My Scrumptious & Nourishing Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup + Healthy Eating Tips
Can you smell it??
Thanksgiving is almost here! I have to say, aside from Christmas, it's my favorite holiday. It's a day full of gratitude, which is fitting since this month is the month of gratitude.
Now, before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about how we eat.
One thing we tend to do on Thanksgiving is overeat. I know, the food is SO good! But the aftermath of overeating can be brutal, am I right? What if you were to take a little of everything onto your plate instead of heaping mounds of food? What if you were to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, and then go back for seconds after giving some time to digest everything? That's doable, right? Food for thought, my friends!
Let’s put this into practice. Slow down, chew, swallow, and repeat. Try not to scarf it down or shovel it all in at once. Here's what happens when you slow your roll *badoom tish* while you eat:
You savor each bite by actually tasting your food
You allow yourself to be grateful for the food you are eating that you've waited all year for
You are more in tune with your body, noticing when you're starting to get full
You make it easier on your digestion system to break down the nutrients you are consuming by breaking down the food well
Fancy that, all because you slowed down the feasting process. It makes the Thanksgiving meal so much more enjoyable! Go ahead, try it out. Then try it out the next day, and the day after that. Transitioning into a slow eater is going to do wonders for your digestive system. You're welcome.
Here are a few other tips for Thanksgiving day that will keep you feeling at your finest while you rock those stretchy pants (just me?).
Eating tips:
Hydrate
Maybe you saw this one coming, maybe you didn't. Make sure you are drinking enough clean water throughout the day. Hydrating will help you to not overeat, keep a clear head, and keep the bowels from backing up. Sip, don't chug. Add a pinch of sea salt for added electrolytes.
Get moving
Ok, I'm not referring to the classic turkey trot in freezing weather (or humid morning if you're in FL). I'm referring to getting in movement that feels good to you! Stretch, go for a walk, get in a HIIT session, do some yoga, play with the youngsters, or throw the football around. Movement ignites those lovely endorphins, gets you breathing deep, and brings awareness to tightness or soreness in the body. It also gets the bowels moving.
Eat breakfast
Do it. Skipping the first meal of the day to save room for later sets you up for a rough afternoon/ evening. But make sure you get in a nutrient-dense meal – not pie. A nourishing breakfast, one typically higher in protein and fat, balances your blood sugar levels, nips cravings in the bud, boosts mode, and provides the energy needed to cook or play or laugh. It also – you guessed it – gets the bowels moving. Head over to this post for more breakfast inspo.
These are 3 straight-forward but mighty tips. They will lead to less of a chance of over-eating and more of a chance of feeling energized, present, happy, and content in your stretchy pants.
Now, as Ross Geller so gracefully puts it, let's "pivot!".
I would be remiss if I didn't share my 2020 Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup with y'all. I have had the honor of hosting Thanksgiving for the last two years, and I'll be hosting for a third time in Florida with my family. Third time's a charm, right? Let's hope so. Most of the recipes I'm sharing I’ve created before, but there's a newb that's made the list. And you'll see why soon enough.
Note – All of the recipes are grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free BUT they lack not in flavor or sustenance and are modifiable. Talk about a nutrient-dense roundup! You won't regret making any of the recipes, scout's honor.
Also note – I am going to have help creating these recipes. My mom is prepping the green bean casserole ahead of time, and taking charge of the mashed potatoes and turkey on the big day. Vance is jumping to tackle the rest with me. He'll be like my personal Christmas elf...too soon? The recipes I prep ahead I've notated and the rest is made on turkey day!
It's going to be great. Messy, but great.
Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup 2020
Here's what's on the menu.
SEA SALT ROSEMARY NUTS
Can be made ahead of time.
Savory herb roasted nuts that make it hard for you to keep your hand out of the bowl! Trust me.
Credit – One Lovely Life
Spatchcocked turkey
Spatchcocking means removing the backbone of the turkey so you can lay the bird out. It sounds gnarly, but it's quite easy!
Think even roast, less cook time, and crispy skin.
You can also do this with a whole chicken!
Tip – save the turkey or chicken carcass to make bone broth. Trust me, it’ll be the best you’ve ever had.
Credit – The Defined Dish
Veggie-loaded Stuffing
Herby, hearty, and buttery. You won't miss the bread in this dish!
Credit – 40 Aprons
Green Bean Casserole
Can be made ahead of time.
Crunch, creamy, and earthy. A classic and my Mimi's favorite.
Credit – Fed and Fit
Sautéed Brussel Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Mustard Sauce
Can be made ahead of time.
Tangy, crunchy, BACON. Enough said. Can be served hot or cold!
Credit – Cotter Crunch
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Can be made ahead of time.
Carmely-, cinnamon-y, and nutty. Hands down, my favorite dish. Can be made ahead of time.
Credit – 40 Aprons
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Smooth, creamy, dreamy. And so easy, especially if you leave the skins on like I do (hellllo extra nutrients!).
Credit – 40 Aprons
Gravy
Simple to make and graaaavy (like groovy, but gravy).
Credit – 40 Aprons
Pecan Pie Bars
Can be made ahead of time.
This doesn't need a caption. But, I've got one.
Nutty, maple-y, and not overly sweet. My spin on it – half the sweetner in the filling.
Credit – Erin Lives Whole
And the newb to my menu this year...
Key Lime Pie with Coconut-Pecan Crust
Can be made ahead of time.
You bet your bottom I'm making a Floridian delicacy, with a healthy spin on it. I can't wait to make it, but here's my guess as to how it will taste.
Tart, creamy, and citrusy sweet. YUM.
Credit – Paleo Running Momma
Whether you're cooking for one or 8, I hope my roundup brings you some inspiration! Thanksgiving may look different this year, but it doesn't mean you can't celebrate this wonderful holiday over healthy comfort food.
Yes, there is such a thing!