It may sound like a contradiction using the words “healthy” and “thanksgiving” together, but hear me out! 

There are several things you can do to make your Thanksgiving celebration healthier...

1. Don’t skip your daily green drink (and breakfast): You don’t want to show up to the Thanksgiving table ravenous, because then you’ll eat everything in sight! Make sure to start your day with a green drink and breakfast to give yourself a healthy energy boost that will remind you that your health comes first. 
2. Seek out raw food first. Fill up your plate with raw veggies and salad first. You’ll still have room for more delicious goodies later!
3. Cut out the alcohol (or keep it limited). If you want to have a festive drink, bring along your own bottle of organic wine. Have just one glass and then replace it with sparkling water and lime the second time around.
4. Cap off the night with some ginger tea. Ginger can counteract any inflammation, and is effective in calming the stomach and aiding in digestion.
5. Relieve stress. If you are feeling super stressed out, your cortisol levels can skyrocket causing your body hold onto weight (particularly in the waist). Do some yoga, meditation, or take a long walk either before or after your meal.
6. Bring healthier versions of your Thanksgiving favorites. Of course you should never show up to a dinner empty-handed, so use this rule to your advantage and bring along a healthy holiday dish (or a few). This will give you the option of eating at least one healthy item, and lets you share a delicious real food dish with your family! 

Here are my favorite healthy Thanksgiving recipes from the blog:

• Sweet Potato Casserole: Almost like dessert (but healthy!)
• Cornbread Stuffing: Vegan, organic, and absolutely delicious. 
• Stove Top Stuffing: Frees up your oven for other dishes like the turkey and sweet potatoes.
• Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Incredible creamy and savory side dish.
• Raw Stuffing: The crunch of the pecans and savory cauliflower, celery, onions and carrots is just dynamite!
• Cranberry Sauce: Sweetened with fresh squeezed orange juice and honey.
• Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream: Without refined sugar!

One of the the things I love to do after Thanksgiving is make a big pot of soup. It’s easy, inexpensive, and is a great way to use of up some of the leftover veggies and turkey you might have.

A great one to try from Food Babe Family is Ginger Chicken Soup, which you can easily make with leftover turkey instead. Simply omit the chicken and add shredded cooked turkey while the soup is simmering. It’s cozy, healing, and works perfectly with shredded turkey instead of chicken. The ginger, broth, and veggies make it feel like a warm blanket — exactly what everyone needs after a big holiday meal.

Here's the recipe if you don't have the cookbook yet:

Food Babe's Ginger Chicken Soup (makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 to 5 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, minced
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
3. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and ginger. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors blend, about 20 minutes.
6. Before serving, break up the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Wishing you and your family a happy (and healthy) Thanksgiving!

Xo,

Vani

P.S. If you're doing some holiday shopping this weekend, don't forget to use my Healthy Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect gifts with incredible discounts just for the Food Babe Army! Find your holiday gifts here. 

Manage Preferences | Privacy Policy

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231
USA

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, click on the following link: Unsubscribe