Thanksgiving week is upon us. If you’re like me, then you are really excited about all the yummy treats we get to eat this week. But you may also be cringing thinking of the week’s worth of food we pack into one meal. Here are some simple food substitutes you can use to make that Thanksgiving meal healthier.

1. Use organic milk instead of regular milk. This automatically eliminates a huge source of added hormones.
2. Grind your own flour to use in your baked goods. It can be used in muffins, cinnamon rolls, pie crusts and cakes.
3. Substitute coconut oil for butter. 1=1 ratio.
4. Use local, farm-fresh eggs or substitute ground flax. Bob’s Red Mill also makes an Egg Replacer.
5. Instead of sugar, use a raw whole cane sugar or turbinado. It adds a richer flavor to your food, while keeping things a little healthier.
6. Avoid the holiday ham. Pig meat is pumped with a lot of excess chemicals and preservatives, so you are a lot better off avoiding it altogether. A venison roast and even a turkey are both better choices.
7. Choose Whole Grain Rolls. If you can’t make your own rolls, then go for the whole grain option. Be careful when selecting a “multigrain” option, as this label is very deceiving, and sometimes only means a bleached bread was sprinkled with a second type of grain. Find out how you can make your own whole wheat bread without a bread machine.
8. Cook your pumpkin puree for pumpkin pie, instead of using the canned stuff. Your pumpkin pies will be more nutrient-dense, and won’t contain any added preservatives.

 What are some of your ideas for food substitutes that will make your Thanksgiving meals healthier?