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7 Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes That Won't Break Your Diet
7 Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes That Won't Break Your Diet
Thanksgiving is a great time of year to gather your family together and remember the year gone by. Traditionally, that remembrance happens around a dinner table full of food. And typically, Thanksgiving recipes consist of foods aren't the most diet-conscious meals.
No one should be left out of sharing a meal with family and friends because of dietary preferences. We dissected Thanksgiving dishes and sought to find versions that won't be full of carbs and sugar. If you or a loved one are living with diabetes, you’ll be sure to enjoy these Thanksgiving recipes.
Salads, potatoes, candied yams, turkey, gravy, stuffing, and pies are usually scattered around the table. While sweet potatoes and turkey are usually great, the way they are prepared can make a difference. So here are a few options that will satisfy your Thanksgiving cravings while keeping your diet in check.
Starters
Salad
Typically salads are fine if you avoid croutons and dressings. Dressings can pack a lot of hidden sugar that will affect blood sugar. Be careful and switch out that packaged dressing for some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Main Courses
Turkey
Turkey is great for people living with diabetes if you avoid the skin. Check out this great make-ahead recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey.
Stuffing
Anything you can buy from a box or bottle is hiding a LOT of extra sugar you’d want to avoid. This recipe is a great make-at-home alternative.
Green Bean Casserole
As we said above, anything you can get from a box is hiding a lot of sugar and carbs. Make your french fried onions at home for your green bean casserole. It'll be healthier this way, and the whole family can enjoy it.
Gravy
Gravy tends to be very high in fat and carbohydrates. This can spell bad news if you're watching your food intake. If you opt for this version of gravy, it’ll cut some carbs and still taste great with the rest of your dishes.
Mashed Potatoes
White potatoes are an extremely complex carbohydrate that our bodies have a hard time breaking down. We found a way to get around most of those carbohydrates. This recipe calls for Yukon Gold Potatoes and far less butter and cream than a traditional recipe. Pair this up with your new recipe for gravy for added flavor!
Candied Yams
Okay marshmallows on a main dish isn’t really healthy for anyone. We found this recipe, which includes twice as many sweet potatoes as marshmallows, making it just a little bit healthier. Plus, add pecans or walnuts for a delicious and healthy crunch.
Desserts
Apple Pie
Staying away from sugary foods during the holidays is nearly impossible. The cold weather practically begs you to eat yummy baked goods. We found this version of classic apple pie. It gets rid of the crumble and uses fresh apples (avoiding the boxed/canned sugar issue).
We love the holidays, as it’s the perfect time to spend with family and friends. Just because you choose your foods wisely and accordingly with your diet, doesn’t mean you can't enjoy the party. Take these recipes with you to your Thanksgiving meal, or share them with the designated chef. These health-friendly recipes are sure to make all those at the dinner table feel included.
By Raegan Allen