by Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN
Now that Halloween has passed, it is time to focus on one American holiday that everyone should love: Thanksgiving! While this day may be the biggest feast of the year for most people, and this post provides plenty of recipes that registered dietitians serve with their turkey, it’s important to slow down and remember the reason for the holiday. Heather Mangieri, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN of Nutrition Check Up has an excellent post reminding us to count our blessings instead of counting calories this fall! Enjoying your time with family on this day includes enjoying the food on the table without any worry.
Still, fall food provides so many wonderful nutrients and antioxidants, and they can be highlighted so well on Thanksgiving day and beyond. Here are Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts from Pennsylvania’s registered dietitian bloggers that your whole family will enjoy!
Green Beans
Heather Mangieri recommends “serving a side dish that is already portioned” as it can prevent over-eating. Having less of a specific item on your plate may mean you slow down and are more mindful while eating it. Her Green Bean Bacon Bundles make a great pre-portioned side dish
Healthy Green Bean Casserole, via Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD blogging at Teaspoon of Spice
Green Bean Casserole: from Jennifer Pullman MA, RD, CSOWM, LDN of Nourished Simply
Cranberry Sauce
Refined Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce via Eat Real Live Well
Ginger Cranberry Sauce, via Teaspoon of Spice
Cranberry Sauce, via Nourished Simply
Potatoes and Stuffing
Garlic and Herb Mashed Root Vegetables, via Zach Breeding MS, RDN, LDN, FAND of The Sage
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, via Nourished Simply
Two Potato Tomato Zucchini Au Gratin, via Nutrition Check Up
Whole Wheat Herb Stuffing, via Nourished Simply
Other Veggies
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash and Cranberries, via Eat Real Live Well
Harvest Salad with Apple Dijon Dressing, via Nourished Simply
Balsamic Glazed Carrots via The Sage
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, via Jess DeGore, RD, LDN blogging at Dietitian Jess
And for good measure, before dessert, Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN has tips to create your
Signature Thanksgiving Cocktail and enjoy it without going overboard!
Desserts
This Pumpkin Praline Frozen Yogurt from Jen at Nourished Simply is perfect on it’s own or to pair with pie!
Frozen Pumpkin Pie Cream Cups, via Dietitian Jess
Maple Chia Roasted Pecans and Walnuts via Eat Real Live Well
Chocolate Pecan Bites, via Nourished Simply
Butternut Squash Pudding via Teaspoon of Spice
Raw Vegan Pumpkin Pie via Eat Real Live Well
Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, is a consultant, spokesperson and nutrition coach, specializing in performance nutrition, fitness club programming, and intuitive eating. Visit Kelly’s blog for recipes, fitness nutrition tips, and more. Connect with Kelly on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
