'It's not a diet, it's a new way of living': Some tips for those hoping for a healthier Turkey Day

Thanksgiving dinner is about much more than the turkey. There's all the stuffing, other sides, and sauces. The pies and other desserts. It's certainly not a day known for dieting.

"I throw that to the wind, because everyone has their favorites," Nilda Caron, who lives in South Whitehall Township, said.

When it comes to Thanksgiving feasting, many of us don't hold back. After all, it is just one day.

"It's an all-out day," Lisa Dupre, from Allentown, "we have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner we serve every year."

But others say they've worked hard on their diet, and don't want to crash it.

Paige Nester and Sharron Ricglane are managers at Weis Markets in Allentown. They've been on a dietary journey of healthier eating since January, and plan to stay the course even on Thanksgiving.

"It's not a diet, it's a new way of living," Ricglane said. "Because you don't want to blow it. Your body's not used to all those carbs, you want to stay healthy."

Lyndi Mies is Senior Clinical Regional Dietician for Weis Markets. She says you can at least consider your health on Turkey Day, even without altering your menu. Start with grabbing the tryptophan-filled food itself:

"So protein is a great lean source of protein," she said, "but always try to make part of your plate some sort of vegetable or fruit."

And if you do want to swap in a few ingredients, there's plenty of easy ways to have your meal stay tasty and nutritious.

"Butter is going to have more saturated fat in it, so a good substitute for that is going to be olive oil if you're going to be sauteeing something in a pan or roasting in an oven," Mies said.

You can also use a no-salt added broth or stock to cut down on sodium too.

"If you have people with high blood pressure, that could be something really helpful for them," Mies said.

But don't deny yourself what you want the most.

"Don't be afraid to have some of the dessert, but maybe try to limit it to one or two options," Mies said.

And those trying to stay the healthy course, like Nester and Ricglane:

"Don't overeat," Nester said. "The portions are smaller and more vegetables. And maybe a little try of pie, just to try it."

Weis also happens to have a "Healthy Bites" magazine, and for the November/December there's a whole section for healthy eating options.

For those recipes and more, head here.