Planning the Thanksgiving menu can be both daunting and intimidating… but it doesn’t have to be! Fall is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. I’ve broken down the Thanksgiving menu into eight components to help you plan a healthy one that the whole family will love.
Protein: When it comes to the main event, opt for turkey over ham to cut down on saturated fat and sodium but retain that quintessential taste of Thanksgiving. Most grocery stores now carry free range birds that are raised without hormones or antibiotics.
Stuffing: Thanksgiving stuffing is traditionally starch-heavy which can fill you up fast. This holiday is all about being able to enjoy a variety of delicious foods without feeling that early satiety. Last year I opted for a veggie and herb-based stuffing which was a huge hit and the best part was… everyone had plenty of room for pumpkin pie.
Cranberry Sauce: This holiday is nothing without a traditional cranberry sauce. I definitely encourage making your own to control the amount of preservatives and additives which can found in many store-bought varieties. Cranberries aren’t sweet on their own so you may be tempted to add a lot of refined sugar to your recipe. I encourage getting creative when it comes to sweetener. Last year I used 100% orange juice and some maple syrup. The outcome was just as sweet but with some added nutrition!
Starchy Side: Mac and cheese is a fun dish every once and and a while but winter squash is a no brainer when it comes to preparing your starchy side dish for the Thanksgiving dinner table. Turn your favorite squash into a mash. Sweet potato mash, acorn squash mash, kabocha squash mash are some of my favorites.
Veggie Side: You know I’m all about the veggie side. Roasted brussels sprouts or green beens would make a great seasonal option. If you are looking for a lighter veggie side and your stuffing is already plant-heavy, then opting for a side salad would not be a bad option.
Grain: Bread is a Thanksgiving dinner table staple and accompaniment to a protein-heavy meal. If you can’t make your own rolls, look for whole-grain varieties in the grocery store which boast more fiber, B vitamins and staying power.
Dessert: Dessert is not optional when it comes to Thanksgiving! Pumpkin Pie is better than Pecan Pie because it boasts beta carotene, fiber and vitamin C. I’ve been wanting to make my own with a date and nut based crust… this year might be the time for it!
Share your Thanksgiving menu with me on instagram or Facebook! I’d love to know what you are making!