Buttery mashed potatoes. Creamy green bean casserole. Sweet side dishes. The Thanksgiving staples. You know I’m all about a splurge and totally cool with treat meals. I believe the Thanksgiving meal is to be enjoyed.
BUT… if we could make a dish just as great as the original but lightened up just a little – why not, right?!
If you’re doing some of the cooking this year for Thanksgiving, check out the lightened up options below. I made sure they’re still tasty.
Just a little something I’ve found… when serving these, tell your guests you tried a new recipe but don’t advertise the dish as “healthy.” Don’t you feel when you serve people a “healthy” meal they seem to judge it more harshly; I often get “well it’s good for a healthy meal.” Yet, when I don’t share the meal is a healthier version, no one ever notices lol. Do you find that too??
What are you up to this Thanksgiving??
This is our first Thanksgiving as a family of three. We decided to take a family trip to Naples, FL where Anthony’s grandparents (Leo’s great grandparents) live. It will be their first time meeting him. My in-laws and brother-in-law will also be joining! I’m so looking forward to lots of family time and Leo’s first trip to the beach.
I’ve worked so hard lately in the gym and with what I’ve been eating, so I’m going to try my best to keep that a priority while we are away. I feel like that’s what the Fitmas Challenge is all about; we all have more celebrations, trips, etc. so doing the best you can with what you have available will be the theme for the next few weeks.
Okay, enough rambling… I am excited for you to try the recipes below and please please please let me know what you and your guests think!
-HEALTHIER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE-
This is my all time favorite Thanksgiving dish. It’s normally super creamy and high in fat but I found a way to lighten it up while still keeping it delicious!
-MASHED “FAUX-TATOES”-
I feel like the faux-tatoe craze is pretty popular. I was eating at Tommy Bahamas restaurant last week and they actually served that with the steak I ordered! I loved it and you can barely taste a difference. I loveeee the version I created… it’s all about the spices and herbs used!
-THANKSGIVING SLAW-
This side dish was tastier than I ever expected. I feel like it’s the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving staples and super easy to make, so if you’re looking for a little somethign extra to whip up but don’t have a lot of time, try this one! I also will be enjoying this well beyond Thanksgiving.
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