If you are the rest of us pie lovers, you understand the importance of pie on Thanksgiving. In fact, you probably cannot fathom the thought of a Thanksgiving Day meal without the gooey goodness of pie.
Most Americans feel the same way. Whether your pie of choice is pumpkin, sweet potato, or pecan, it is easy to find yourself longing for a second or third piece, even though you are stuffed from all of the turkey and dressing.
Can you relate? If so, you might be reluctant to read that the pies you have been eating for years are the cause for some serious health risks. Each year, we set a new year’s resolution to lose weight and fit into that beloved bathing suit. We work hard for summer and once the season is over, so is the dedication. Fall arrives and all of the sudden candy, snacks, and incredible desserts are set out.
The temptation is almost too much to bear. The calories are even worse. This Thanksgiving, try to start a new tradition for the health and wellness of you and your family. Replace the pies infused with fat, sugar, and calories with healthier alternatives.
Oh, you will still get your pies. But, you will have to make a couple of sacrifices. Don’t worry, the risk is worth the reward.
The first pie you can try is a frozen pumpkin mousse pie. This dessert is incredible for pumpkin lovers. This pie can be whipped up in about two hours, only needing 1o minutes of cook time. To make this pie, you will need gingersnap cookies, raisins, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, and frozen low-fat vanilla ice cream.
The ingredients alone will make your mouth water. It’s amazing how making simple substitutions can transform your life. Don’t stop after Thanksgiving. Throughout the holiday season and into your day-to-day routine, try to change things up by trying healthier recipes and desserts.
Sticking with the pumpkin theme, another pie you can enjoy is the holiday pumpkin pie. Though this pie is closer to the traditional pumpkin pie, it is a healthier version. Don’t be afraid when you hear the word “healthier.” Healthy doesn’t mean it tastes bad, it just means you can enjoy it more!
Holiday pumpkin pie requires ingredients for the crust and the filling. Make note that it is always better to make your own crust. This way, you know exactly what is going in to your meal. For the crust, use whole-wheat pastry flour mixed with all-purpose flour. Add sugar, salt, unsalted butter, canola oil, and ice water. This crust is much better for you than traditional crust, but it tastes the same.
For the filling, use unseasoned pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, low-fat sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt.
Once you’ve cooked your holiday pumpkin pie, you’ll love the feeling of indulging in something sweet and healthy.
