As a general rule, women should be eating approximately 2,000 calories per day to stay healthy and fit (or up to 2,300 if she’s more physically active) As we creep closer to the holidays and the feasts in which we celebrate them, a problem rears it ugly head. On average, a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner can contain more than 2,000 calories. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that an average woman would be taking in her entire caloric intake in one shot!

Being that it’s pretty unhealthy to eat only one meal per day, we’re going to take a look at some strategies that can help you stay fit through the holidays.

Arman Hareyan has provided a great list of healthy choices to make on EMaxHealth.com including these:

* Choose two slices of skinless turkey breast over a drumstick to save calories and reduce fat and cholesterol.

* Avoid using boxed stuffing mix and, instead, make your own with whole grain bread and turkey or chicken sausage. Increase the nutritional value by incorporating fruits, such as apples, pears, and cranberries, or almonds and walnuts.

* Canned cranberry sauce often contains excess amounts of high-fructose corn syrup. Make your own cranberry sauce by pureeing dried cranberries in orange juice and water, or substitute the sauce with fruit-flavored gelatin.

* Replace candied sweet potatoes with mashed or baked sweet potatoes. Replace heavy cream in the mashed potatoes with low-fat buttermilk and add a vegetable that can be easily mashed, such as turnips or green onion. Olive oil and dried or fresh herbs liven up roasted red potatoes with minimal calories.

* Commonly known as “cocktail franks” or “pigs in a blanket,” bite-sized hot dogs are always a popular appetizer but laden with sodium and fat. Instead, snack on mini quiches for a tasty dose of protein that keeps you full.

* Steer clear of crab cakes, which are typically breaded and deep-fried. Enjoy pieces of steamed or boiled shrimp dipped in cocktail sauce for a calorie-light alternative. (via EMaxHealth)

HealthCastle.com also reminds us that not all holiday foods are evil. They have a great article which highlights delicious  foods like Pumpkin (Rich in Vitamin A and high in fiber), Cranberries (Packed with Vitamin C and also provide a fair amount of dietary fiber and manganese. ), Green Beans (an excellent source of Vitamin C, and Vitamin K) and other holiday staples that are both good and good for you.

Read that whole article here.

Finally check out this video of Winston-Salem WXII reporter Kimberly Van Scoy interviewing Nutritionist Penny Riordan about other Thanksgiving favorites that can be made lower in calorie and healthier for you:

Happy Holidays!