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Healthier Thanksgiving side swaps

Healthy side options to compliment the meal and focus on protein and vegetables to fill you up.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Thanksgiving is fast approaching and if you are interested in eating a little healthier, but still want to enjoy the rich flavors of the season, you might want to consider some healthy swaps. Julia Dugas, a Lifetime Fitness dietitian joined us with some easy recipes.

Dugas served up this list of healthier foods to load up your plate:

Turkey
Green beans + Brussels sprouts
Sweet potato
Homemade cranberry sauce

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow pepper, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 ½ tsp. cumin
  • ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Optional

  • 1 jalapeno, sliced
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS

  • Brown ground turkey over medium heat in large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Add in yellow onion, green & yellow peppers, and garlic and sauté 5-8 minutes.
  • Stir in tomatoes, pumpkin puree, red kidney beans. Season with chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and paprika (salt and pepper to taste).
  • Reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes.
  • Top with cilantro and/or jalapeno and enjoy!

 

Apple Pie Protein Bites 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ½ cup almond flour
  • 4 scoops of vanilla whey protein
  • 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

DIRECTIONS:

In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined. The batter should be a sticky, thick consistency.

Place mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Remove, and form 1” inch balls. Store in the refrigerator.

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