Have a Guilt-Free Thanksgiving Dinner

While overeating for one day won’t destroy your healthy diet, weight watchers may feel a tinge of guilt as they overindulge while giving thanks.

If you’re the cook, these easy ways to reduce fat content will make your dinner healthier while not sacrificing flavor.

• Instead of basting the turkey with fat, rub a little olive oil on it when you place it in the oven. Later, baste with defatted chicken stock combined with apple juice.
• Take most of the fat out of the gravy. Pour the juice and drippings into a large plastic cup. With a gravy ladle, skim most of the fat off. You should be able to skim off 80 or 90 percent of it, and your gravy will still have a rich flavor.
• For recipes that call for cream, substitute nonfat evaporated milk. You won’t notice the difference in your pumpkin pie.
• Put skim milk in mashed potatoes instead of whole milk and skip the butter. Your guests will put gravy on them anyway, and the flavor comes from the gravy.
• If your dressing calls for a lot of butter, moisten it with stock and some olive oil. If you add onions and celery, no one will notice the difference.
• Offer more colorful vegetable dishes with the main course and more fresh fruit on the dessert table.