Our Canadian Thanksgiving holiday is coming up this weekend of October, and not soon after in November for our friends in the US.
Thanksgiving dinner can be tricky to navigate, especially when you’re trying to eat healthier and not over-indulge. Maybe you’ve had too many years of turkey hangover, feeling super full, bloated and tired.
You’re probably looking for the right balance between enjoying your favourite classic Thanksgiving holiday foods and still feeling energized and vibrant without feeling like a literal couch potato. I hear you!
Here’s a few quick tips to help you enjoy your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner and still feel super healthy:
Skip the appetizers. There’s really no need to fill up on appetizers that’ll make you feel full by the time dinner rolls around, especially if they’re just basic things like crackers and cheese or chips and dip that you can have ANY TIME of the year (am I right?)!
Eat small portions. Only put a small spoonful of each dish on your plate, so that you can still try and enjoy everything, without loading up on mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Eat more VEGETABLES. This tip is what today’s feature is all about. Make fun and interesting vegetable side dishes that taste good, so that you’re eating less starchy carbohydrates. All the potatoes and bread at dinner will spike your blood sugar and then make you feel sleepy right after.
If your family already has lots of vegetable side dishes at Thanksgiving, then I’m giving you the virtual high-five right now. But maybe they’re just “meh”, something that’s simply steamed that everybody around the table passes on because it looks boring and bland.
Or maybe your family doesn’t make any vegetable side dishes. This could be the anticipation of picky eaters or complainers that see vegetables as foreign objects and run the other way.
Either way, you’re in charge of your life, so don’t be scared to lead by example and create positive change. Even if others aren’t completely on board with you, they may feel inspired or intrigued by the foods presented to them. They may even try one piece or a small portion of a new vegetable dish, and hey, one bite is better than nothing. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about – have an attitude of gratitude. For everything available to us, including the abundance of natural foods from the Earth that nourish us.
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
This is one hundred percent true and I’ve experienced this in my own life. I’ve dealt with in-law family members that never eat vegetables and they tried a piece of broccoli made a different way, and guess what? They LIKED it.
If you’re in charge of hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you have more control of the foods being served.
If you’re attending a dinner, then bring a side dish. That way, you know you have something you can eat (especially if you have dietary preferences or allergies) and enjoy. There’s no need to be offended if there’s still a lot left over, you get to have lots of healthy vegetables to keep for dinner at home throughout the week.
I have a Thanksgiving challenge for you, and actually, it’s quite an easy one.
Can you make one new vegetable side dish this Thanksgiving?
It can be your favourite fall vegetable or a new one that you’re curious to try. Just as long as you create a vegetable side dish, and make sure you scoop up those vegetables onto your plate.
So, let’s get to our recipe roundup. I’ve selected healthy Thanksgiving vegetable side dish recipes, with fall / autumn vegetables that are in season. These recipes were collected from some great food bloggers, so I hope you enjoy!
Click on the picture to get to their recipe. Please note that all images used are property of their respective owners.
BRUSSEL SPROUTS
Benefits:
They provide DNA protection in white blood cells
Anti-cancer
Contains sulfur, which helps detoxify the body
High in vitamin K, C, and folate
Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts by Gimme Some Oven
Roasted Brussels Sprouts by Ina Garten (Food Network)
CARROTS
Benefits:
High in anti-oxidants
Lowers the risk of glaucoma and eye issues
Decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease
High in vitamin A
Honey Maple Roasted Carrots by The Cafe Sucre Farine
Andies Roasted Carrots with Honey Butter by Cookie + Kate
BEETS
Benefits:
Help in detoxification support, thanks to their high amount of betalains (the pigments that give beets their dark and rich colours)
Anti-inflammatory and can reduce the risk of cancerous tumours
Improves blood flow and can help with athletic performance
High in folate and manganese
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Sweet Potatoes by Evolving Table
Fall Harvest Chopped Salad by Nutrition in the Kitch
GREEN BEANS
Benefits:
Reduces the risk of heart disease, thanks to their high flavonoid content
Help control diabetes
High in fibre and can help with regulating digestion
High in vitamin K and C
Easy Skillet Green Beans by Joyful Healthy Eats
Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans by Cast Iron Keto
CAULIFLOWER
Benefits:
Contains a wide variety of different antioxidants
Reduces the risk of colorectal cancer
Helps regulate blood cholesterol
Very high in vitamin C
Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes by Nom Nom Paleo
Low Carb Paleo Cauliflower Stuffing Recipe by Wholesome Yum
PARSNIPS
Benefits:
Reduces blood pressure and heart disease
Improves bone health
Reduces anxiety and depression
High in calcium and potassium
Roasted Parsnips by Fifteen Spatulas
Mustard and Honey Roasted Parsnips by Hungry Healthy Happy
