COVID-19 Vaccinations available for 5 years old and older - More information here. OUR HOSPITALS 4 Easy and Healthy Sides to Add to Your Thanksgiving Table Share this story: November 22, 2021 Clinical Contributors to this Story Katlyn Cusack MS, RDN, LDN contributes to topics such as Nutrition. The holidays can be filled with lots of laughter, love and joy, but also accompanied by hefty calories and temporary passes on healthy habits. We connected with registered dietitian, Katlyn Cusack MS, RDN, LDN, to share some of her favorite thanksgiving sides and some healthy tips for this holiday season. Easy Healthy Side Dish Recipes Roasted Vegetables Kale Salad Pumpkin Soup Spinach Dip 5 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving Explore the Variety of Seasonal Produce: What foods come to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Probably turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, right? But, there’s so much healthy seasonal produce available during this time of the year. Try featuring foods like squash, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, apples, carrots, cranberries, pumpkin and pomegranates on your Thanksgiving table. Modify and Experiment: Try to alter your favorite recipes by replacing those ‘not so healthy’ ingredients with healthier options. For example, using applesauce instead of oil can decrease the fat and calorie content significantly. Also, adding extra seasonal vegetables to any dish can increase the nutrient content of the food. Make Time for Physical Activity: Thanksgiving Day is a great time to get outside with friends and family. Try a family football game or walk around the neighborhood. Exercise will help offset some of the calories consumed at the Thanksgiving table. Watch What you Drink: You can really curb the amount of calories you consume by limiting sweetened and alcoholic beverages. Try seltzer and lime or water to help save calories for the feast. Indulge a Little and Enjoy a Lot: Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, therefore it is important to enjoy, laugh and EAT! Embrace the cornucopia of delicious food and the value of time spent with family and friends. Next Steps & Resources: To make an appointment with our dietitian Katlyn, or a dietitian near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. Learn about nutritional counseling at Hackensack Meridian Health Is a Plant-based Diet Right for You? Spinach and bean soup recipe The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care. eNewsletter Sign up to receive the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender Male Female Unspecified Popular Stories Can Heart Failure Be Reversed? Hackensack Meridian Cardiologists Using Shockwave to Improve Heart Disease Treatment 6 Reasons You Many Need Pelvic Floor Rehab 4 Easy and Healthy Sides to Add to Your Thanksgiving Table John Theurer Cancer Center Takes the Top Spot and Prize in the 2021 Breeders Crown... You May Also Be Interested In Articles and Videos, Cardiac / Heart Health, Featured, Health Topics Can Heart Failure Be Reversed? Heart failure is one of the top killers in the United States, claiming about 380,000 lives every year. But while… Articles and Videos, Cardiac / Heart Health, Featured, Health Topics 4 Early Signs of Heart Failure You Can’t Ignore Everyone gets short of breath once in a while. But if it happens when you’re not exercising or dashing around… Articles and Videos, Cardiac / Heart Health, Featured, Health Topics, Wellness Worst Foods to Eat for Your Health If you haven’t thought about whether or not the foods that you consume are truly nourishing you, take time to… Articles and Videos, COVID-19, Featured, Health Topics Could You Be Suffering From Long COVID? While most people recover from COVID-19 after a few weeks, others continue to suffer long after the virus no longer…