A Healthier Harvest:

Keto-Friendly, No Sugar and Gluten-Free Recipes You Can Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s hard not to get excited about what is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most festive food days of the year. But just because you’re cutting out carbs or sugar this year doesn’t mean you have to cut out the flavor – or fun – of a bountiful harvest dinner. 

The good news for those following a keto diet and watching their carbs, sugar – and generally trying to eat healthily? The centerpiece to most Thanksgiving dinners  — a perfectly prepared, right-from-the-oven turkey – has zero carbs and is keto-approved. However, although the “main event” may be something you can dig into without guilt, what about all of those delicious side dishes that have undoubtedly been a part of many happy harvests in the past? And, equally as important for many of us who live for leftovers, is there a way to make leftovers from your holiday meal into even healthier harvest celebrations in the days following Thanksgiving – going beyond the typical turkey sandwich to create dishes that truly delight your health-conscious family long after that last piece of fat-free/sugar-free pie?

There are a number of tips for a healthy harvest … and a number of things you can do to make your Thanksgiving dinner keto-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free this year. Many involve some simple substitutions – and easy ways to turn your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes into a healthier harvest meal for everyone at your table. Skip the mashed potatoes – and instead substitute them for some well-seasoned, flavorful mashed cauliflower. That green bean casserole that has been a part of your family tradition for years? Load up on the green beans – but skip adding any flour to thicken the recipe (you’ll never even know it’s missing.) And fill those serving bowls on the table with all types of low-carb veggies — like spaghetti squash, mushrooms, and brussels sprouts – which not only will fill their plate with perfect side dishes but bring a bounty of health benefits, as well.

The following recipes are some of my favorites for a healthier harvest – both at Thanksgiving and all year long. From my Fall Harvest Salad (filled with tons of healthy ingredients and topped with, of course, a pumpkin-based dressing to celebrate the season) to a healthy take on leftovers (and a perfect addition to your Friendsgiving celebration this year) with a Leftover Flatbread Pizza, these dishes will all leave you and your guests happy and healthy this Thanksgiving. And, of course, thankful.