Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives

There are many long-lasting traditions that we all have during the holidays. Whether it be your grandmother’s famous stuffing, the classic deep-fried turkey, or filling up on far too many dinner rolls. We all have a Thanksgiving staple that we know and love! However, there are many ways to keep these traditions while making a shift towards something a bit healthier for you and those joining your holiday festivities. 

For your main course, the most common is probably turkey, which is a great source of lean protein.  If this is your first year to prepare a turkey, try this Slow Cooker Herb Turkey Breast recipe from Dinner Tonight, for a healthier twist on turkey.

In addition to turkey, everyone knows that your holiday meal is never complete without the classic sides. We are very used to seeing the seemingly endless amounts of casserole dishes, mashed potatoes, and more. What if we could switch some of those fan-favorite dishes and implement healthier, yet still delicious options? 

For example, instead of using potatoes in your mashed potatoes, you could substitute them for cauliflower. Doing this can reduce the amount of carbohydrates and calories per serving with a similar taste and texture. USDA offers a wonderful recipe for Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!

There are also ways of spicing up your traditional cranberry sauce! One way of doing this is by substituting your cranberry sauce for this Apple Cranberry Salad Toss recipe from the USDA. You still have your traditional cranberry dish on Thanksgiving, but this time it’s a healthier option!

Though we all know and love these classic holiday dishes, and they seem like almost comfort food, there are endless options for getting the same satisfaction without the guilt! Try your hand at these healthy options this year during the holidays and maybe create some new traditional dishes for you and yours!