Thanksgiving is all about celebrating and being thankful for what is most important in life, family and friends. Treat your family and friends this year to a healthy Thanksgiving; they deserve the best! Take time to think about the ingredients you are putting in your dishes. The average american adult eats about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving day, says the American Council on Exercise. If what you are eating is loaded with trans fats, saturated fat, sodium and preservatives, then you will be getting even more on this day. Not to mention all the left overs that will have to be eaten the day after Thanksgiving. Consider buying all local foods for your dinner this year. Use these fresh, whole ingredients, and make your dishes from scratch this holiday. It will take a little more time, but it will taste better, and will be healthier for your friends and family.

Here are some ideas for dishes to include in your healthy feast this Thanksgiving:

Main Course:

• Skinless herbed turkey breast
• Pork loin with fig glaze
• Salmon filets with red wine-morel sauce
• Orange roasted duck
• Squash and leek lasagne
• Roasted chicken with lemon
• Mediterranean couscous cabbage rolls
• Acorn squash stuffed with chard and white beans

Side Dishes:

• Romaine and spinach salad with mixed vegetables
• Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and sage
• Maple roasted sweet potatoes
• Cranberry, cherry and walnut marmalade
• Rustic mushroom tart
• Ginger cranberry pilaf
• Cider glazed roots with cinnamon and walnuts
• Low-fat milk creamed onions
• Lemon dill green beans
• Layered mashed potatoes and mushroom casserole
• Roasted acorn squash with cider
• Wild mushroom stuffing

Breads:

• Whole wheat italian herb bread
• Pumpkin bread
• Yam corn bread
• Apple bran muffins
• Cranberry apple oat bread

Desserts:

• Lighter holiday pumpkin pie
• Pear, apple, cranberry tart
• Glazed chocolate-pumpkin bundt cake
• Cranberry upside-down cake
• Maple walnut cake
• Pear crumble
• Riesling baked pears
• Greek yogurt cheesecake with ouzo-poached figs

Drinks:

• Low-fat egg nog
• Pumpkin spiced black tea
• Hot cider
• Spiced turkish coffee
• Red wine
• Low-fat chai tea
• Water

With assistance provided by Colleen Poling