Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for people who strive to be health conscious. Year after year, many of us seem to fall into the pattern of overeating the many rich foods that play a part in this holiday tradition. However, enjoying lighter versions of your favorite foods in moderation will allow you not only to savor the meal, but also enable you to leave the table without feeling uncomfortably stuffed.

Instead, you can feel light and clear, and far better able to enjoy the day and connect with those you love. Best of all, you can have a wonderful celebration without starting on the holiday weight gain roller coaster that so many of us struggle with each year.

Simple modifications can go a long way to saving numerous calories that you may scarcely miss anyway. For starters, skip the high fat appetizers and save your appetite for the main course, or put out a colorful crudité (fresh vegetable) platter with an array of low-fat dips.

With regard to serving turkey for the meal, you probably already know that removing the skin before eating is a key step, as turkey with skin has at least 2.5 times the fat of skinless. Also, you'll recall that white meat is a far better choice than the oilier dark meat.

Opt for grilling, broiling or roasting, and beware of the "self-basting" turkey, as these products have been injected with oil or butter to moisten the meat while it cooks.

According to Molly Siple, R.D., if you usually make gravy at home, consider skipping the turkey fat and white flour version this year, and try a light but luscious onion, herb or mushroom "gravy" instead. Recipes are available upon request.

November's month's featured recipe—Pumpkin Corn Bread—will also make a great addition to your feast. You may wish to start a new tradition altogether, like many families who like to experiment with other entrées periodically, featuring a large vegetable lasagna, Spanish paella, or lavish vegetable Shepherd's pie, instead of turkey.

Including a cornucopia of vegetable dishes will add color and variety to the meal, and create a bountiful feeling. Try an array of roasted vegetables and slow-baked garlic, corn-on-the-cob with a pesto glaze, baked beets, yams drizzled with orange juice and nutmeg (instead of "candied"), or grilled asparagus.

Refresh the palate with a large salad of mixed baby greens, diced green apples, and pecans topped with a light raspberry vinaigrette.

The possibilities are endless! Your guests will think it all very lavish, and you'll feel great about your healthy offerings.

Of course, dessert is the undoing of many of us, but it needn't be, especially if you're willing to broaden your culinary horizons a bit. Instead of the usual pumpkin and pecan pies this year, consider a fresh fruit tart, carrot cake, gingerbread, low-fat cookies with a lovely fruit platter, sherry-poached pears, fresh berries drizzled with liqueur over low-fat frozen yogurt or soy ice cream, or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Astound your friends and family with your delightful innovations and start a new trend. If you choose to serve the typical pies, opt for those with one crust instead of two for major fat and calorie savings, and top with low-fat frozen yogurt instead of whipped cream.

The main idea is to recognize that adding more nutritious fare and trimming back on fat doesn't have to diminish your enjoyment. On the contrary: these clever modifications will help you feel better in mind, body and spirit, while falling right in line with a luscious feast and festive revelry for all.

If you would like additional information, recipes, or wellness-related book recommendations, please contact Kiki Powers at kiki@aboutnhs.com.