Want to “up” the nutrients on your Thanksgiving table this year? Try adding seafood to your menu.

While seafood may not be one of the first foods that comes to mind when you hear “Thanksgiving,” seafood is beginning to make its way into the turkey-based holiday meal. According to a recent article in the New York Times, lobster is no stranger to the Thanksgiving table of Maine-based chefs.

Seafood is rich in protein, selenium, vitamin D, B vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories and saturated fat, making it the natural accompianent to a calorie- and saturated fat-laden holiday table. In fact,the Calorie Control Councilestimates thatthe average American eats about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving day alone, with about 3,000 calories from dinner alone and1,500 calories from appetizers and drinks. That’s more than two days’ worth of calories for most adults!

Boost the nutrient profile of your Thanksgiving table this year by adding some nutrient-rich seafood. Here are some easy ways to make way fo fish and shellfish this Turkey Day.

• Serve a pumpkin-shrimp bisque as a starter. Click here for a great recipe from@Epicurious.
• Try these Southern Pecan Crab Cakesfrom @Hellmann’s or a lightened-up version of crab dipan appetizer.
• Add oysters to your stuffing or dressing. There are recipes galore for oyster dressing, but this recipe for Corn Bread Oyster Dressingfrom @RachaelRaylooks scrumptious!
• Who says gravy has to be turkey-based?Make an oyster-based gravy, like in this recipe for Sage-Brined Roast Turkey with Oyster Dressing from @saveur.
• Forget the bird and serve this deliciously elegant Baked Seabass with Fennel and Mushroom Stuffing from @GoodFoodMag.

And, don’t forget to start your holiday with a protein-based breakfast, which will help to quell cravings until dinner time. Try an egg-and-lox frittata or a salmon-asparagus egg scramble.

TELL US: Do you serve seafood at Thanksgiving? If so, please share. We’d love to hear from you!

Posted by Rima Kleiner, MS, RD