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Have you been stewing over what you’re going to make for Thanksgiving dinner? Worried how to navigate a family gathering with lots of off plan options? Here you’ll find strategies for multiple THM fuel types as well as tons of on plan, healthy Thanksgiving recipes!
I know, I know…the only thing that would make this better would be if I would actually make the dinner for you…
Bookmarks
- Navigating Thanksgiving dinner with different THM fuel types
- Mains
- Sides
- Salads
- Desserts
- A Thanksgiving hymn
Fuel Type Options
If you follow the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, you might be wondering how to navigate Thanksgiving dinner. Do I go the S route for all the yummy desserts? What about sweet potato casserole? Should I cross over with carbs and fats in the same meal? Or maybe you’re thinking…
“This is too much bother to figure out; I’m just going to eat whatever I want.”
OFF PLAN
You can go off plan. Thankfully protein is usually the star of the show at Thanksgiving so focus on meat + veggies and save your off plan moments for the things that really mean a lot to you. Try not to over do it, and jump right back into healthy when you get home.
THM S
- This is pretty easy, especially if you can bring a low carb dessert.
- White and dark meat turkey are fine.
- Skip any carbs like corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and bread (and watch the toppings on casseroles that you didn’t bring).
- Provide low carb versions of your favorite sides (or just stick with any plain/on plan veggies and salads provided).
- Switch out the sweet potato casserole for this pumpkin version!
- Bring a healthy THM S (low carb) dessert.
THM E
- Stick with white meat turkey.
- Have a plain baked sweet potato with a teaspoon of butter and plenty of cinnamon, Sweet Blend, and salt & pepper.
- Embrace veggies prepared with little or no fats/oils.
- Try a sprouted or sourdough roll recipe with some sugar free jam!
- Make a THM E or FP cranberry salad or relish. Treat this as dessert or check out my index of THM E desserts for ideas!
CROSSOVER
As long as it’s on plan, everything is fair game! I’ve included a huge list of mains, sides, salads, and desserts below for you to choose from!
Mains
Deviled Turkey & Stuffing
On the Mennonite side of my family, the turkey was always deviled (spiced) before baking. The resulting broth is like none other! Included is a stuffing recipe that can be baked inside or outside the bird.
White meat can be used in any THM fuel setting. Dark meat is a THM S due to higher fat content. The stuffing in this post is a THM XO due to a combination of carbs and fats. (Gravy recipe included in post)
“Brown Sugar” Glazed Ham
On my mom’s side of the family we usually had turkey AND ham at Thanksgiving. It was a large family gathering so one turkey just wasn’t enough. Here’s my take on a sugar free glazed ham.
THM S
Sides
Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole tastes like my mom’s, and that is the highest praise I can give it. THM XO, and totally worth it.
Pumpkin Casserole
This Pumpkin Casserole is a low carb version of the traditional sweet potato casserole! THM S
Pumpkin is less sweet and more tangy/acidic than the traditional sweet potatoes, but it’s a great low carb substitute if you don’t want to turn Thanksgiving into a THM Crossover.
Green Bean Casserole
This low carb Green Bean Casserole will help you maintain your holiday traditions without sacrificing any flavor! The topping is reminiscent of French fried onions. Yum! THM S
Amazing Yellow Squash Casserole
This Amazing Yellow Squash Casserole is a healthy remake of an old Thomas family Thanksgiving side dish favorite that I remember my aunt Renee making! THM S
Mac and Cheese
While mac & cheese was never part of my childhood Thanksgivings, I know its a staple for many in the South. In case that’s you, here ya go. THM S
Garlic Mashed Caulitoes
You have to have something to put the gravy on.
THM S
Baked Skillet Dressing
If you’re of the cornbread-dressing-baked-in-a-skillet variety, here’s what I came up with as a low carb version. THM S
Sausage Stuffing Casserole
This stuffing casserole can actually be a stand alone dinner entree, but it would also make a great Thanksgiving side. THM XO
Ryan’s comment: “It tastes like my grandma’s stuffing from Lancaster, only with half the butter.” Feel free to add more butter for the full Lancaster, PA, experience.
Cheesy Veggie Medley
Maybe not super traditional, but great if you’re looking for a kid friendly veggie. I was going for a healthier, grown-up recreation of the Velveeta-coated California blend. THM S
Special Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I happen to love Brussels sprouts and know that some people consider them Thanksgiving essentials. Roast them. Always roast them. THM S
Bri’s Favorite Kale
If you want to amp up the seasonal veg on your table, this Fuel Pull favorite is the way to go.
