Yellowknife (Oct 06/04) - The pilgrims may have enjoyed a stuffed turkey with a side of butter-slathered corn and pumpkin pie for dessert, but in a world of low-fat, low-carb dining, is there a place for the traditional turkey dinner anymore?

Jimson Chan, a 16-year veteran chef who now works at the Monkey Tree, will be offering up a variety of dishes for Thanksgiving. - Pamela Corie/NNSL photo

As an alternative to the age-old fare, Jimson Chan, a chef at the Monkey Tree, will be offering a variety of choices this Thanksgiving.

"We do the turkey dinner and many western dishes, but will also offer some Italian dishes, Chinese food and even do special vegetarian dishes," he said.

But for those who could never break the Thanksgiving tradition, is all hope lost for a healthy, yet tasty meal?

"Thanksgiving fare is a healthy meal in itself," said Lori MacMillan, registered dietitian.

"The problem is that we eat too much. Turkey is a very healthy meat and mashed potatoes and dark vegetables are also very good for you."

The key to a healthy meal, according to MacMillan, is to cut down on portion size and all those extras that we don't really need.

"If we skip the gravy, we skip out on the fat and calories of the turkey," she said.

"Pumpkin pie is also a fine dessert, with only a single crust, but if you skip the whipped cream, it makes it that much healthier."

MacMillan said Thanksgiving ham is a fine source of protein as well, and if you throw in a nice long walk after the meal, it helps to balance any overindulgence.

"The key is smaller portions and a good dose of healthy vegetables like broccoli and carrots," she said.

"Everything in moderation and you can't go wrong.