United Supermarkets Dietician Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving

We don't even want to research how many calories the traditional Thanksgiving dinner has. We don't want to ruin those pies, pumpkin bread, and casseroles slathered in gravy or butter.

Or the storied tradition of eating all the leftovers in the following days.

But for those looking for a healthier holiday (or to at least limit the overindulgence), the United Supermarkets dietitian team has ideas to help you maintain your goals while enjoying the festivities. (Many of these work for any holiday tradition, so bookmark this article for Christmas and New Year's, too.) Here are just a few:

1) Look for smart substitutions. Maybe you could swap baked apples for apple pie. Or traditional mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower. Or even do half mashed potatoes and half mashed cauliflower. Find more ideas here.

2) Check in with yourself and use smaller plates to encourage mindful eating. United Supermarkets dietitians offer some tips for avoid overeating while still satisfying cravings. Click here to read them.

3) Don't forget to use the lifestyle tags while shopping. United Supermarkets dieticians have placed 26 types of tags around the stores identifying products that are helpful for certain lifestyles or health goals. They include carb-conscious, no added sugar, low sodium, low-fat, dairy-free, and high protein. These tags can help you make smart substitutions, especially when shopping for items you only buy around the holidays.

4) Skip sugary drinks. Often, plenty of sugar and empty calories hide in cocktails, tasty coffee concoctions, and more. If you enjoy alcohol, you can try mixing it with Olipop sodas, seltzers, kombucha, or muddled fruit in your water. Those make great non-alcoholic options, too!

5) Enjoy your favorites in moderation. Resist the urge to become the dessert police, both for you and your children. You want to avoid feelings of shame surrounding food, and eating in moderation is a great way to avoid overindulging. One serving is great; 10 servings perhaps is not.

United Supermarkets website is chock-full of recipes and blogs to help you make the most of the holidays. May this whole holiday season be both happy and healthy for you and yours!