Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends to celebrate Canada's bounty. And, who doesn't love 'gobbling' up roast turkey with all the trimmings?

Did you know?

• A typical Thanksgiving dinner contains about 3000 calories?

• The average person would have to walk approximately.

• 48 km to burn those calories!

A traditional family feast requires a lot of preparation, cutting into quality time with your loved ones. This year, downsize your Thanksgiving menu; it will keep your waistline in check and you'll have more time with your guests.

• Freshen up your appetizer selection by serving colourful vegetables; for example hollow out cucumber rounds or cherry tomatoes and stuff with your favourite Summer Fresh Hummus.

• Warm a store-bought, low-calorie puréed soup to serve as an elegant starter. Garnish with a dollop of Summer Fresh Dip -- no one will know it isn't homemade!

• Roast, grill or poach lean, skinless turkey breast instead of cooking the whole bird. Cook it a day ahead and gently re-warm before serving with a flavourful condiment like Summer Fresh Cranberry Bruschetta -- you won't even miss the gravy.

• Boost fibre by replacing mashed potatoes with multi-grain pilaf such as Summer Fresh Multi-grain Salad or Wheatberry Salad; warm gently before serving.

• Exchange heavy vegetable casseroles for tender-crisp steamed vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, beets, green beans or Brussels sprouts tossed with just a hint of butter or olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

• Celebrate the autumn harvest in a healthier way by serving make-ahead desserts such as poached pears or a wholesome fruit crumble instead of pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving in 2010!