“Being grateful is what makes you joyful.”
-Ann Voskamp
Thanksgiving Round Up
It is easy to assume holiday food is only full of sugar and unhealthy treats because that is exactly what surrounds us at work, parties, and grocery stores shelves. This post is to inspire you to be proactive in making your Thanksgiving meal healthy while not compromising the taste or the tradition. You don’t need to wait until after the holidays to begin healthy eating. Start now!
I am indebted and grateful to so many incredible chefs who produce amazing recipes. The recipes I am sharing are some of my favorites. I made most of these recipes last year for Thanksgiving and Christmas and my family can attest to their delectable taste.
Holiday dinners are usually carb overloads. If you want to make sure you don’t gain extra weight this Holiday, then be cautious of your carbs. Choose veggies to get a more nourishing meal and a less bloated feel. One way to ensure this is to make sure your side dishes are more vegetable based as oppposed to bread based.
A few years back for Christmas, my father remarked, “Melanie must be back in town and in charge of dinner.” Besides the turkey, every side dish I made was some type of vegetable dish. We had brussels sprouts, green beans, roasted kale, and butternut squash soup and it was delicious. It was a shift from the norm for sure, but he never once complained about the taste.
All of the following recipes are Paleo friendly, gluten free, and dairy free.
Photos belong to the website responsible for the recipe. To view the full recipes click on the title each recipe
Paleo Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Umami Gravy by Nom Nom Paleo
This gravy is to die for. It is a mushroom and onion gravy that will blow your mind. No turkey drippings necessary and you can make it ahead of time and keep in the fridge. The day after you can heat it in a mug and drink it all by itself. I may or may not have just admitted to drinking gravy out of a mug.
Cran Cherry Sauce by Nom Nom Paleo
Another great make ahead dish. The perfect amount of tart and sweet and not full of sugar or processed food.
Tarragon Green Beans by Martha Stewart
I love fresh green beans. When you combine the white wine and tarragon, this dish is a win! It has been a staple holiday dish for many years.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon by Bare Root Girl
I have made a similar version of this in years past. Brussles sprouts are full of fiber and antioxidants. Don’t shy away from them, besides when you add bacon, everything tastes better.
Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies by Bare Root Girl
A new recipe of hers. The perfect amount of pumpkin flavor. My son’s 6th grade class ate these up and had no idea they were a healthier version of chocolate chip cookie.
Fruit Dip by Me (Remedy Health and Wellness)
Who says you need a veggie and dip tray? Try slicing up some fresh fruit with this dip for a delicious appetizer everyone will enjoy. On a side note, if you add a little more coconut milk this dip becomes a little more light and creamy and will make a delicious dairy free whipped cream on top of any pie.
Need More Inspiration?
- If you eat meat for Thankgiving. Choose enough meat for about 3-4 oz (the size of your palm)
- Fill the remainder your plate with veggies
- If you are avoiding sugar, then make sure you have berries on hand to top with the Remedy fruit dip for your dessert. Or make up a batch of my fat bombs or bacon bark ahead of time and keep in the freezer for your go to dessert.
Wishing you all a grateful and joyful Thanksgiving!
Melanie
