Navigating Thanksgiving with Health in Mind

We've gone through the planning process, and now it's time to dive into the heart of the Thanksgiving experience. I hope your plans are in motion and that you're feeling more relaxed about the upcoming celebration. As promised, today, we'll explore a few key elements that can elevate your Thanksgiving experience: embracing gratitude, offering healthier menu options, and managing dietary concerns.

Gratitude, Not Just a Platitude:

Thanksgiving, at its core, is about thankfulness. It's an opportunity to express gratitude for what we have. But how do we truly infuse this spirit into the meal without making it seem contrived or awkward? Next week, I'll share ideas on incorporating genuine moments of gratitude into your celebration. Stay tuned for simple yet meaningful ways to weave gratitude into your gathering.

Healthier Options for Classic Dishes:

Amid the comforting familiarity of traditional dishes, it's essential to provide options that cater to various dietary needs or healthier preferences. Here are some suggestions for healthier versions of beloved Thanksgiving staples:

Lighter Mashed Potatoes: Opt for a blend of cauliflower and potatoes to reduce the carb content while maintaining the creamy texture. A mix of steamed cauliflower and boiled potatoes mashed with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese can be a flavorful and healthier alternative.

Roasted Vegetables Galore: Replace calorie-dense sides with colorful roasted veggies. Try roasting Brussels sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, and asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for a flavorful, guilt-free dish.

Quinoa Stuffing: Swap traditional bread stuffing with quinoa, a protein-rich grain. Cook it with sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of nuts for a delightful, healthier stuffing alternative.

Healthier Gravy: Make a lighter gravy by using a vegetable or chicken broth thickened with a small amount of cornstarch instead of traditional flour-based roux. This version trims fat and gluten without sacrificing flavor.

Cranberry Relish: Instead of the sugary canned cranberry sauce, create a refreshing cranberry relish with fresh cranberries, oranges, and a touch of honey. It’s tangy, sweet, and far healthier than the traditional canned version. Danielle Walker has a recipe I have been using for several years in her Celebrations cookbook.

Lighter Dessert Choices: Consider offering a fruit salad, a platter of fresh fruit with a light yogurt dip, or a crustless pumpkin pie as alternatives to calorie-rich desserts.

Get ready to enjoy these revamped classics without compromising taste or tradition.

Managing Dietary Restrictions:

Thanksgiving tables can be a myriad of dietary preferences and restrictions. Having a husband that has been gluten-free for 30 plus years and dairy-free for the past five, I know how challenging it can be to create meals that taste good and are free from allergens. Handling this can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things I have done to make sure our Thanksgiving meal meets everyone’s needs.

Gluten-Free Options:

Stuffing: Use gluten-free bread as a base for stuffing. There are plenty of gluten-free bread options available (Trader Joe’s gluten free bread is a favorite of ours), or you can bake your own with gluten-free flour.

Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Prepare pies with a gluten-free crust, either by using gluten-free flour mixes or experimenting with nut-based crusts. Almond flour or a mix of almond flour and gluten-free oats can create a delectable, gluten-free pie crust.

Gravy: Prepare dairy-free gravy using a combination of vegetable or chicken broth thickened with arrowroot powder and seasoned with herbs. It’s just as flavorful and eliminates making a roux with flour.

Dairy-Free Options:

Mashed Potatoes: Substitute dairy milk and butter in mashed potatoes with unsweetened almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter (we use ghee). Mashed potatoes can still be creamy and flavorful without dairy.

Whipped Cream: Make a dairy-free whipped cream alternative using coconut cream, sweetened with a little maple syrup or agave nectar. Simply chill a can of full-fat coconut milk and whip the solid cream that separates from the liquid.

I highly recommend Danielle Walker’s Celebrations Cookbook. It is my go-to for all holiday cooking for my gluten and dairy-free husband! By including these alternatives, you're ensuring that guests with dietary restrictions or preferences can indulge in the Thanksgiving feast without compromising their dietary needs.

Leftovers: A Post-Thanksgiving Delight

Leftovers are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving. After the big day, what do we do with all that delicious excess? Our newest tradition is on Friday after Thanksgiving, we make Thanksgiving Pizza! I know that probably doesn’t sound great, but trust me, it’s amazing! Let me know in the comments if you want the recipe. Making turkey soup is also a tradition, and a delicious way to use up those leftovers, ensuring they don't go to waste and you relish every last bite.

Incorporating Gratitude into Thanksgiving

Are you looking to make your Thanksgiving dinner more about gratitude? Next week, I’ll provide actionable ideas to weave thankfulness into your gathering. Stay tuned!

Let me know in the comments what you're most looking forward to during this Thanksgiving, whether it's expressing gratitude, healthier menu options, or managing dietary restrictions. Your insights might just help someone else!

Remember, gratitude transforms moments into memories and traditional meals into meaningful feasts. If you missed my Thankgiving Planner last week, you can grab it here. Stay tuned for next week’s in-depth exploration into infusing gratitude into your Thanksgiving celebration!

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