It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Which, for many of us, means total diet destruction is officially on the horizon. But here’s the thing: You can still enjoy all the deliciousness of this food-heavy holiday without committing to an entire season of stretchy pants. Find all the guidance you need to get your fill of the festivities (and the food!) with our ultimate guide: 23 Ways to Lose Weight This Thanksgiving.
And show up to your gatherings with any of the guilt-free Thanksgiving recipes below. They’re delicious and on-plan. So you can enjoy the festive fare without ever having to worry about sabotaging your slim-down.
1. Green Bean Casserole
A Thanksgiving go-to, Green Bean Casserole is often packed with more calories and fat than green beans. But not this Green Bean Casserole! This delicious dish goes heavy on flavor, not on guilt.
2. Twice Baked Cauliflower Casserole
Oh yes. The perfect blend of creamy and cheesy, this is one side dish that’s sure to steal the show at your Thanksgiving dinner.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple
We are so very thankful for recipes like this one, which strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors.
4. Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mashed Faux-tatoes
These Garlic Herb Mashed Faux-tatoes sub potatoes with cauliflower for a lightened up take on a seasonal staple. Want to make mashed cauliflower without the time commitment of the crock pot? Check out this alternative cooking method for this delicious dish.
5.Stuffed Acorn Squash
Add a little color to your dinner table with this Stuffed Acorn Squash that’s almost as pleasant to look at as it is to eat!
6. Simple Slow Cooker Apple Sauce
Who needs sugar anyway? Not this delicious Slow Cooker Applesauce. It just might be the easiest recipe on this list. But that definitely doesn’t mean it’s the least flavorful! Serve it right out of the slow cooker for a warm and cozy comfort food you won’t regret eating tomorrow.
7. Butternut Squash Turkey Chili
Give traditional turkey dishes a break and try this Butternut Squash Turkey Chili. Packed with all of fall’s finest flavors, it’s a satisfying soup known to prompt some bowl-licking around these parts!
8. Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Volunteered to bring a post-meal treat? Show up with these Easy Thumbprint Cookies and you’ll forever be assigned to dessert duty.
9. Butternut Squash Chicken Chowder
Butternut Squash Chicken Chowder? Somebody pinch us! This soup is overflowing with flavor and texture. Dive in to a bowl before the main meal is served, and you may just be satisfied enough to skip seconds later.
10. Crock Pot Pumpkin Rice Pudding
This pumpkin rice pudding combines two of our favorite things: Pumpkin and rice pudding. Your guests will love the scent of pumpkin wafting through the house. But that’s nothing compared to how much they’ll love eating it.
11. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Are you starting to sense a theme here? We love butternut squash! That’s because it’s a seasonal staple that’s brimming with flavor… and nutrition! This soup might sound basic. But there’s nothing basic about the creamy texture and full-bodied flavor.
12. Savory Roasted Artichokes
Roasted Artichokes are a delicious side to any of your Thanksgiving main meals. Even better, they’re packed with filling fiber so you’ll be less likely to overeat dessert.
13. Crustless Pumpkin Pie
This Crustless Pumpkin Pie is a delicious way to satisfy that urge to splurge on seasonal staples without ruining your diet.
14. Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots
These Honey Glazed Carrots are seriously scrumptious. We suggest doubling the recipe since side dishes this delicious are sure to go fast.
15. Skinny Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes put a sweet twist on a Thanksgiving must-have. Sweet and creamy, they’re almost like a diet-friendly dessert.
16. 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies
These rich 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies meet all of our criteria for a five-star dessert. They’re decadent, guilt-free and super simple to make.
17. Beetroot and Quinoa Superfood Salad
This deep red Beetroot Quinoa Salad is a delicious and beautiful compliment to any of your main dishes.
18. Filling Fennel Salad
This Fennel Salad with apples and celery is the perfect way to cleanse your palate after some of the heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
19. 5-Ingredient Banana Nut Muffins
These Banana Nut Muffins are the perfect thing to leave out on the table for between meal noshing. Featuring just five simple ingredients and a whole lot of flavor, they’ll be a highlight of your holiday.
20. Vegetable Tian
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant veggie dish. Enter Cheesy Root Veggie Tian. It might look and sounds fancy, but it’s really quite simple to make.
21. Slow Cooker Kale & Beef Meatballs
These slow cooked kale and beef meatballs is a great alternative for those who are all turkey-ed out! They’re the perfect blend of hearty and healthy.
