How To Find Healthy Alternatives For Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
An entire holiday centered around eating food can feel like a no-win situation when you're trying to eat healthily. While we're big believers that people (moms especially) should enjoy the meals they look forward to eating every Thanksgiving, we know how much of a slippery slope this day can be.
One helping of mashed potatoes, one roll with real butter, and another serving of stuffing and before you know it, you've got to unbutton the top of your pants.
As with any temptations we face, it helps to go into Thanksgiving with a plan.
Here are some of our suggestions:
Stick with your favorites. Don't grab a spoonful of green bean casserole if you don't like it. (Hot tip: no one actually likes green bean casserole!) Often during these holidays, we eat not-so-great food not because we like it, but because it's in front of us.
Load up on your whole foods first. Start with a big serving of salad or veggies you think you'll like, then pile on your favorites.
Chew Your Food. This sounds obvious, but most of us do not do this properly. Not chewing correctly gets the digestion chain started off on the wrong foot, leading to bloating and gas later on. Here’s how to do it: Take a few deep breaths before you eat. Put your fork down between bites. Chew each bite thoroughly - around 20-40 times per bite! Eat slowly and mindfully, savoring each bite.
Find healthy swaps to whatever dishes you make. Just because it calls for a stick of butter doesn't mean you have to use it.
Finding healthier ways to make your favorite Thanksgiving delicacies helps to strike a happy balance between the holiday and your long-term health goals. So we've rounded up some awesome healthy food bloggers who are serving up some healthier alternatives to classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Paleo Running Momma
Michele of Paleo Running Momma is an awesome resource for many recipes to make your Thanksgiving both healthy and delicious. Her blog is full of ideas for paleo side dishes, bread, and desserts that are perfect for any Thanksgiving meal you decide to host.
Even if you're not actively eating paleo, these recipes are great for anyone who is looking to make a more nutrient-dense meal.
I'm personally eyeing her dairy-free apple pie recipe.
Balanced Bites
Diane of Balanced Bites has a long list of recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts that are perfect for your healthy Thanksgiving. In addition to her own creation, she's even scoured the internet and created a round-up of some of the best recipes on all her favorite food blogs, so you won't have to.
Everything from Pumpkin Pie Protein Shakes to Glazed Ham makes an appearance, so you're sure to find the perfect dish. It's a truly exhaustive list of recipes categorized by meal so you can plan out exactly what you want to serve for all your holiday meals.
And Remember, It's Just A Day
Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to be grateful for our loved ones, not guilt for a slice of pie we enjoyed. So while it's good to set parameters and intend to implement some healthy habits this holiday, it's more important to enjoy the day with your family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.sourceandsproutnutrition.com/disclaimer