5 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving (+ 2 Thanksgiving Side Recipes!)

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year—good food, family, laughter, and a little chaos (let’s be honest!). But if you’re like me, you also want to enjoy the day without overdoing it or feeling guilty.

The great news? You totally can have your pumpkin pie and eat it too. Today I’m sharing 5 easy tips for a healthier Thanksgiving plus two FREE Thanksgiving side recipes straight from our Healthy Holiday Cookbook. Think of them as a little taste of the full cookbook magic!

5 Tips for a Healthy, Balanced Thanksgiving

1. Focus on fun, not just food

Thanksgiving is about connection and making memories—not just piling your plate high. Try starting a new family tradition that doesn’t revolve around the table, like a morning walk, a quick game of football, or a board game marathon. Trust me—if you lead the fun, everyone will enjoy the day just as much as the food.

2. Move your body (and make it fun!)

Getting a little activity in before and after your meal makes a huge difference. A quick morning workout, a post-dinner walk, tossing a football, or even a friendly game of tag with the kids can help you digest, burn calories, and boost your mood. Plus, it makes room for that extra slice of pie 😉.

3. Keep healthy snacks handy

Stock up on grab-and-go snacks like veggies, fruit, hummus, or nuts. Even freezing a few healthy meals ahead of time helps. When your body is satisfied with nourishing foods, it’s much easier to enjoy the treats you really love without overdoing it.

4. Be picky (in the best way)

You don’t have to try everything on the table. Focus on the dishes you truly want and let go of the rest. Portion control gets way easier when you’re intentional. Personally, I save my extras for a big slice of pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream—yum!

5. Take a moment to be grateful

Before the day gets hectic, pause and reflect on your blessings. Especially if this year has been challenging, a few quiet minutes of gratitude can help you stay grounded—and less likely to eat your feelings. A thankful heart supports a healthier mindset (and healthier choices too).

Grab These Free Thanksgiving Side Recipes!

We’re sharing two of our favorite sides straight from the Healthy Holiday Cookbook—a little sneak peek so you can get a taste of all the deliciousness inside!

Haricot Verts with Crispy Shallots

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh haricot verts or French-style green beans, ends trimmed
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced (about ½ inch) & quartered
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced (about ½ inch)
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, removed from stem
• 1 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs + 2 Tablespoon water, lightly beaten
• Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup almond meal
• 2 Tablespoons whole wheat breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add green beans, onion, mushrooms, garlic, balsamic vinegar and 1 ½ Tablespoon avocado oil. Toss to combine and coat. Pour into prepared baking sheet/roasting pan and spread out evenly, giving as much space between as possible. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper.

Place in the oven to bake 20-30 minutes, turning once through cooking and adding fresh thyme sprigs during the last 5 minutes.

While the veggies roast, line a plate with doubled up paper towels and set aside.

Mix together the almond meal and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Coat sliced shallots in egg wash and then in the almond meal mixture.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 ½ Tablespoon avocado oil, swirl to coat the pan. Sauté the coated shallots in the oil until crispy golden brown. Remove from the pan and place on paper towel lined plate.

Before serving, remove thyme sprigs from green bean mixture. Place roasted green bean mixture on a serving platter and top with crispy shallots. Serve warm.

Kale & Butternut Squash Stuffing

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 5 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 1 loaf stale (preferably sprouted) whole wheat bread, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 1 pound Italian turkey sausages, casings removed (omit for vegetarian)
• 1 small butternut squash, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 3 small leeks, ends removed, halved, and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper
• 1 bunch kale, tough stems removed & torn
• 1 egg
• 2 cups low- sodium organic chicken bone or veggie broth

Directions

Grease two small or one large casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
In a large pot, warm 1 Tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.

Add the butternut squash, leeks, salt and pepper. Cook until the leeks are soft, stirring occasionally. Add the kale, cover and cook 4-5 minutes or until wilted. Add the bread, remaining oil and toss to distribute oil.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and chicken broth together, and then add to the pot. Toss the bread mixture around to coat and cook about a minute, until the liquid is absorbed.

Add the stuffing to the prepared dishes, place in the oven, and bake for 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Want More Healthy Holiday Recipes?

If you loved those, the full Healthy Holiday Cookbook is packed with over 70 festive, feel-good recipes to help you enjoy the holidays without stress. Here’s a taste of what’s inside:

• 🎄 9 Festive Brunch Recipes
• 🍽️ 7 Main Dishes (including vegetarian options!)
• 🍲 6 Seasonal Soups
• 🥗 6 Holiday Salads
• 🥦 7 Veggie Side Dishes
• 🍠 11 Starchy Sides
• 🍪 5 Christmas Cookie Options
• 🍰 8 Holiday Desserts
• 🎁 7 Homemade Holiday Treat Gift Ideas
• ☕ 8 Seasonal Beverages
• 🍹 6 Festive Cocktails + Mocktails

This cookbook will make your holiday cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious than ever.

Here’s to a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving isn’t about strict rules—it’s about enjoying the foods you love and savoring special moments with the people who matter most. Pick your favorite dishes, take a walk, laugh a lot, and make memories that last longer than any leftover pie!

I’m so grateful to have you as part of our community. Sending love and blessings to you and your families this holiday season!