As you are making your grocery list and reviewing old recipes and maybe some new, I have a quick tip for you to make Thanksgiving a wonderful day to remember. Even if that does mean preparing a few traditionally unhealthy Thanksgiving recipes that your family loves.
Consumer research recently found that most people would prefer not to have foods that they have always enjoyed changed in any way! They like those holiday fixings just the way you or grandmother have always prepared them. It is, after all, part of the tradition and memories!
Some traditionally unhealthy Thanksgiving foods you might want to keep are:
- Traditional Roasted Turkey and Stuffing, your family’s favorite
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
- Green Bean Casserole
- Rolls
- Pumpkin Pie
- Cranberries
The point is, that in many families there are a wide variety of foods they find wonderful and delicious this one day a year! For example, one client mentioned his grandmother’s Chess Pie, and another mentioned a great Raspberry Gelatin Pie with whipped topping, that he could not wait for.
So, without too much scrutiny, my suggestion is to go with the flow and serve the food you and your family wants (and loves!) on just this one important day. Everyone will leave the table happy!
Leave a comment with some of the unhealthy Thanksgiving foods your family has enjoyed over the years.
And, if you are new to all the preparations of Holiday meals, many good food ideas exist on websites that you may want to try, like Pinterest.
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Written by Rita Larsen, RDN, CD; Elite Sports Clubs Nutrition Educator & Diet Counselor
Rita is certified in Positive Psychology, University of Penn; has a BS in Dietetics from Kansas State University; and an Internship and Masters at the Indiana University Medical Center.