Community Corner

Shave Calories from the Holiday Meal

Author Gloria Tsang offers tips in her book, "Go UnDiet."

For those struggling to maintain a healthy weight, the holidays can be a challenge. Is it even possible to make it through Thanksgiving without a huge overdose of fat and calories?

Gloria Tsang, the author of Go UnDiet, says if you plan ahead, you can cut up to 400 calories from your holiday meal. She offers the following tips:

  • Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are usually made with heavy cream and butter. Try using buttermilk instead of cream, and use half the butter you normally use. You'll be surprised how similar they taste. Calories saved: about 90.
  • Cakes and pies: Yes, you can still serve dessert! Try substituting unsweetened applesauce or pureed prunes for half the sugar in your baking recipes. To make your cake even leaner, try substituting egg whites or egg substitute for the eggs in recipes. If the eggs are used as an emulsifier, it’s best to use egg substitute (1/4 cup = 1 egg). Calories saved per 1/8 cake or pie piece: 96.
  • Whipped cream: Cutting whipped cream from a holiday meal seems a bit cruel – but this tasty topping is loaded with fat. Try making your own whipped cream using evaporated milk instead. It offers a similar taste and texture without the fat and guilt. Calories saved per 2 Tbsp serving: 60.
  • Turkey: It's not a holiday meal without the turkey! And believe it or not, turkey is actually a healthy item on your holiday menu. It’s an excellent source of protein, and has the least amount of fat per serving among all meats, if you pass on the skin. Calories saved per serving by skipping the skin: 45–63.
  • Celebratory alcohol: Instead of eggnog, serve champagne or sparkling wine. Calories saved per serving: 100.

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