Overview
- Registered dietitian Stephanie Schiff details a lower-sodium gravy: roast with low-sodium broth and aromatics, chill drippings to skim fat, then thicken with cornstarch or potato starch and add mushrooms.
- Skip sugary canned cranberry sauce by making a version with half the usual sugar, optional stevia, walnuts and orange zest, noting a quarter-cup of jellied sauce can carry 24 grams of added sugar.
- Lighten mashed sides by swapping potatoes for mashed cauliflower, turnips or parsnips to reduce carbohydrates and boost fiber while keeping a similar texture.
- Make stuffing more nutritious with whole-grain bread, plenty of vegetables and herbs, half the butter, and low-sodium broth for moisture, with turkey drippings added after baking.
- Choose skinless turkey for lean protein and B vitamins, prioritize vegetables on the plate, and take a brisk post-meal walk to help manage blood sugar.