We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Healthy Thanksgiving meals

wwest21
wwest21 Posts: 99 Member
edited February 7 in Food and Nutrition
I got lucky to host Thanksgiving at my house this year soooo I get to plan out and cook the majority of the meal. I'm trying to find healthy side dishes to make. Anyone have any ideas?

Replies

  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    It's one day any ppl want to splurge. Eat healthy every other day!
  • loriq41
    loriq41 Posts: 479 Member
    Garlic Roasted Green Beans

    When I make them I use about a pound of green beans...cut off the ends, put them in a bowl, add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes and as much garlic is you like. I then spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, spread the green beans on the sheet evenly...add another tbsp of parm cheese and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes depending if you like them crunchier or softer. I put it in the MFP recipes and having a huge serving (I made a lb of green beans serve 3 people) it is 120 cals...really fills you up! :)
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Plain baked sweet potato is great. I would put out some butter and sour cream for those who need it. I have also made sweet potato layered with apples and sprinkled cinnamon between the layers. It is almost more of a dessert without any added sugar.
  • OatFloats
    OatFloats Posts: 119
    I love that apple idea for the sweet potatoes. I am thinking of going half and half with the marshmallow topping, with chopped pecans, as a comprimise. Leftovers could be frozen to do away with temptation.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Plain baked sweet potato is great. I would put out some butter and sour cream for those who need it. I have also made sweet potato layered with apples and sprinkled cinnamon between the layers. It is almost more of a dessert without any added sugar.

    I like this apple sweet potato casserole from Weight Watchers.

    1/2 cup(s) unpacked brown sugar
    2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
    3 medium fresh apple(s), peel and cut up into 2 inch pieces
    3 medium cooked sweet potato(es), peeled and cut up into 2 inch pieces ... I cook partially (like 15 min)
    1 Tbsp all purpose flour
    1 Tbsp regular butter

    Instructions
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees Place apples and potatoes in bowl Add flour, cinnamon and brown sugar to bowl Spray cooking pan with spray butter flavor oil place apples and potatoes in pan Bake for 30 minutes or until desired softness
  • LunaInverse
    LunaInverse Posts: 109 Member
    I dunno...as long as their isn't anything processed, just eat in moderation, and I think you'll be fine :)
  • mrsamanda86
    mrsamanda86 Posts: 869 Member
    Make your normal Thanksgiving dinner foods. Just don't make yourself a mile high plate. I don't plan on making my food any differently than I normally would for Thanksgiving, it's a holiday that you spend with friends and family, have a good time, don't worry about it.
  • Routerninja
    Routerninja Posts: 201
    I've been making mashed potatoes with the Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb light cheeses instead of butter/salt/cream and it has been a big hit. 4 wedges per batch of potatoes (8 or so small potatoes) and it only adds 140 calories and a ton of flavor.
  • chezjuan
    chezjuan Posts: 747 Member
    I like green bean casserole, but made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Here is the recipe I use:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1111446-green-bean-casserole
  • mapenguinkeeper
    mapenguinkeeper Posts: 191
    instead of mashed potatoes try mashed cauliflower. cut one head into smaller pieces, simmer w/4-5 garlic cloves until soft. Drain and throw into a food processor or blender w/half a cup of mayo or greek yogurt, blend until smooth, salt and pepper to taste. Same texture, similar flavor lower calories especially if you use greek yogurt. I've fooled more than one guest with this dish.

    for dessert try this stupid easy super delish pie recipe:

    1 chocolate cookie or graham cracker crust
    1 block silken tofu
    1 package dark chocolate chips
    1/2 cup kahlua - you can leave this out or sub w/Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Syrup

    Melt the chocolate chips over double boiler or in microwave, allow to cool to room temp, add to blender or food processor w/silken tofu and liquid of choice, blend until smooth, pour into pie crust and refrigerate at least 2 hours, but preferably 4. Super yummy, velvety chocolate and if you don't mention it NO ONE will ever guess it is tofu - I've taken this to many parties w/devoted tofu haters who love it.
  • wwest21
    wwest21 Posts: 99 Member
    Thank you for the suggestions! Everyone in my family decided to do a healthy meal this year which is why I'm looking for healthier versions of traditional Thanksgiving food. :)
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    Mashed potatoes
    Sausage Stuffing
    Green Bean casarole
    Pumpkin Pie
    Pecan Pie
    Gravy
    Corn on the cob
    Fruit Salad
    Corn Bread
    Dinner Rolls
    Butter
    Turkey
    Ham
    + anything you want


    There is nothing "unhealthy" about a single thing associated with traditional Thanksgiving.
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    There is nothing "unhealthy" about a single thing associated with traditional Thanksgiving.

    Yep. Maybe OP should get a clear definition of the "healthy" he's trying to achieve for the Thanksgiving theme.

    Edit:
    Perhaps they mean "high volume, low calorie", so you emphasize vegetables and lean protein, and don't use fat-based sauces.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    TofurkyUSRoastGravyfaceHIRES.jpg
  • wheird
    wheird Posts: 7,963 Member
    Do you want your family to hate you?
  • Trechechus
    Trechechus Posts: 2,819 Member
    Thanksgiving food isn't inherently bad. I don't eat any more on Thanksgiving than I do on any other day.
  • Trechechus
    Trechechus Posts: 2,819 Member
    TofurkyUSRoastGravyfaceHIRES.jpg

    No joke. I have one of these babies waiting for me in the fridge! I'm STOKED
  • beachlover317
    beachlover317 Posts: 2,848 Member
    How about tofu turkey legs?

    turkeylegs.jpg
  • loriq41
    loriq41 Posts: 479 Member
    I am thinking about the episode of Everybody Loves Raymond when Marie decides to make a healthy thanksgiving and the boys order a turkey dinner behind her back...LOL
  • Steph_in_Mississippi
    Steph_in_Mississippi Posts: 70 Member
    What about roasted veggies (red potatoes; broccoli, carrots, brussel sprouts, even radishes are great roasted) in oven with olive oil? I like to roast with olive oil and some type of Mrs Dash seasoning.


    Maybe some sort of corn salad... I had thought about making something similar to succotash (corn, peppers, onion).

    A salad would be a light, healthy option too. Baby spinach salad has so many possibilities.

    I like deviled eggs using Kraft Light mayo with olive oil.

    I don't like them but a congealed salad using sugar free jello might be tasty.

    I'm also roasting whole chickens since my kids aren't crazy about turkey. Brine overnight with water, lemon, bay leaf and salt. Rinse and roast with garlic and lemon in the cavity. Olive oil light under skin to keep from drying out.

    Dessert could be an apple crumble or apple tart where you can control the sugar or even use honey or molasses.

    Just some thoughts. Good luck! I think it's cool your family wants to eat healthy.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories