Rice

This impressive-looking dish combines delicious flavor with heart-healthy nutrients.

EXPLORE ›

Eggplant, Cheese and Tomato Bake

Bring a colorful array of veggies to your table with this recipe — hearty and heart-healthy.

EXPLORE ›

NEW Recipe Cards

These gorgeous recipe cards are diabetes-friendly and delicious. Print *DOUBLE SIDED in COLOR*...

EXPLORE ›

The Picky Eater Challenge: Just Try This

7 Tips for Healthy, Delicious Family Dinners

EXPLORE ›

A Sweet and Healthy New Year & You

Lighten up your Rosh Hashanah menu with Hadasah food guru Shannon Sarna's Slow Cooker Tangy...

EXPLORE ›

On the Grill: Peachy Goodness with Mascarpone

Not everything that goes on the grill needs to be heavy. This week, why not turn up the heat on...

EXPLORE ›

 

       

Jobs Financials Privacy Statement Terms & Conditions

 

© 2024 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah, the H logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.