Revitalizing Thanksgiving: Healthier Holiday Recipes
A Refreshing Twist on Traditional Festivities
As a guest on the "Too Young to Be Old" podcast hosted by Diane Gilman, I had the unique opportunity to discuss a wonderful topic! – transforming the traditional Thanksgiving dinner into a nutritious and delightful feast. This episode, entitled "A Healthy Twist on Thanksgiving Dinner with Nutritional Therapist Alison Bladh," was a 35-minute deep dive into reinventing holiday favorites with a healthier spin.
The Challenge: A Healthier Thanksgiving
Diane Gilman, renowned as the 'queen of jeans', initiated our conversation by expressing her desire to cut out unhealthy elements from her holiday meals. In response, I presented a specially created recipe ebook, filled with healthier alternatives to classic Thanksgiving dishes. This ebook, linked below, is designed for those eager to adopt a healthier approach to this festive season.
Exploring Nutritious Recipes
Our discussion delved into the innovative recipes featured in the ebook. A highlight was the Paleo stuffing, a nutritious mix of nuts, vegetables, herbs, and coconut oil. This low-carb alternative captures the essence of traditional flavors without the usual carb overload.
We also explored the unique Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe, which uses brown rice macaroni and nutritional yeast instead of the usual white pasta and cheese, offering a healthier yet still scrumptious option.
Redefining Thanksgiving Classics
Reinventing Hawaiian dinner rolls was an exciting challenge. I shared a recipe for healthier homemade rolls using unbleached or whole grain flour, butter, and coconut sugar. We had a playful conversation about the often overly sweet candied yams, which I transformed using healthier ingredients like coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup.
For the classic mashed potatoes, I discussed alternatives like celery root or cauliflower mash. These options provide a healthier twist without sacrificing taste, offering an exciting way to enjoy this Thanksgiving staple.
Healthier Turkey Tips
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving, the turkey, wasn't left out. I shared tips for preparing a healthier turkey, including air-fried turkey breast recipes. The turkey, already a good source of protein, can be made even healthier with various seasoning and cooking techniques.
Beyond the Traditional: Alternative Delights
The podcast wasn't just about modifying the classics. I introduced alternatives for pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, gravy, and macaroni salad. A special mention was the cranberry pumpkin muffins – a delightful recipe that promises to be a new holiday favorite.
Your Guide to a Healthier Thanksgiving
To bring these delicious and nutritious recipes into your Thanksgiving celebration, I invite you to download the holiday recipe book. It's not just a collection of recipes; it's a guide to enjoying a healthier, yet equally delicious, Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a time of joy and celebration. This year, let it also be a celebration of health and wellness. Embrace these new recipes and transform your Thanksgiving dinner into a feast that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
For more insights into healthy living and nutrition, tune into "Too Young to Be Old" podcast and follow my journey in making health and wellness accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Links to listen or watch the podcast are below.