Getting excited about Thanksgiving? There's nothing more healthful than sitting down with friends and family for a home-cooked meal... just so long as that meal doesn't involve deep-fried turkey and marshmallow casserole. (Eeww. Seriously?!?!)
If you're hosting, it's super easy to turn Thanksgiving into a health-promoting delicious holiday without becoming the crunchy granola hippie of the family. They won't even notice because the options are soooo good! Even if you're going to somebody else's house for dinner this year, you can eat healthy and inspire others by bringing along a delicious dish with you to share. They key here is to make it awesome. Turkey is optional, and in my opinion, soy shaped into a turkey and seasoned with chemicals is even less optional.
Whether you're playing host or guest this year, follow these tips to keep it clean and keep it healthy.
1. Toss the turkey
If you're rocking it vegan (or not sure if that bird came from an organic, ethical source), load up on side dishes instead. If you're hosting this year's Thanksgiving shindig and not keen on poultry, toss the turkey altogether and try one of these:
2. Un-stuff your stuffing
I don't know about you, but a bowlful of blood-sugar-spiking, gluten-filled white bread cooked inside the darkest caverns of a turkey just doesn't whet my appetite. Whip up these gluten-free options (no bird innards required):
3. Mash something else
Mashed potatoes are old news. You could always swap white potatoes for yams instead, but why not shake things up a little? Cauliflower mashes up just as well as old-fashioned potatoes, plus it's easier on your blood sugar and vitamin-packed. Your potato-loving family members won't be able to tell the difference! Or try out one of these other sweet options:
4. Un-roll those rolls
Instead of serving white rolls, there are loads of power-packed bread or breadless bread options.
- Breadless Bread -- made without flour at all!
- Split Pea Roti
- Veggie Rice Wraps -- redefine what it means to roll!
5. Health-ify your pie
Healthy pie? It can be done! Start with my Gluten-Free Vegan Pie Crust Miracle and fill it with delicious seasonal fruit. Loads more light and lovely dessert options including:
6. Ditch the coffee
Guests expecting coffee along with their dessert? Blow their minds with one of these caffeine-free delectable sippers including:
What healthy Thanksgiving recipes are you serving this year?
