Healthy Tips & Recipes to Read Before Thanksgiving

At FHR, we understand that there are many benefits to making healthy eating choices, and they aren't just physical. Eating healthy is just as important to our mental health as it is to our physical health. However, this can be especially challenging during the holiday season.

Try our staff suggested recipes and tips for a healthier Thanksgiving this year:

Sugarless Cranberry Sauce Ingredients: - 2 bags of fresh cranberries (usually sold in 12 ounce bags) - 3/4 cup pineapple juice or orange juice (I recommend pineapple!) - 1/2 cup of applesauce (no sugar added) - 1/2 cup of water - Juice and zest of 1 orange - 3-4 tablespoons of honey or to taste (optional) Preparation: - Put cranberries, pineapple juice, applesauce, and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil - Keep on medium heat, stirring constantly until the cranberries begin to burst (about 10-15 minutes) - Reduce to a simmer and pour the juice and zest over cranberry mixture - Simmer 10-15 minutes and remove from heat - Cool completely and store in fridge at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before serving - Note: This is not as sweet as store versions! Taste at the end of cooking. Add more honey or Stevia to taste if needed - Bethany J., Delaware (via Wellness Mama)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Ingredients: - 2 teaspoons canola oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 pound halved brussels sprouts Preparation: - Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees - Combine canola oil, black pepper, salt, and brussels sprouts on a jelly-roll pan - Bake at 425 degrees for 17-20 minutes, stirring once - Jennifer L., Massachusetts (via Cooking Light)

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 Tips:

- Mashed sweet potatoes! They're a healthier alternative because they are sweet and do not need butter, milk, or salt! - Ashley R., Maine

- Using skim or fat free evaporated milk in your recipes will cut down on the calories. We had this discussion in our Day Program today, and an individual recommended to stick to portion sizes. Another alternative is pumpkin instead of pecan pie. A slice of pumpkin pie is about 270 calories, while pecan pie is about 800! And the pumpkin is an antioxidant and a vegetable! - Sherri G., Maine

- Some healthy recipe substitutions: instead of using whole eggs, use egg whites. If one of your favorite dishes calls for sour cream, you can use low-fat plain yogurt or low-fat sour cream. Use skim milk or 1% in the place of whole milk. Some of us love to have ice cream with our favorite pie, but we can substitute frozen yogurt. - Sonya W., North Carolina

- Staff in Virginia suggest preparing Green Bean Almondine, and incorporating lots of greens and mixed vegetables into your holiday menu

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 The information listed above are the thoughts of individuals and does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of FHR. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.