Eating Light Tip #21: Choose the Right Cut

At 115 calories per 3-ounce serving, skinless turkey breast has 45 fewer calories than dark meat. Go ahead and help yourself to dark or light meat, but leave behind the skin to save 40 calories and 5 grams of fat. In case turkey’s not on your dinner menu, cut calories from any meal with these 15 best protein bets.

Eating Light Tip #22: Finish with Fruit

To end your meal on a sweet note, help yourself to fruit. “I make a tropical salad with pineapple, papaya, mango, and shredded coconut,” says Krieger. “Not only is it lighter than other desserts, but it also feels unique.” For a more indulgent splurge, have a chocolate-dipped strawberry (48 calories, 2g fat). Or make one of these guilt-free chocolate desserts.

Eating Light Tip #23: Pick the Right Slice

Opt for pumpkin (316 calories, 14g fat), sweet potato (310 calories, 10g fat), or lemon meringue pie (362 calories, 16g fat) in place of apple (411 calories, 19g fat) or pecan (503 calories, 27g fat). A good portion: For a 9-inch pie, the thickest part of the wedge should be no more than 3 1∕2 inches (length of a business card).

Eating Light Tip #24: Pare Down Holiday Pie Recipes

That buttery crust contains at least 2 tablespoons of butter per slice. Leave behind the bottom part to slash 125 calories and 7 grams of fat—or just eat the lattice. Or “consider creating a crustless dessert altogether, like a pumpkin flan or pudding,” says Miller.

Eating Light Tip #25: Make Low Fat Desserts

Does that mint-fudge brownie recipe call for a can of evaporated milk? Pick up the fat-free kind to shave off 180 calories and 24 grams of fat. “You can’t even tell the difference in baked goods,” says Robin Miller, author of Robin Rescues Dinner. See more tricks to slash up to 500 calories without even noticing.