Your Healthy Thanksgiving Meal Planner

Here's a healthy Thanksgiving meal planner just for you! No matter who is coming over for the meal, this healthy Thanksgiving meal planner has ideas that'll make everyone's tastebuds happy.

Shopping malls and grocery stores may have started playing Christmas music long before Halloween, but we can't forget about my all-time favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. Every year, I can't wait to gather around one humongous, delicious meal with my family and close friends. But with only about a week until the big day, it's time to get down to business—including picking out the decór, cleaning up the dining space, and (most importantly!) crafting a menu that will satisfy everyone at the table. 

If you're feeling a little lost about entrée options for your picky eaters or are tired of your go-to dessert, don't worry. This week, I'm sharing my epic healthy Thanksgiving meal planner that's bursting with healthy recipes that are fit for any Thanksgiving meal, plus vegan ideas for your plant-based eaters as well as the cutest appetizer to put together with the kiddos. All in all, you're getting nearly 70 recipes to look to for Turkey Day dinner inspiration. 'Tis the season to be giving! 

There's a simple way you can feel great this season—and you don't have to skimp on pumpkin pie or miss out on the mashed potatoes and gravy. Ready to hear my top secrets for a healthier Thanksgiving?     

Psst....need get-on-track meal ideas for the days after Thanksgiving? Give my mix-and-match easy, healthy meal ideas a once over!

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Ever since I can remember, my parents, sister, and I have gathered with 30 or so of our closest family friends to have a gigantic family dinner together. This year in particular, I'm especially excited to fly to Florida to be with my family. 

Are you as excited about Thanksgiving as I am? I love everything about the day, from spending time with family and friends to traditions (a pre-dinner football game and a post-dinner Scattergories game is big in my family!) to favorite foods. 

Vegetarians? Check. Kids? Check. Dessert fans? Check. In my ultimate Turkey Day recipe list, you'll find dishes created by my dietitian pals that will be loved by everyone, no matter their dietary preferences or tastebuds. Don't forget to get the whole family involved in the cooking process—you'll not only receive much-needed help, you'll also get extra bonding time with your loved ones.

Whether you pass the turkey or pass on the turkey (like me!), there are many ways to stay healthy and avoid the super-stuffed feeling this week. To start, you'll definitely want to check out my list of healthy inspo, as well as my Ready to eat a healthy Thanksgiving meal?, before you hit the appetizers. Hosting a healthy party? Or simply a dinner guest? Either way, I've got tips to help you stay at the top of your nutrition game. May you nurture yourself and your loved ones as you find your reasons to celebrate this holiday!

By the way, many of these ideas will make fantastic cooking projects for kids!

Want even more recipes? Here are some bonus ideas from my dietitian friends:

Sides

LIGHTEN UP mashed potatoes

“To give mashed potatoes a boost of nutrition, I like to use a combination of half yellow potatoes with skin left on and half sweet potatoes. Yellow or Yukon gold potatoes have a thinner skin that mashes very well, so you can keep more of the fiber and nutrients—and the sweet potato adds more fiber, vitamin A, and a pretty hint of orange color to the potatoes.

—Amber Ketchum, MDS, RD, owner of homemadenutrition.com

LIGHTEN UP sweet potatoes

“Instead of marshmallows or loads of brown sugar, add cinnamon and crushed or diced fresh pineapple to your sweet potatoes. You will get a burst of flavor, more vitamin C and antioxidants, and less added sugar.

—Heather Mason, MS, RD, blogger at nuttynutritionandfitness.com

Main Dishes

LIGHTEN UP meat or poultry

“Keep your main course lean. Roasted turkey and pork tenderloin are leaner meat choices. Skip the fryer, and flavor your main course with fresh herbs, garlic, onion, or your favorite vinegar.

—Kristen Smith, RD, founder of 360familynutrition.org

Dessert

LIGHTEN UP pumpkin pie. “Try making pumpkin pie crustless and individually sized for portion control. My recipe does this and is only 68 calories per serving."

—Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club

LIGHTEN UP Bundt cake

“When baking, sub some of the fat source with yogurt! I love this trick and just whipped up these mini Bundt cakes.”

—Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RD, co-author of Fertility Foods