I'm of the opinion that there's nothing wrong with a Thanksgiving meal that's a little over the top. We all understand that it's a special occasion, and that we're preparing much more food than usual. One or two days of gravy or pumpkin pie isn't going to do that much damage.
I'm also a fan, though, of remaking recipes when it's possible to do so without losing a lot of the flavor or texture of the original. Sometimes, it's the challenge of it that's fun.
Here are some links to recipes for Thanksgiving dishes where there are fewer calories, less fat, or use of ingredients that make the dish a little more nutritious:
Turkey and gravy:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/turkey-gravy/RE00130/rss=3
Cornbread and sausage stuffing:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cornbread_sausage_stuffing.html
Old-fashioned turkey stuffing:
http://recipes.kaboose.com/old-fashioned-turkey-stuffing.html
mashed potatoes:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lc_side_dishes/article/0,2041,DIY_14014_2276825,00.html
or
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=59661
Maple-roasted sweet potatoes:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/maple_sweet_potatoes.html
green bean casserole:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=521452
or
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/green_bean_casserole.html
pumpkin pie
http://pies-cookies-squares.suite101.com/article.cfm/healthy_pumpkin_pie_recipe
or
http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/7048
pecan pie
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1545731
Sweet potato pudding and pumpkin custards:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/healthy_thanksgiving_recipes.htm
Good cooking! Is there a recipe here that tempts you? Or a family heirloom recipe that you wish you could make over?