Make Some Simple Swaps to Cut Calories and Stay Cruelty-Free This Thanksgiving

Despite leaving the turkeys to roam free, does Thanksgiving still mean stuffing your face?

We thought so.

This time of year tends to mark the beginning of a holiday season that ends with a brutal wake-up call January 2nd: a cringe-worthy number on the scale, a puffier body and a holi-daze hangover that only a New Year’s cleanse can rectify. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing this Thanksgiving. With these "trade" secrets you can celebrate, eat and be merry without paying for it with extra pounds later on.

Trade #1: Calories

Yes, you are fabulous and yes, you deserve all the goodness in the world. But no matter who you are and what you aren’t putting on the table for Thanksgiving, it doesn't mean you can go overboard in other areas.

Identify where you will get your carbs, proteins, fats and then add non-starchy vegetables to fill up the rest of your plate on Turkey Day. If you have three favorite carbs, reduce your portion size of each to have one to two servings total.

Need help? Download this free Nutrition Plan to see where your holiday foods fit into this equation.

Trade #2: Preparation

You got in your workout, you’ve been eating well all week and you even logged in some extra z's to prepare for Thanksgiving festivities – congrats, you’ve started the preparation trade! Add these trades to reduce body puffiness without compromising on taste.

Trade regular vegetable broth or canned soup for ½ water and ½ low sodium, organic veggie broth. Also, add plenty of fresh spices instead of salt.

Use avocado and banana in your desserts for added potassium that will pump water directly into your cells.

Trade your old pots and pans for stainless steel 360 cookware - pans that require only a splash of water. Cook at low heat to keep all the nutrients (and taste) in your veggies.

Trade #3: Fat

Before you start bitching, we aren’t suggesting you skip your fatty favorites, but you can make some trades so that you get the biggest flavor bang without the guilt trip.

Instead of gravy, try making cashew chili lime vinegar dressing using fresh lime juice and chili flakes. Blend with just a few soaked cashews for a creamy texture.

Roast your vegetables instead of frying them to trade out the extra fat in the pan (and on your backside). Make a yummy marinade with mustard and vinegar to add some flavor without the calories.

Trade #4: Sweets

Yeah, we know we can swap out sugar for stevia or use real fruit instead of jam, but then our holiday treats start to look like a diet gone horribly wrong - and that’s no winning trade. Relax. Have some sugar, sweetie. Use organic coconut palm sugar, organic sugar and other quality sweeteners – but account for your sweet and skip the added sugars where they don’t belong.

Serving a loaf of bread or buying a store-bought cranberry sauce? Check the labels for added sugars often used to preserve flavor and shelf life.

Cooking with fruits or baking starchy veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots - and the recipe calls for sugar? When we cook these foods, their natural sugars unlock to make your recipe naturally sweet - no added sugar required.

Making a salad that calls for dried fruit and candied nuts? The dried fruit is the candy, my dear. Plus, nuts like cashews and macadamias already have a sweeter profile.

Trade #5: Alcohol

Oh, how a gathering of friends and family can make a girl want to drink. Whether it’s to celebrate good times or to just make it through the madness, watch yourself on the alcohol.

Offset the booze calories by skipping the pie (or only have a bite), passing on the potatoes and having more greens. Or, just eat less of everything to make room for a drink or two.

Monitor your intake closely and get away from the food as soon as you start sipping. Don't become friends with the nut bowl - you'll regret it.

Remember that other sugary drinks may not have the impairment effect that alcohol can, but they still add calories. Go with lemon water instead of lemonade and flavored sparkling water instead of sparkling cider or grape juice. Opt for decaf tea or coffee when the meal is over.

Trade #6: Leftovers

Loved the treats you had and want to have them again? And again? And again? Wrong. A holiday is one day, so say bye- bye to your treats by trading your indulgent leftovers for a fresh start. Donate the food that remains to a shelter, a food bank, a religious group, your family or even to a farm for compost. Start your weekend with a renewed commitment to health and a looooong workout.

How do you make your Thanksgiving healthier and cruelty-free? Let us know in the comments section below!

Have a question for Ashley? Email us at info@healthybitchdaily.com and we'll get your questions answered.

Ashley Koff, R.D., Resident Dietitian
Named among the Top 10 Registered Dietitians in the U.S. by Today’s Dietitian Magazine, Koff appears regularly on national media outlets, including Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health, CNN, AOL and E!. Koff is also the dietitian for espnW, and the featured dietitian on the CW’s “Shedding for the Wedding” and Lifetime’s “Love Handles.” Koff maintains a private practice, regularly lectures, and works to improve the quality of food choices on the sets of popular shows such as Private Practice, CSI: New York, Big Love, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Bones. Her book, Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged (Hay House, 2011), hits stands later this summer. For more information please visit AshleyKoffRd.com.