Healthy Options for Thanksgiving Dinner

We understand the big feast’s temptation on you to drown your insides with the most carb-heavy options available. Gooey mac and cheese? Two scoops, please! Mashed potatoes? Keep them coming my way! However, your body will thank you for considering some healthy options to help balance the meal and ensure your Black Friday isn’t spent in a food coma.

 

Broccoli: the Tastiest Green Option.

Argue with the wall on that. Broccoli is one of those foods that may have repulsed you as a kid, but as adults, you find a newfound appreciation for it. The best part is that, when you are eating it, you won’t even miss the butter-coated corn a few bowls down. According to Healthline, “Broccoli is high in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It also boasts more protein than most other vegetables.” So it looks like its taste isn’t the only superior element of broccoli after all. 

Feel Festive with Pumpkin Soup.

It is fall, after all. Being healthy doesn’t mean you have to ditch the fun elements of Thanksgiving. Pumpkin soup is a great substitute for the pie you might have had on the lineup, which still keeps with the theme. The experts at Possible agree that, “Pumpkins and pumpkin soups are a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients…Soups are a powerhouse of all kinds of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and various nutrients that promote weight loss, better gut health, and a good boost of micronutrients.” All the pumpkin greatness, without the health ramifications.

Skip Wine for Water.

Depending on what you believe in, this could be sacrilegious on Christmas. However, it’s safe to say you get a pass on Thanksgiving. Liquid calories (especially alcohol) are the easiest way to screw up progress on a diet/workout plan without even noticing it. Alfa claims, “As a natural remedy that helps you lose weight, water has zero calories, sugar, or fat as opposed to drinks like sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks that are full of calories.” So keep passing the white wine around the circle and opt for a glass of refreshing water instead this Thanksgiving! 

Turkey. Yes, That Can Stay.

We aren’t insane, after all. Luckily, turkey is actually a very low-carb and healthy protein that you can indulge in. Heart.org states that, “Turkey is a great source of protein, rich in many vitamins and minerals, and is low-fat…It’s rich in B-complex vitamins, niacin, B6 and B12, and the essential nutrient choline.” So, yes, gobble up that turkey this Thanksgiving.

We hope you take our advice and give these choices a spot at the feast this year. Have a great holiday!