A Healthy Twist on Traditional Thanksgiving Favorites
on Nov 16, 2016
Thanksgiving is almost here and while celebrating being grateful, people are eating a lot of food. In fact, it’s the holiday where Americans are known to do the most eating in one sitting.
Each year I try to change things up a bit, making a dish I’ve never made before, with a focus on making it healthier than the traditional way. For instance, I avoid using marshmallows on our sweet potatoes because we don’t need more sugar on top of something naturally sweet, especially when there is dessert to save room for! In addition, I always avoid pre-made foods, like pumpkin puree or cranberry sauce in a can. The real, fresh, homemade versions are so much tastier, more nutritious, are free of additives and are pretty simple to make.
The truth is that you can have a healthy Thanksgiving spread that tastes delicious too. To help you with some ideas, here is a round-up of Thanksgiving recipes from some of the top natural, real food bloggers.
Because so many people have food allergies or sensitivities, dishes made with special restrictions in mind are noted.
Main Dish
Super Flavorful Turkey Brine (Paleo)
Side Dishes
Basil Mashed Potatoes (Paleo)
Pecan Roasted Better-Than-Sweet-Potato Casserole (Low Carb, Paleo)
Lacto-fermented Cranberry Apple Relish - (lacto-fermentation increases or preserves the vitamin and enzyme levels of foods, so this recipe is is nutritious as it is delicious.)
Grain Free Holiday Stuffing (GAPS Friendly)
Roasted Bacon Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)
A Simple Homemade Cranberry Sauce (naturally Gluten-Free)
Baked Pumpkin Fries (Paleo)
Whipped Cauliflower Puree (aka. Faux Mashed Potatoes)... (Gluten Free, Low-Carb, Paleo)
Soup
Butternut Squash Apple Soup (Gluten Free)
Curried Cauliflower Soup with Chicken and Apples (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)
Cream of Pumpkin Soup (Paleo)
Dessert
Homemade Pumpkin Puree/Pie Filling (Gluten Free)
Cinnamon Almond Butter Cookies (Gluten Free)
Easy, No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe (Paleo)
Apple Pie Quick Bread (Gluten Free)
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)
Grain-Free Cranberry Apple Crisp (Gluten & Dairy-Free, Paleo)
Image Credit:
http://cafeescadrille.com/thanksgiving-at-cafe-escadrille-2/
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I actually didn’t stuff myself this year, and even exercised after haha : )
I try to get lots of exercise.
We use all organic produce, and I make home made turkey stock for soup
We did not use any processed food, just all fresh.
I have always eaten healthy and good portions and continued the same as always.
i cut down on my sugar in homemade coconut pie and it tasted just as good
Does eating in general count? I was good this year.. I elliptical ’d it off the next day..
I made dairy free side dishes!
We make a healthier green bean dish, and take a walk after dinner
I cooked everything with organic ingredients including desserts. Also I ate a normal amount of food.
Since we are currently following the GAPS diet, we changed things up a bit this year for our personal Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey, mashed cauliflower, green beans, almond flour muffins, and for dessert pumpkin pie clafoutis.
I didn’t over stuff myself this year. I spent so my much time visiting with my husbands family and my family that I didn’t eat so much. The kids are all teenagers now too.
Play football to work off our meal
I use whole foods instead of processed foods. I also cut back on the sugar for the recipes I had, and used applesauce instead of oil for the pumpkin bread.
Most of the dishes were flavored with seasonings to and less sugar. Maple syrup in the sweet potatoes instead of sugar.
We chose a ranch range turkey with no added antibiotics and hormones.
With all fresh local organic ingredients it was the beat thanksgiving we’ve ever had! So many new delicious veggie loaded healthful recipes were tried. Yum yum
We actually skipped the traditional Thanksgiving dinner and get-together and just ate a normal dinner.
This Thanksgiving we served more veggies and less desserts.
I used a lot of herbs and spices and got creative so I didn’t have to use high calorie ingredients. Everyone enjoyed the meal.
This Thanksgiving I ate much less than previous years. I ate one plate of food and didn’t go back for seconds.
I didn’t drench my plate in gravy like I have years before.
I made sure to eat a portion sized meal. No going overboard. And went for a walk.
We had a lot more veggie dishes
What a nice contest!