The warmth of the holidays brings loved ones, nourishing meals, and joy around the table. Typically, Thanksgiving is associated with overly-full bellies, rich food, and then paying for the indulgence in the weeks to come. But there is a way to enjoy the delectable food and memories we create without causing health related consequences! To experience a healthy Thanksgiving with food that is equally as nutritious as it is delicious, follow these tips and recipes.

A Healthy Thanksgiving: Is it Possible?

Is a healthy Thanksgiving truly possible? The bloatedness, weight gain, and indigestion are the sacrifices we make for a joyous holiday. Though it may seem like a lofty goal at first, achieving a healthy Thanksgiving is quite easy. Leading up to the big day, you can follow a few of these tips to prepare:

• In preparation for the holiday, focus on probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods to ease your digestion and gut health
• Eat a healthy breakfast the day of and don’t skimp out on nourishment
• Portion your Thanksgiving meal
• Eat slowly, with intention, and savor your food
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Exercise and move your body to avoid that sleepy post-Thanksgiving feeling
• Enjoy your loved ones, slow down, and truly savor the day

In addition to these tips, you can also prepare some incredible alternatives to your traditional Thanksgiving favorites. This way, you can treat your belly with some kindness and keep your post-holiday bloat to a minimum. Preparing healthy, wholesome foods ensures a happy holiday for you and your loved ones. It’s more than possible to have both a delicious and nutritious Thanksgiving meal. Here are some options.

HEALTHY THANKSGIVING RECIPES

Roasted Turkey Breast

A massive turkey basted in butter and garlic may be delicious, but it comes packed with calories. To lessen the number of calories, dark meat, or fat consumption this Thanksgiving, opt for roasted turkey breast instead. This delicious recipe from Home Cooking Adventure offers an herbaceous marinade and takes half the cooking time. For the best quality turkey, choose an organic, free-range breast. Your belly will thank you!

Dry-Rub Mushrooms

If you’re going the route of a meatless or plant-based Thanksgiving this year, this Memphis Dry-Rub Mushroom is the perfect alternative. This dish will really WOW your guests with a flavor-packed spice rub. Because of mushrooms’ meaty, versatile, and absorbent texture, they will take on whatever flavors they’re paired with. Impress your meat lovers with this entree!

HEALTHY THANKSGIVING SIDES

Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”

This garlicky, buttery, herby, and overall scrumptious side makes for an excellent replacement for mashed potatoes. Mashed cauliflower comes with fewer calories, less starch, and fewer carbs than mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s just as yummy. Put this recipe on your Thanksgiving spread this season!

Mushroom Gravy

Beef or chicken gravy may be delicious, but it is usually not the best for our bodies. This wild mushroom gravy is vegetarian and can be made vegan. Plus, it’s rich, creamy, and herby. It’s perfect atop potatoes, mashed cauliflower, veggies, vegan entrees, or even on your Thanksgiving turkey.

Roasted Root Veggies

Opt for a root veggie bonanza this Thanksgiving! A simple pan of roasted veggies can go a long way. This five-spice roasted carrotrecipe can be used with other root veggies like beets or parsnips, too.

Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts

Raw Maple Pecan Pie

Don’t overload your plate with sugar this season. This raw maple pecan pie offers a healthy twist on a Thanksgiving classic. Using half the sugar, whole ingredients, and real food, you can enjoy this dessert guilt-free.

Apple Rose Pastries

Apple pie is a no-brainer during the holidays. But what if you could offer a healthy alternative to this fan favorite? These apple rose pastries are the perfect bite-size morsels to help with portioning this Thanksgiving. Enjoy with a dash of coconut whipped cream, or with a small scoop of ice cream!

Choose Z.E.N. Foods This Holiday Season

Z.E.N. Foods is here to make your Thanksgiving as healthy as it is flavorful. Our farm-to-table meals are prepared fresh with high quality, locally sourced ingredients that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Visit our sample menu to learn more about our meals. Z.E.N. stands for zero effort nutrition. We are here to help improve your health with delicious, easily accessible meals, delivered to your door daily! Learn more about our Thanksgiving specials by calling (310) 205-9368 today.