I'd like to wish you a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the team here at SOZA Weight Loss.
Many of us worry about gaining weight over the holidays, and while that is probably what may happen, just remember what this holiday is really about. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and coming together.
Sure, the traditional Thanksgiving table is super calorific. It is full of high-calorie dishes and sugar-laden desserts that WILL derail your healthy eating plans.
But guess what? You can still savor all these flavors more healthily!
This article will provide practical tips and ideas on enjoying your Thanksgiving feast while maintaining your health and wellness goals. Swap the heavy cream in mashed potatoes, sugar-filled cranberry sauce, and butter-laden green bean casserole for lighter, nutritious alternatives.
Healthier options include herb-roasted turkey, steamed green beans with almonds, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh desserts.
Don't worry; celebrating Thanksgiving healthily without compromising taste and enjoyment is possible.
Tips for Eating Healthy on Thanksgiving
Start your day with a light, nutritious breakfast. A wholesome breakfast can help control your appetite and balance your blood sugars throughout the day, preventing overindulgence later on.
Prepare your own Thanksgiving meal. When you cook, you control the ingredients, allowing you to make healthier choices like using less salt and sugar and opting for whole, unprocessed foods.
Plan for leftovers. Store leftovers safely and creatively repurposed into new, healthy meals for the following days.
Healthy Thanksgiving Meal Recommendations Herb-Roasted Turkey: Season your turkey with fresh herbs and spices, using olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.
Mashed Cauliflower: A delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Blend steamed cauliflower with garlic, olive oil, and seasonings for a creamy side dish.
Steamed Green Beans: Ditch the traditional casserole for lightly steamed green beans topped with slivered almonds or a squeeze of lemon.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and full of nutrients. Roast them with a hint of cinnamon for a healthy side dish.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce: Make your cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, reducing the sugar content.
Dessert Ideas
Drinks
Herbal Teas and Fruit-Infused Water: These are refreshing and calorie-free alternatives to sugary drinks.
Thanksgiving is a time for enjoyment and celebration. By making smarter food choices, you can relish a delightful Thanksgiving that leaves you feeling satisfied and healthy. Balance is key, and indulging in some traditional dishes is perfectly fine, but adding healthier options can make your holiday feast more nutritious without sacrificing pleasure.
Gus Bouari
Co-Founder of SOZA Weight Loss®
Health Blog Writer
Professional Certified Marketer, PCM®
American Marketing Association
Precision Nutrition PN1 Certified Coach Sustainability, Mindful Eating & Healthy Cooking, Certified Stanford Online University
After his childhood friend and co-founder, Dr. Anthony Wehbe, lost 50 pounds on the SOZA weight loss program, he also did the program and lost 35 pounds.
Gus is a wellness advocate and enthusiast. Gus truly believes we can all transform our lives by adapting to and following a healthy, wellness-focused lifestyle. He has appeared on Miami NBC 6 Health in the Mix, discussing healthy eating and healthy cooking. If you ever bump into Gus, it would most likely be at a health foods store helping fellow shoppers make better food choices.
His continuous education and certifications include Precision Nutrition PN1 Certification, Stanford Online University's Food Sustainability, Mindful Eating, Healthy Cooking, Nutrition For Health and Sustainability, Nutrition Science: Obesity, and Healthy Weight Loss.
