4 Easy and Healthy Sides to Add to Your Thanksgiving Table
November 22, 2021
The holidays can be filled with lots of laughter, love and joy, but also accompanied by hefty calories and temporary passes on healthy habits.
We connected with registered dietitian, Katlyn Cusack MS, RDN, LDN, to share some of her favorite thanksgiving sides and some healthy tips for this holiday season.
Easy Healthy Side Dish Recipes
Roasted Vegetables
Kale Salad
Pumpkin Soup
Spinach Dip
5 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving
- Explore the Variety of Seasonal Produce: What foods come to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Probably turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, right? But, there's so much healthy seasonal produce available during this time of the year. Try featuring foods like squash, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, apples, carrots, cranberries, pumpkin and pomegranates on your Thanksgiving table.
- Modify and Experiment: Try to alter your favorite recipes by replacing those ‘not so healthy’ ingredients with healthier options. For example, using applesauce instead of oil can decrease the fat and calorie content significantly. Also, adding extra seasonal vegetables to any dish can increase the nutrient content of the food.
- Make Time for Physical Activity: Thanksgiving Day is a great time to get outside with friends and family. Try a family football game or walk around the neighborhood. Exercise will help offset some of the calories consumed at the Thanksgiving table.
- Watch What you Drink: You can really curb the amount of calories you consume by limiting sweetened and alcoholic beverages. Try seltzer and lime or water to help save calories for the feast.
- Indulge a Little and Enjoy a Lot: Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, therefore it is important to enjoy, laugh and EAT! Embrace the cornucopia of delicious food and the value of time spent with family and friends.
Next Steps & Resources:
- To make an appointment with our dietitian Katlyn, or a dietitian near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
Worst Foods to Eat for Your Health
If you haven’t thought about whether or not the foods that you consume are truly nourishing you, take time to examine your eating habits to ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional goals.
5 New Year's Resolutions for a Healthier You
Here’s how you can use your New Year’s resolution to achieve a healthier, happier life.
How to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not come to an end yet, this year’s holiday season should seem more like pre-pandemic times than last year’s holiday season, when people were encouraged to avoid gathering indoors with people from outside their COVID bubbles, unless everyone could self-quarantine first for 14 days.
Managing Substance Abuse During the Holiday Season
For those recovering from addiction or substance abuse, the holidays can be especially challenging.
Can You Get Diabetes from Eating Too Much Sugar?
Debunking the common belief that eating too much sugar is responsible for a person developing diabetes.
Can an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Help Relieve Pain?
Are you someone who suffers from chronic pain? Do you feel like you have exhausted all options for help?