Thanksgiving is a holiday with a long history, even predating the settlement of North America by the Europeans. This time-honored tradition used to be about feasts held in celebration of the harvests as well as giving thanks for one’s blessings.
This year as you prepare for your holiday dinner, whether as the host or as a guest, I hope you remember to take a step back and think about what you are most thankful for and to count your blessings. I think that if you take time to focus on your family, friends, and loved ones at your holiday dinner, making that your first priority, the food shouldn’t be quite so important.
To me, it also makes great sense to plan ahead and with purpose think about what you are willing to do to make the holiday fun, festive and fabulous without feeling stuffed, sick and with a sugar hangover hours later.
Personally, I have always found Thanksgiving to be a holiday where it is pretty easy to eat healthy, good food. I was perfectly content eating some turkey, roasted veggies and usually talking so much at the table that I never finished my plate. Lately, I do not eat turkey (that is a discussion for another post) but I still enjoy the veggies and thankfully my family is happy to have me contribute a healthy vegetarian dish. I think I have positively influenced my family and friends that even on this holiday, which has become so food-centered, it is still possible to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal.
There was recently an article in the NY Post about Thanksgiving and at first glance the reader was led to believe that people who are focused on living cleaner, healthier lives are actually ruining this holiday. The article gave a few different perspectives but, unlike the impression you get from the headline, the article also pointed out that it is beneficial to have healthy options at the holiday meal.
According to a registered dietician quoted in the article, “Many traditional Thanksgiving staples like roasted turkey, potatoes, yams, cranberries, pumpkin, and squash are actually good for you. The issues that arise with digestion, fatigue, bloating and weight gain come with all of the add-ins like butter, cream, cheese, and sugar.”
I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and take some time to celebrate your blessings and gifts of family and friends.
I want to share with you a very simple, healthy and delicious side dish you can make for your own holiday dinner or bring with you (even at the last minute).
Thyme Roasted Miniature Carrots
Lightly coat a bunch of long-stem miniature carrots with olive oil
Lay out on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper
Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme
Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
Roast on 350 for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
Are you looking for more healthy and delicious recipes? Check out the recipes on my website.
Enjoy!
Yours In Good Health,
