Roasted Brussels Sprout & Butternut Squash Salad

It can be difficult to prioritize vegetables when there are so many other options at your Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe, recommended by Kristin Blackway, MS, RD, LDN, helps you consume extra vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

These vegetables provide fiber, which has many health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber can support your bowel movements, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. 

[Recipe sourced from EatingWell]

Cranberry Brie Bites

Nikki Johnston, MS, RD, LDN of Nutrition Support Solutions recommends these quick and easy handheld bites that are sure to impress your guests. 

Key ingredients include brie cheese and nuts like pecans, pistachios, or walnuts. These all contain both protein and fat, which can help you feel satisfied and support your blood sugar. 

Plus, if you want to get ahead of the holiday madness, you can bake and freeze these cranberry brie bites in advance. Don’t forget to reheat them from frozen at 350 degrees F before your holiday party.

[Recipe sourced from Very Bliss Road]

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Blondies

These blondies are gooey and delicious, with a hidden vegan twist. As a vegan treat, they do not contain any animal ingredients. They are also gluten-free and soy-free. 

Instead, these blondies contain ingredients like white beans or chickpeas, maple syrup, and even pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato. Many of these ingredients are in season during the fall, making them convenient to grab at the grocery store. 

Lindsey Shuler, RD, LDN recommends these blondies to include as a holiday dessert. If your guests have allergies or intolerances, these may still be an accessible win. 

[Recipe sourced from Chocolate Covered Katie]

Sausage and Apple Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Have you tried honeynut squash? If not, this type of squash comes from a combination of both butternut and buttercup varieties and is golden orange in color. 

In this recipe, recommended by Emily Mahadeo, DCN, RD, honeynut squash is stuffed with ingredients like mushrooms, garlic, apple, sausage, and cranberries. Plus, it includes warming spices like sweet paprika and oregano. 

With a mix of vitamins and minerals, it packs a punch for your health, too.

[Recipe sourced from Garden in the Kitchen]

How can you avoid “hanger” on Thanksgiving Day?

With many Americans enjoying Thanksgiving dinner later in the evening, it may seem smart to skip your breakfast and lunch in anticipation.

But, Marjorie Cohn, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-S, Clinical Director at Berry Street thinks otherwise. “Hanger – that awful feeling of jitters and a foul mood – can be easily avoided by treating Thanksgiving like any other day of the year.” She adds, “Don’t forget to eat a balanced breakfast and lunch so you can support your blood sugar and feel energized enough to make it through your festivities.” 

A normal eating routine can help you feel confident in the choices you make during your holiday season.  Rather than save up your meal allowance and become “hangry”, you can arrive ready to relax and make the best choices to savor the moment. 

Conclusion

You may think of your Thanksgiving meal as just the basics, like turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. This year, try adding a new recipe to the mix – you may come to include it as a new staple for years to come. 

Remember, if you struggle to make choices that support your health goals during the holidays, reach out to Berry Street for support. Our online dietitians can help you make your holidays delicious and memorable.