Thanksgiving Swaps That Still Feel Like the Holidays

Every family has its favorite dishes — and small tweaks make it easier to savor them without the energy crash.

Thanksgiving kicks off a full season of good things — delicious food, friends and family around the table, and traditions we look forward to all year. But the classic holiday dishes can be a lot for your blood sugar and digestion. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your holiday menu to feel better. A few simple, real-life swaps can keep things delicious and balanced so that your holiday season doesn't start with your energy in the tank.

A handful of fresh herbs can turn simple ingredients into something nourishing and delicious.

1. Try a Veggie-Packed Stuffing

Traditional stuffing can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy.

➡️ Swap: Use half the bread and add sautéed celery, onions, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. You’ll get the same cozy flavor with more fiber and fewer blood sugar spikes.

2. Sweet Potatoes Without the Sugar Crash

Marshmallows and brown sugar can send your blood sugar soaring and leave you feeling more tired than satisfied.

➡️ Swap: Roast sweet potatoes with cinnamon, butter, and a pinch of sea salt. They’re naturally sweet, satisfying, and much easier on your system.

3. Green Beans That Shine

Casseroles can be heavy, creamy, and sodium-packed.

➡️ Swap: Fresh, steamed green beans can be tossed with garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and toasted almonds. It’s bright, crunchy, and absolutely delicious.

Fresh cranberry sauce with real fruit and bright citrus — simple, vibrant, and full of holiday flavor.

4. Cranberry Sauce Without the Syrup

Store-bought cranberry sauce is almost entirely sugar.

➡️ Swap: Simmer fresh cranberries with orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup. You get the tart flavor you love with far less sugar.

5. Dessert That Loves You Back

You don’t have to skip dessert — just choose one that won’t wreck your energy for days.

➡️ Swap: Opt for pumpkin pie (higher in fiber and nutrients) OR bake apples with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.

A cozy meal, great company, and a chance to slow down together — the heart of the holidays

Enjoy the Day (and the leftovers!)

A few mindful swaps can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the big day — without sacrificing the traditions you love. And if you’re hoping to carry that steady energy through the whole season, I’d love to help. I’m offering special holiday pricing on my Real-Life Reset program through the end of the year, and an introductory call is a simple, pressure-free way to learn more.

Book an Introductory Call