10 Thanksgiving Healthy Meal Substitutes

Thanksgiving is the one holiday where the food is the most anticipated aspect. From the turkey to the mac and cheese to the pie, Thanksgiving is most popularly known for all of its delicious dishes. However, it is no secret that the food is commonly highly fattening and unhealthy. However, it does not have to be that way! In today’s modern day, there are hundreds of healthy meal recipes that you can substitute for your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!

This year why not try replacing your traditional stuffing with a low-carb version? Instead of making regular mashed potatoes try making cauliflower mashed potatoes instead! Instead of serving up your usual cornbread why not serve up some brussels sprouts? After all, what says thanksgiving better than roasted turkey or ham?

Here is a list on the top 10 Thanksgiving healthy meal substitutes:

Cauliflower potatoes:

Instead of those classic but high in carbs mashed potatoes, try making cauliflower potatoes this year! Rich in texture and flavor cauliflower potatoes serve as a great addition as a side dish. In addition to cauliflower offering a less starch-packed option, cauliflower naturally provides fiber, antioxidants, vitamin B, cancer-fighting cells and aids in digestion problems. Cauliflower also assists in decreasing the risk of developing a number of heart diseases and obesity. 

Squash lasagna:

Love lasagna? Well, you are going to love this healthy twist on lasagna! Squash is a great source of antioxidants, and a plethora of vitamins including A, B, and C, and is rich in potassium and magnesium. This dish takes about an hour or so to make and if topped with a white creamy sauce and cheese it’ll lead to the best results.

Quinoa Salad:

A salad at Thanksgiving dinner is a staple and must be there every year! This year if you’re looking for a way to make that salad even healthier, consider making it quinoa based! Quinoa is great to help with blood sugar balance, improves gut health, assists with lowering the risk of chronic diseases and much more! Quinoa is greatly paired with lemon and vinegar dressings, as well as almonds and chopped up fruit like apples! Adding olive oil will help with that heart-healthy aspect. 

Meatloaf:

This may come off as crazy but if you’re able to ditch the classic Thanksgiving turkey, make a meatloaf instead! Making a turkey and sage meatloaf is not only easier to make but is healthier! Meatloaf has less grease and fat than that of a traditional turkey. It is also a great source of fiber and other nutritional values

Green bean casserole:

Casseroles are a great addition to every Thanksgiving meal! Specifically, green bean casserole is a great choice to go with. The green beans provide high amounts of calcium, vitamin K and nutrients that are important for healthy strong bones. Green beans actually do not have any cholesterol and high cholesterol can lead to a blockage of arteries and many other complications.  

Salmon:

Once again this involves replacing the main dish! Now it may seem bold but taking that turkey off the table and replacing it with salmon is a great way to be healthier on Thanksgiving Day! Salmon being an amazing source of protein and a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals is a great dish to have at the table.

Baked Eggplant:

Baked eggplant is a scrumptious appetizer that is a must for Thanksgiving dinner! Bake cut up and seasoned eggplants followed with a parmesan cheese topping and there you have a great dish. Eggplant is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A and C. Not to mention a great way to keep your calorie intake low. 

Stuffed Acorn Squash:

Another great recipe that includes squash is stuffed acorn! The cheesy delicious treat is a perfect side for Thanksgiving dinner! As mentioned earlier squash is a great source of a variety of vitamins and antioxidants which is beneficial for a healthy living. The recipe also calls for cubed acorn squash which provides vitamin A on its own. Vitamin A assists in things like vision and the immune system making this a must have this year.

Quiche:

Quiche is exactly what you have been missing at your Thanksgiving dinners! The perfect combination of savory flavors and healthy ingredients makes it the perfect side dish at Thanksgiving this year! The main ingredient in quiche is eggs. Eggs are well known for their health benefits which include a great source of protein, vitamin D, bone health, and much more. In addition, the vegetables involved in quiche provide a whole different set of benefits! 

Tofurkey:

Ever tried Tofu? Feel like making Thanksgiving the first time? Tofurkey is a soy-based popular substitute for the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Tofu is another great source of protein, calcium, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, and much more! In addition, there are tons of recipes that season the tofu to taste just like a turkey if not better! There is no reason why you shouldn’t go the healthier route and try out the tofurkey at Thanksgiving dinner this year.