Healthier Thanksgiving Celebration
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and it may take longer to plan than usual because things are different this year. For one thing, you may be a first-year bariatric surgery patient, or dedicating yourself to healthy eating this fall. For another, because of the pandemic, celebrations may be smaller this year with less travel and fewer gatherings.
Many things are more challenging in this unprecedented year than they were before, but your Thanksgiving celebration does not need to be. The BariatricPal Store has great-tasting, diet-friendly foods that are ready to eat or easy to prepare, and that can be delivered to your doorstep with contactless delivery.
Side Dishes
Turkey may be the centerpiece, but everyone knows that the sides are what make Thanksgiving. They can also be what make Thanksgiving a disaster, until this year! Protein Mashed Potatoes, in Sour Cream and Chive and Garlic flavors, may be the first thing you give thanks for this year, as they have 11 grams of protein and half the carbs as regular starchy potatoes.
If pasta is more your style, try Protein Pasta or Shirataki Pasta in your regular recipe, and consider Calorie-Free Salad Dressing to finish it off. That is a side dish everyone can agree is worthwhile!
Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving item that can easily go from bad to good. Instead of heavy cream and full-carb breadcrumbs on top, you can slash carbs, fat, and calories, without sacrificing flavor, by using Pork Panko carb-free Breadcrumbs and Cream of Mushroom Protein Soup.
Condiments
Condiments are supposed to complement the meal, but gobs of cranberry sauce, ketchup, and mayo can add enough sugar and fat to practically be a meal. Instead, Calorie-Free Cranberry Spread, Ketchup, and Mayo are all available so you can keep your lean turkey lean.
Drinks
With so much care into what you eat, it would be a shame if the beverages you chose knocked you off track. Apple cider and cocktails can pile on sugar, but there are other choices. For example, Cranberry Twist Cocktail Mixers are free from sugar and easy to make in a few seconds. Each one can save you 100 to 300 calories!
Other choices are Cran Grape Protein Drinks, for a refreshing option without sugar or guilt. After dinner, instead of a hot mulled spice drink, sugar-free Protein Hot Cocoa and Protein Mocha can provide a satisfying end to the meal.
Snacks and Desserts
Spending time with household members before or after Thanksgiving dinner may involve snacking, but it does not need to involve weight gain. You can skip unhealthy leftovers and dive into a Bison Bacon Cranberry Meat Bar, or set out party mix made with your choices of Protein Potato Chips, Protein Snack Mixes, Protein Puffs, Protein Pretzels, peanuts, nuts, and sunflower seeds.
For something sweet to munch on, Protein and Keto Chocolate Bars and other candies can satisfy a sweet tooth. Protein Cookies are another option, and Protein Cheesecake can be a showstopper without putting a damper on weight loss.
Thanksgiving should be a celebration of the good things in life, and not a time to feel overfull and guilty. With these healthy products from The BariatricPal Store, your Thanksgiving can not only be healthy and happy, but low-stress, too!
