A Healthier, Happier Thanksgiving: Delicious Recipes & Smart Portioning Tips
For many people trying to stay on track with their wellness goals, Thanksgiving can feel like one of the toughest holidays. It’s a day meant for gratitude and connection… but it’s also famous for high calorie food!
But here’s the good news:
A classic Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to derail your progress. When you break it down, the traditional components can actually fit beautifully into a balanced plate:
Turkey: lean protein
Potatoes: a wholesome starch
Green beans or other veggies: fiber and nutrients
Cranberries: natural fruit
The key is portion control and preparation. Follow the plate method—
½ fruits & vegetables, ¼ grains or starches, ¼ lean protein—and try to avoid heavy creams, sugary add-ins, and high-fat sauces whenever possible.
To help you host a lighter, guilt-free holiday, here are some delicious Movara-approved recipes.
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
Grilled Turkey Steak - Serves 8
Ingredients
Turkey:
Eight 6-ounce slices of turkey breast
Marinade:
¼ cup canola oil
1 Tbsp rosemary, chopped
½ Tbsp garlic, chopped
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ Tbsp thyme, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp orange zest
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Coat turkey steaks evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
Lightly season turkey with salt and pepper and place on grill.
Grill for about 8 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness.
If your steak is very thick or begins to burn, finish cooking in the oven.
Movara Tip:
Turkey breast cooks faster than a whole bird, is naturally leaner, and comes perfectly portioned at 6 ounces—making your meal easier and healthier.
Cauliflower Purée - Serves 10 (depending on cauliflower size)
Ingredients
2 heads cauliflower
3 cups Yukon gold potatoes
1 cup Greek-style yogurt
3 Tablespoons
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Steam cauliflower and potatoes for about 30 minutes, or until soft.
Add vegetables to a mixer.
Add butter and Greek yogurt; blend until fairly smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve ½ cup per person.
Simple Steamed Broccoli - Serves 8
Ingredients
4 lbs broccoli, florets only
Instructions
Steam broccoli florets for 5 minutes.
Serve warm as a crisp, nutritious side.
Lemon Rosemary Chicken-Less Gravy - Serves 8
Ingredients
1½ cups water
2 tsp chicken-less base
⅛ cup onion, diced
⅛ cup carrot, diced
⅛ cup celery, diced
½ tsp rosemary, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
½ tsp lemon juice
1 tsp sherry vinegar
1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
Whisk water and base until dissolved; bring to a simmer.
Add vegetables, herbs, lemon juice, and vinegar.
Simmer on low for 10 minutes—long enough to soften veggies but not reduce liquid.
Mix cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water to create slurry; whisk into pot to thicken.
Blend until smooth.
Serve hot.
Pineapple Orange Cranberry Sauce - Serves 8
Ingredients
1 cup fresh cranberries
½ cup pineapple juice
1 tsp orange zest
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp Truvia®
1½ Tbsp honey
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and stir.
Simmer 5–10 minutes until reduced by half.
Blend until smooth.
Refrigerate until chilled.
Full Meal Nutrition
375 calories • 45g protein • 41g carbohydrates
Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
Makes 11 servings
Serving size: 2 ounces
96 calories per serving
Ingredients
1½ cups Fage® Greek-style yogurt
1 package Mori-Nu® Vanilla pudding
⅔ cup So Delicious® Coconut Milk (50-cal version)
2 Tbsp dehydrated cane sugar
⅓ tsp agar powder
¾ cup pumpkin pie filling
½ tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions
In a saucepan, heat coconut milk to a low simmer.
Whisk in agar and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add coconut milk mixture and remaining ingredients (except cane sugar) to a blender; blend until smooth.
Pipe mixture into eleven 2-oz ramekins.
Refrigerate for about 4 hours.
Before serving, sprinkle ½ tsp cane sugar on each ramekin.
Using a butane torch, slowly melt sugar until it forms a crisp, glassy top (avoid burning).