Salads
Jiggly Cranberry Orange Salad
There are so many ways to eat cranberry salad. This happens to be the one that I have here on my website at present. THM E – or more likely a THM FP since the only carb source is 2 oranges spread over many servings
Creamy Strawberry Gello Salad
This Creamy Strawberry Gello Salad is a healthy remake of an old church potluck favorite I remember from my childhood. My daughter loves it – it’s the perfect kid friendly dessert or side! My grandma often served some kind of sweet gelatin salad in addition to the cranberry relish at Thanksgiving, so this is my homage to her. THM S
Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad
This creamy Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad is a healthy version of an old faithful church cookbook recipe I grew up on. It might not be a traditional Thanksgiving side, but if you want something fresh for your table this is perfect! THM S
Check out Necessary Food for more great salad options!
- 7 Layer Salad
- Special Occasion Salad (with cranberries, candied pecans, and feta)
- Sweet & Spicy Cinnamon Gello (an approximation of my grandma’s applesauce + Red Hots + gelatin salad)
Desserts
Pumpkin Pie
Classic pumpkin pie. (This is a fairly old recipe that I should go back and tweak at some point, but it still deserves a mention.)
You can also search my site for a single serve version!
Grandma’s Dream Cheesecake
This classic cheesecake has been a staple in my mom’s family for years at special gatherings. Beaten egg whites give it a uniquely fluffy texture, and the simple crust and crumb topping are very like the original graham cracker version. This is one of my favorite desserts to serve to guests or take to a party. THM S
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
I’ve never been a big fan of pumpkin mixed into cheesecake, but I LOVE pumpkin pie. Why not make them separate, but together? Add my favorite “brown sugar” pecan crust and you have a dessert fit for Thanksgiving Day! THM S
Pumpkin Delight
The most delicious “brown sugar” crust topped with a cream cheese layer, pumpkin pudding, whipped cream, and sweet/salty pecan crumbs – this Pumpkin Delight is going to be your favorite autumn dessert! THM S
Pecan Pie Bars
I do have a Pecan Custard Pie recipe that you can search for here on my site, but it has been awhile since I updated it so I thought I would share these bars instead. I also highly recommend my single serve Crustless Pecan Pie in a Bowl if you’re on your own! THM S
Cinnamon Cheesecake with “Brown Sugar” Pecan Crust
This low carb Cinnamon Cheesecake has an amazing creamy texture and the best “brown sugar” pecan crust! No cheesecake pan needed and super easy to put together! THM S
Need more dessert ideas? CLICK HERE to see my dessert index!
You may also enjoy…
- a list of ways to use leftover turkey
- a list of ways to use leftover ham
- an index of all my Thanksgiving recipes
- an index of all my pumpkin recipes
I thank thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept
The best in store;
I have enough, yet not too much,
To long for more;
A yearning for a deeper peace
Not known before.I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls,
Though amply blest,
Can never find, although they seek
A perfect rest—
Nor ever shall, until they lean
On Jesus’ breast.“My God, I Thank Thee, Who Hast Made”
Adelaide Procter
Source: Hymnary.org
Woohoo – I found it myself (Google cached pages). Pasting it here in case any of your other readers are interested.
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Green Beans Au Gratin ~ S
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 servings
Ingredients
2-3 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
1/2 stick of butter, cut into 1/4″-1/2″ peices
2 cups shredded cheese
1/4-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, fresh works too
sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
Place trimmed and cut green beans into a 9X13 inch Pyrex dish.
Sprinkle seasonings over the beans evenly. Stir.
Dot with butter.
Place foil on the dish.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and stir.
Return foil and return to oven for another 15 minutes.
Remove from oven again, stir.
Add shredded cheese evenly over the green beans, do not place foil on the dish.
Return to the oven to brown. Approximately 15 minutes more.
I’m glad you found it!
Do you happen to have the recipe for Green Beans Au Gratin? Counting All Joy.com is down, and I think I remember reading that she was taking her site down. If you have it, I’d love to try it! 🙂 Thanks.
Thank you for the Thanksgiving menu. It looks delicious. This will be a big help with 3 out of 14 of us on THM.