Since the holiday season is so busy for us here at Tiny Prints, we definitely understand the urge to sacrifice nutrition for comfort during the busy fall and winter months. But this year, it’s easier than ever to create a healthy Thanksgiving menu that will leave everyone satisfied without skimping on nutrition. Here are some fresh new ideas to get you started:

Turkey Talk

Instead of cooking a whole turkey this year, trim down the fat (and leftovers!) by making this recipe for a Turkey Breast Roulade with Apple Cider Gravy from the Food Network.

Switched-Up Sides

You can still have your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes without going overboard on carbs and calories. Just try a few of these simple swaps:

• Replace a classic green bean casserole with Good Housekeeping’s Healthy Green Beans with Garlic

• Combine the taste of candied yams with the texture of mashed potatoes by making Food Network’s Mashed Sweet Potatoes. You’ll cut out unnecessary sugar from your meal without losing any flavor!

• Swap out traditional stuffing for this beautiful Whole Grain Apple-Fennel Stuffing from Good Housekeeping. This dish has so much flavor, your family will hardly notice the switch to hearty healthy whole grains!

The Dish on Dessert

• These Maple-Pumpkin Custards from Eating Well are a light way to get that sweet pumpkin taste you crave without piling on the pounds!

Even if I didn’t have food allergies, I would still be one of those people who frantically checks labels in the grocery store. I’m not obsessed with eating healthy so much as knowing what I’m putting into my body—being informed seems like the first step toward making healthy choices!

With so much processed food available today, it can be hard to sort through the mess and find something delicious, healthy and not bursting with ingredients you can’t pronounce.

That’s why I love the idea of Element Bars. Not only can you easily access nutrition information about all their most popular creations (including Chocolate Nut Pie, Apricot Protein and Pumpkin bars), you can completely customize your own bar to include only the specific ingredients you like.

If you don’t know where to start, visit the site to take the What’s Your Element? quiz and find out what your personality dictates that you would like. Mine came out to be oats with honey and M&Ms. Yum!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle in 1862 in which only a few thousand Mexican soldiers managed to defeat more than twice their numbers in invading French troops. As a symbol of national pride for many Mexican Americans, Cinco de Mayo offers a chance to share some Mexican culture with your family.

For some cute craft ideas, along with some delicious Mexican food recipes, check out the links below:

Kaboose has some great ideas for both crafts and tasty treats. You and your kids can make your own mini-sombreros, mariachi guitars or dancing Mexican dolls. Then whip up some fajitas for a scrumptious way to finish off your family fiesta!

Family Fun also has a few charming ideas for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, including these cute little sombrero cookies and bark paintings.