This Thanksgiving, Make Healthier Choices
While it may seem that the Holiday season arrives earlier and earlier each year, few can argue that Thanksgiving marks the true kickoff. Families and friends begin to gather and be merry. Large, delicious meals are shared and enjoyed by all.
Most of the foods that we associate with the traditional Thanksgiving menu are rich in fats and carbohydrates. In other words, Thanksgiving is not a day when we make the healthiest choices. Maybe it’s time for that to change.
As a senior, the food and drinks that you choose to fuel your body are important. That’s not to say that you can’t indulge lightly once in a while, but maintaining a healthy diet is key to maintaining good health in your golden years. Yes, even on Thanksgiving!
Just in time for this Thanksgiving, we’ve found a few delicious healthy recipes to enjoy with friends and loved ones. From healthy sides to healthy desserts, we’ve got every meal covered with healthy options for Thanksgiving this year.
Read on to discover some of the best healthy Thanksgiving recipes we’ve cooked up for you (yes, pun intended)!
Pass These Delicious Healthy Thanksgiving Sides Around the Holiday Table
Of course, we’re all familiar with the usual decadent Thanksgiving side dishes and appetizers, such as:
- Mashed potatoes, usually with plenty of butter
- Sweet potato casserole
- Traditional stuffing
- Macaroni and cheese
However, the healthier options can be just as delicious and filling as the decadent ones. This holiday season, try replacing typical Thanksgiving sides with healthier side dishes, such as:
- Roasted butternut squash soup
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Wild rice
- Brussel sprouts
- Green beans or healthy green bean casserole
- Salads made of roasted fall vegetables and fruits
For instance, if you just can’t ditch your craving for mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, give this pumpkin-potato mash recipe a try. You’ll get the warm, comforting texture of traditional mashed potatoes, but you’ll be swapping the starches and carbs for the healthier benefits of pumpkin and sweet potatoes instead!
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Give Thanks for a Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner with These Awesome Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
Making healthier Thanksgiving sides can play a huge role in making healthier Thanksgiving dinner choices this holiday season. Not everyone will want to stray too far from the traditional recipes. After all, Grandma’s dinner rolls or mom’s sweet potato casserole are probably thought of as cornerstones of each Thanksgiving meal. Still, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be lightened up to deliver a delicious healthier Thanksgiving dinner.
Some of the healthy hacks that you can try to lighten up traditional recipes include:
- Substituting Greek yogurt for heavy cream in mashed potatoes, soups, and creamy dishes, such as creamed corn or spinach
- Reducing the amount of sugar used in baked recipes
- Watching the amount of salt that you use in gravies, potatoes, and other dishes.
- Adding superfood elements to dishes – for example, add pumpkin seeds to your stuffing recipe.
You can even give your Thanksgiving turkey a healthy upgrade! Substituting a whole turkey for a turkey breast is just as filling, and the turkey breast will deliver plenty of lean protein. Try impressing your dinner guests this year with this garlic-herb roasted turkey breast that gets a bit of extra zing from an orange.
Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts Can Be Delicious and Decadent
Of course, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without desserts. If you’re serving a health-conscious Thanksgiving dinner this year, your Thanksgiving desserts should be health-conscious as well. After all, healthy Thanksgiving desserts can be as delicious and decadent as their sweeter counterparts!
You’ll rarely go wrong with treats like pumpkin pie. Healthier spins on other dessert recipes, such as pumpkin cheesecake and baked apples, will leave you and your guests satisfied as well! Sweetened pecans can also be a great, protein-rich option!
Remember, eating healthy is key to maintaining a healthier lifestyle in your senior years. This doesn’t mean that your food has to be bland and flavorless. In fact, your healthy Thanksgiving dinner will likely be one of the best you’ve ever served!
May you all have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!
