I interviewed several of my personal friends and acquaintances I’ve made over the years to find out what they are going to be noshing on this Thanksgiving. Not a one said they would be staying at home and staying away from the calories. They’re all to be enjoying the day with healthy foods and portion control.
The 3 things that will definitely be on my plate are: 1) lots of turkey, 2) my slow-cooked clean pumpkin pie, and my own 3) clean gravy. I typically make most the Thanksgiving Feast, so I try to make as much as I can “clean” so that I can enjoy it too. For the few things the others like traditionally, I make a couple of versions.
– Jenny Groethe, All Things Fitness For Gals
There’ll be Caesar salad with a raw dressing made from soaked sprouted sunflowers seeds to add the creaminess. Sweet potatoes, baked potatoes (only because I prefer them to mashed and so do my five kiddos), steamed broccoli!
Homemade gluten free pumpkin bread, Crispy dehydrated Brussels sprouts (just sprinkled with olive oil and Himalayan crystal salt), Raw baby carrots with raw Caesar dressing because my five kids are addicted to it.
Dessert? Raw pumpkin and Apple pies!
– Taylor Wells, Prana Power Yoga
For thanksgiving there is always fresh veggies, delicious turkey, and a scoop of delicious mashed potatoes. But most importantly there is family, love, and laughter!
– Donloree Hoffman, Personal Trainer and Leadership Coach
Unfortunately I have duty on Thanksgiving. But when I do eat food for turkey day, It will be a turducken, pork crown roast, an assortment of roasted winter squash, and probably a crustless sweet potato pie for dessert.
– George Bryant, Civilized Caveman Cooking Creations
Turkey, mashed potatoes and salad for sure! My family makes a great salad so I try to load up on that and other veggies then get in my turkey and starches like mashed potatoes.
– Julie Costa, IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete and Personal Trainer
1.Turkey. Turkey is beneficial for fat loss as it keeps post-meal insulin levels within a desirable range.
Turkey is a very good source of selenium, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and zinc which boost the immune system and keep your heart functioning optimally. Protein is needed for almost every single function in our body, from tissue formation and repair,to hormones, to making antibodies, to enzyme reactions, to transport amino acids.
2. Cranberries are an excellent anti-oxidant as well as a kidney protector. Cranberries have a special structure that makes it tough for bacteria to latch onto. This fruit has been know to help prevent urinary tract infections.
3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes. YUMMY!. I will boil the potatoes and mash them, only using very little organic butter, a splash of almond milk and cinnamon. This is a treat in itself! Sweet potatoes are an excellent slow digesting carbohydrate loaded with fiber and many vitamins.
– Flavia Del Monte, RN, Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach at Flavalicious Fitness
1) Lots of Turkey!!! (white meat), 2) Green Beans (sauteed in evoo, garlic, bacon, & onions), 3) Sweet Potato Casserole (acts as starchy carb AND dessert), 4) Mom’s homemade cranberry sauce…
– Chandler Marchman, Strength Coach & Strong Man
Here is what will most likely be on our Thanksgiving menu:
– Grilled chicken with pesto
My philosophy is: stressing about the day does more harm than enjoying it. Your life and weight isn’t determined by one meal or one day of the year.
– Kelsea Koenreich, NGA Figure Pro, Lifetime Natural USAPL Powerlifter
My mantra is #moderation365 which means that I choose to eat moderately every single day of the year. Doesn’t matter if I’m going on a beach vacation in a week or it’s Thanksgiving. My goal is always to eat to feel satisfied, and not stuffed. I choose foods that preempt my cravings without overdoing it and I pick my nutrition battles, even on Thanksgiving. This year (and every year), I eat as much protein and veggies as I want, and I usually skip the starchy sides because they don’t do much for me. Instead, I’ll enjoy a few glasses of wine and bites of whatever desserts look delicious. I always eat for satisfaction, so I’ll leave the table not feeling like I missed out on anything. Deprivation sucks. But so does feeling bloated, stuffed and guilty. My practice is always eating for the middle.
– Jill Coleman, Mindset, Body and Business Coach
For turkey day, I’m responsible for the veggies. I love roasted Brussel sprouts with coconut oil to make sure they are a hit with everyone at the table and I add in bacon. Who can resist bacon?
My guilty pleasure is macaroni and cheese I make sure I get at least 1 spoonful.
– Kim Barnes Jefferson, Personal Trainer
See.. just because you are on a meal plan to lose weight doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Thanksgiving dinner – there’s plenty of clean eating recipes for you to enjoy and other things in moderation.
And remember, the fastest way to lose weight and keep it off is to never restrict too much.