5 healthy side dishes to bring to Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner is coming up this week and whether you are hosting or just asked to bring a side dish, it is not easy to find recipes that are healthy and easy to do. If you are wracking your brain on what to make this year, here are some fresh takes on Thanksgiving favorites.

Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

This low in calorie version of the sweet potato casserole still packs the taste with crushed pineapples and toasted pecans on top. Make this at home the day before and all you have to do is heat it up on Thanksgiving.

Per serving: 196 calories, 7g fat, 29g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 3g fiber

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Green Bean Casserole

By skipping the canned soup, you will avoid the added fat and sodium usually found in a green bean casserole. Use dry sherry not cooking sherry for this recipe.

Per serving: 212 calories, 10g fat, 23g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 3g fiber

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Mashed Garlicky Potatoes with Portobello Gravy

Vegetarians will love the Portobello gravy which only takes 30 minutes to make. You will need two medium Portobello mushrooms, extra-virgin olive oil, onions, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, water and a few spices.

Per serving: 217 calories, 3g fat, 34g carbohydrates, 4g protein, 3g fiber

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Pear, Prosciutto and Hazelnut Stuffing

You will need 8 cups of stale baguette, 2 Bosco pears and 4 ounces of prosciutto for this stuffing. Tip for added flavor: crisp the prosciutto and toast the hazelnuts.

Per serving: 176 calories, 5g fat, 29g carbohydrates, 9g protein, 6g fiber

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Oven-Roasted Squash with Garlic & Parsley

Any type of winter squash (butternut, buttercup, kabocha or hubbard) works well for this recipe. For less stressful cooking time, cut up the squash ahead of time.

Per serving: 104 calories, 3g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 6g fiber

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