What is the healthiest food to eat on Thanksgiving?

Go for small amounts of cooked squash, sweet potato, white potato, beans and carrots . Try to use whole-grain breads and cereals whenever possible; they are rich in fiber and the B vitamins that are not so abundant in simple carbohydrates (white and refined grains, cereals, flours and starches).

How can I make Thanksgiving more healthy?

Boiled shrimp with lemon or co*cktail sauce is a healthier pick than fried hors d'oeuvres. Try having a pot of a roasted vegetable soup, such as carrot or butternut squash, on offer for guests to enjoy. Other healthful starters include stuffed mushrooms, raw veggies with hummus, and seasonal fruit.

What is the unhealthiest Thanksgiving food?

Worst: Sausage Stuffing It's often made with fatty processed meat, butter or margarine, and refined bread or rice. It's a high-calorie food that packs a load of fat, carbs, and nitrates, which are cancer-causing. If you add dried cranberries, there's a good chance they're sweetened and add sugar to your stuffing.

What are the top 10 Thanksgiving foods?

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes Turkey. Stuffing/Dressing. Pumpkin Pie. Sweet Potato Casserole. Mashed Potatoes. Ham. Green Bean Casserole. Cranberry Jelly. More items... Nov 22, 2023

What is the healthiest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey?

Rustveld suggests air frying your turkey as a healthier alternative to deep frying. It takes less time at 400 degrees, and the end product contains less fat since you do not need to add oil. “Deep frying is not as healthy as air frying, roasting or grilling,” he said.

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving?

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

How do you make Thanksgiving dinner less stressful?

Ted's Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Thaw the darned turkey. In the refrigerator. ... Try a fresh turkey for a change. From a butcher. ... Beware of deep-frying. I'm not saying not to do it -- deep-fried turkey is a delicious Southern confection. ... Innovate—but not too much. ... Delegate. ... Plan and work ahead.

How healthy is Thanksgiving dinner?

The traditional turkey-day feast, replete with fatty, high-cholesterol foods like drumsticks, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing, is generally anything but heart-healthy . Try a healthy roasted turkey and gravy recipe for your Thanksgiving meal.

What should I eat on Thanksgiving to lose weight?

Help yourself to high-fiber foods like fruits and veggies, whole grains and bean dishes . Just don't fall for dishes drenched in butter or creamy sauces, which can be loaded with calories and fat. For many, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the taste of turkey.

What should I eat on Thanksgiving to not gain weight?

5 Healthy Food Swaps to Avoid Weight Gain This Thanksgiving Eat Pumpkin Pie Instead of Pecan Pie. ... Grill Instead of Frying. ... Swap Mashed Potatoes for Mashed Cauliflower. ... Serve Brussels Sprouts Instead of Green Bean Casserole. ... Use Wild Rice Instead of Pilaf.

Is turkey healthy on Thanksgiving?

“ Turkey is a great source of protein, rich in many vitamins and minerals, and is low-fat — if you don't eat the skin ,” Catherine M. Champagne, professor of nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment and nutrition counseling at Louisiana State University, told the American Heart Association.

20 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Guests Will Want To Gobble Up (2024)

Thanksgiving is only a week away, which means that it's definitely time to start planning out those healthy Thanksgiving recipes for the perfect family or Friendsgiving meal if you haven't already. The holiday season kicks off all of the treats and feasts you could want and we're not mad about it! There are TONS of healthy Thanksgiving recipes out there that your dinner guests with be grateful to gobble up. Whether you have some allergies or are just looking to substitute a few of the traditional unhealthy sides, here are 20 healthy Thanksgiving dishes your guests are sure to love!

Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

This appetizer has both a protein and a vegetable, which makes for a solid win in our book. To make it even healthier, you could easily bake instead of pan-frying these puppies. And since these only take 15 minutes, you could easily whip up a bunch of these for a big family get-together. (via Trendland)

Sweet Potato Rounds With Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts

If you're looking for a healthy-but-sweet version of bruschetta, sweet potatoes are jam-packed with nutrients, flavor and all-around goodness. Your guests will go nuts for this one. (via The Roasted Root)

No Yeast Dinner Rolls

These dinner rolls are so quick and easy but they taste absolutely delicious. The best part is they only require 3 ingredients! (via Give Recipe)

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Lose the added preservatives (and calories!) that are found in canned mushroom soup and serve up this green bean casserole instead. The fresh veggies and herbs are way more flavorful (and healthier) than anything you'll find in a can. (via Eat the Love)

Healthy Thanksgiving SIDE DISH Recipes

Cranberry Sauce

Forget the canned stuff. Opt instead for this paleo version, sweetened with honey and fresh orange juice. (via Cook Eat Paleo)

Roasted Garlic Sage Pesto Pumpkin Soup

This tasty pesto soup is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It's light, healthy, and flavorful - leaving little to be desired. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Herbed Wild Rice and Quinoa Stuffing

This flavorful stuffing substitute is packed with fresh herbs, apples, cranberries and pecans, making it a dish we’d want to enjoy all throughout fall. And why not? It’s rich in protein and caters to almost any dietary restriction, so feel free to dig in anytime. (via Kitchen Treaty)

Cauliflower Potatoes

If you're looking to cut calories and carbs, substitute mashed potatoes with this rosemarygarlic mashed cauliflower recipe. It's so creamy and delicious, you'll barely notice the difference! (via The Cookie Rookie)

Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad

Forgo the typical side salad and fill your guests up with this colorful orange quinoa salad. Not only is it packed with tons of vitamins and protein, but it’s SO pretty to look at too. (via Family Spice)

Mushroom Gravy

Rather than using the fat from the turkey for your gravy, use mushrooms, vegetable broth and a variety of spices to create this rich yet guilt-free alternative. (via Oh My Veggies)

Roasted Vegetable Galette

Healthy Thanksgiving MAIN DISH Recipes

Stuffed Butternut Squash

Onion, pomegranate and various herbs and spices make this savory/sweet dish a great substitute for your typical turkey. If you're looking to make a meat dish, simply sub the tempeh for turkey sausage or another protein. (via Pickles & Honey)

Mini Stuffed Pumpkins

Pumpkin is known as a traditional ingredient for Thanksgiving dessert, but why not throw it into the mix as an entree? This hearty, zesty dish is stuffed full of nutritious ingredients that won't leave you feeling, well, stuffed. (via Whole Foods)

Spaghetti Squash Pesto Lasagna

This vegan lasagna dish is so rich and creamy, you'll almost think you're eating something that's bad for you. (via Fat Free Vegan)

Roasted Turkey

If you're looking to cook up a lighter meal but don't want to ditch the traditional turkey dinner, soak your bird in a healthy marinade rather than cooking it in butter, then roast it. (via Home Cooking Adventure)

Healthy Thanksgiving DESSERT Recipes

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

The natural flavors in this pumpkin pie substitute come from a variety of spices, bananas and coconut sugar. This looks AND tastes just like your typical pumpkin pie filling, but is dairy-free, egg-free and contains NO refined sugars. (via My Whole Food Life)

Apple Rose Pastries

Instead of serving up rich pies and pastries, whip up this light apple treat filled with apple butter and topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar. Plus, the rose shape will look gorgeous on your dessert or dinner table. (via The Love Nerds)

Pecan Pie Tarts

With this paleo pecan pie substitute, you won't lose the flaky, buttery crust or gooey pie you love. (via Lexi's Clean Kitchen)

Cranberry Apple Maple Crisp

As a substitute for apple pie, serve this grain-free crisp instead. Plate it while it's warm, and top off with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. (via With Food + Love)

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Made with Greek yogurt and less sugar, this better-for-you dessert is one you'll want to become a Thanksgiving tradition. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking and baking classes for more healthy Thanksgiving recipe inspo!

This post has been updated.

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Meghan Alfano

Meghan is a writer and graphic designer currently residing in Los Angeles. Typically, you'll find her drinking copious amounts of coffee, browsing for records and vintage clothing, visiting local art galleries, hanging out with her Boston Terrier, Lola, or simply out and about looking for inspiration in every day life.