We all know that the best part about thanksgiving is indulging into all of our favorite foods. However, even though we treat ourselves a little more we can still make semi-healthy decisions when it comes to our thanksgiving food options. Here is a list of food comparisons that will help you when it comes to picking out what to eat this thanksgiving.

Dark Turkey Meat vs. White Turkey Meat: You do not need to cut turkey meat out of your meal instead of dark turkey meat go for the white turkey meat. Lighter colored meat has less fat and more iron. However, if you really prefer dark meat ditch eating the skin and you are good to go.

Stuffing vs. Rice Pilaf: Stuffing, although delicious can leave you feeling very full since it’s bread-based. Instead, give the option  of rice pilaf that has whole grains. The fiber in the rice will help break down food so you will not be left with a stomach ache later.

Mashed Potatoes vs. Sweet Potatoes: Even though “sweet” potatoes are sweeter, they are actually the healthier alternative compared to regular russet mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes are filled with fibers that help your digestive system. In addition, they have potassium, which is good for your heart.

Canned Cranberries vs. Fresh Cranberries: Although some canned cranberries seem healthy, they still contain many preservatives. Real cranberries are naturally sweet so you do not need to add any extra sugar and they are also extremely easy to make. I like to look up recipes online and read the ingredients before I choose a recipe to make.

Pumpkin Pie vs. Pecan Pie: Pie is necessary for your thanksgiving dessert and between these two options, pumpkin pie is the way to go! Pumpkin is actually a great source of calcium and vitamin a and doesn’t contain as much sugar as pecan pie.

Having a slightly healthier thanksgiving dinner is not impossible. You can still enjoy your favorite foods just by switching up your options a little bit. If you are not able to make the switches because you are visiting a relatives, a simple fix is grab a smaller plate with smaller portions. Always take time to think about what you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the holidays.