Here at Allied Wellness, we know first hand that Thanksgiving has grown into a family celebration with lots of food consumption. As a culture we tend to go overboard with the food consumption because we all know how exceptionally great traditional Thanksgiving meals are. There are numerous ways to enjoy your feast while still enjoying a healthier Thanksgiving. We’re going to share some dishes that are good for you and can help you maintain the joyous holiday atmosphere.
Mashed Potatoes
Let’s be honest, we all love mashed potatoes! This Thanksgiving staple is always a favorite; however, it can certainly pack a high calorie punch. Pureed cauliflower is a great alternative that brings the flavor as well as six times the vitamin C of a regular potato.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower trimmed and cut into florets
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Add the cauliflower and garlic to a large pot of salted water and cook for about 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork tender. Once cauliflower is tender, drain and return to the hot pan for 2-3 minutes. Move the cauliflower and the garlic to the food processor and add olive oil, salt and pepper, pureeing until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a comfort food everyone enjoys. However, they’re usually filled with tons of salt and deep-fried onions. Roasted brussels sprouts can replace this staple dish while adding fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious replacement.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts washed and cut in halves or quarters depending on their size
1 or 2 tablespoon coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic
Juice of a half a lemon
A few good shakes of balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Please note, coconut oil is solid at room temperature. Scoop coconut oil and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Once the coconut oil is liquified, add in remaining ingredients then toss the sauce in with the Brussels. Grease a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the brussels sprouts and put them back in the oven for 8-10 minutes
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries are filled with antioxidants making it a great choice for a side. While cranberry sauce is delicious, canned cranberry sauce is filled with sugar we could probably go without. A homemade cranberry sauce can be just as good and more nutritious than the canned option.
Ingredients
1 12 oz bag of whole cranberries
2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1 cup of water
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1 dash cinnamon 1 dash nutmeg
Directions
Mix water, sugar, and Splenda over high heat until sugar and Splenda have dissolved. Add the cranberries and dash of cinnamon. Bring to a boil until the cranberries being to pop. Remove from heat and move cranberry sauce into a serving dish. Chill in refrigerator
