Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving has always been special—a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on blessings, and share a meal that nourishes the soul and body. For me, it’s about more than turkey (though a perfectly roasted bird is divine). It’s about bringing health, wellness, and tradition together—a table that feeds gratitude and vitality.

This year, my kitchen’s buzzing with excitement: two turkeys! My daughter is cooking her first turkey, and I couldn’t be prouder. One will be roasted to golden perfection, the other baked in our new pizza oven. Each bird will be seasoned with fresh herbs from my garden—homemade butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon. Not only do they add flavor, but their antioxidants bring a health boost.

Stuffing is sacred in my house, but I’ve given it a healthy twist. Out with white bread, in with whole-grain or wild rice for added fiber. Toss in celery, onions, apples, nuts, and dried fruit, and you’ve got a stuffing that rivals the turkey. Instead of butter, I use low-sodium broth and olive oil, creating a moist, hearty dish that’s second (or third!) plate-worthy.

And the gravy? Rich, flavorful, and light. I skim the fat off turkey drippings, thicken it with whole-grain flour or cornstarch, and enhance with thyme, sage, and black pepper—no heavy cream needed.

Mashed potatoes get a healthy upgrade with cauliflower or parsnips, while Greek yogurt or coconut milk adds creaminess without extra calories. Sweet potatoes? My mom’s baked and lightly fried version, finished with honey, cinnamon, and pecans, is a family treasure. (Though marshmallows might sneak in—my daughter insists!)

Roasted vegetables like brussel sprouts, carrots, and squash bring vibrant color and crunch. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, they’re topped with pumpkin seeds or pomegranate arils for a festive flair.

Dessert stays simple: a pumpkin pie with almond flour crust for added fiber and healthy fats, and dark chocolate-dipped fruit for a lighter indulgence. Drinks are equally fresh—sparkling water with citrus slices, herbal teas, or light sangria with fresh fruit to keep everyone energized.

My Thanksgiving plate is all about balance: half colorful veggies, a quarter lean turkey, and the rest for starchy sides like stuffing or sweet potatoes, rounded out with healthy fats.

This year, I hope you’ll embrace a meal that’s delicious and nourishing. With creativity and wholesome ingredients, we can savor the holiday while fueling our bodies and souls.

Here’s to gratitude, vitality, and the joy of togetherness.

Happy Thanksgiving!