Thanksgiving is a time of getting together and enjoying one another’s company. And yes: food is one of the main attractions. I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. It’s a time to spend with my family hanging out, relaxing, and eating delicious dishes. Here’s an exquisite Thanksgiving Menu perfect for everyone’s health, happiness, and taste buds. I’ve also timed everything out so you can enjoy your meal prep stress-free.

Sunday:

• Go grocery shopping for all the supplies.

Wednesday:

• Toast the nuts and bread and cook the sausage for the stuffing.
• Cook the mashed potatoes.
• Cook the cauliflower mash.
• Chop the Brussels sprouts.
• Make the salad dressing.

Thursday:

• Put the turkey in the oven.
• Chop the ingredients for the salad and layer with the moist on the bottom and lettuce leaves on top. Do not toss yet so everything stays fresh and crisp.
• Re-heat the mashed potatoes in a double boiler on the stove.
• Finish prepping and cooking the stuffing.
• Re-heat the cauliflower mash on the stove-top to warm.
• Toss the Brussels sprouts in your sauce of choice.
• After removing the stuffing from the oven, roast the Brussels sprouts while the stuffing is cooling.
• Toss the salad with the salad dressing.

Wild Mushroom and Artichoke Stuffing: click HERE for the recipe.

Mashed Potatoes: click HERE for the recipe.

TIP: Substituting nonfat cottage cheese for butter is a leaner option that also gives you protein. Add some extra cheese using a parmesan cheese which is lower in fat than most other cheeses and super flavorful.

Cauliflower Mash: click HERE for the recipe.

Tip: You can substitute cheddar cheese for the parmesan cheese for a different twist of scrumptious flavor.

Brussels Sprouts 2 Ways: I’m a huge fan of Brussels sprouts. Here’s 2 different sauces for the vitamin C packed vegetable.

Coconut Oil Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic & Shallot Roasted Brussels Sprouts: cook this recipe the same way you would cook the caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts using a different sauce.

Classic Green Salad: click HERE for the recipe.

TIP: Having extra vegetables around adds fiber, fills up our plates, and fills up our bellies. Still feeling like you need seconds? Go for more salad! My family’s classic balsamic dressing is always a hit. My favorite salad ingredients: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, marinated artichoke hearts, green onions, carrots, and green bell pepper. Delish!

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving Feast. What’s your favorite dessert? Let me know in the comments below. I’ll post a dessert next time based on your responses.
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN