Now here’s something to be thankful for…
Just as I started to consider my shopping list for my Thanksgiving feast I got a note from Kristen Kancler, a personal chef who artfully makes meals that satiate both palate and trim waistline. It turns out she’s put together an ensemble of Thanksgiving recipes to make a complete meal. Be sure to give each recipe a good read (by clicking on the links below) as well as seeing her smart tips below and have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes by Kristen Kancler

Thanksgiving is right around the corner… are visions of turkey, gravy, candied yams, and green bean casserole dancing in your head? Is the stress of fattening foods, overeating, and an increasing waistline also filling your head? When it comes to the annual Thanksgiving feast, many people use it as an excuse to overindulge. Rather than letting our healthy habits slip, let’s celebrate our ability to nourish our selves and our loved ones with healthful foods. This year let’s step back and reflect on the foods we eat on Thanksgiving Day and how they affect our wellbeing.

The season is full of delicious foods that don’t need to be overburdened with unnecessary calories. More often than not, the best foods are the simplest. Yams don’t need marshmallows, mashed potatoes don’t need cream, and green beans don’t need cream of mushroom soup. Period.

The following recipes focus on health and flavor, without compromising our waistlines. And do not despair – healthful foods do not equal bland foods! Au contraire, the following is a tantalizing menu of all the celebrated Thanksgiving essentials; each recipe simple, healthy, and delicious:

Tender, Juicy Turkey Breast (with Optional Gravy)
Fragrant Herbed Stuffing
Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Maple-Roasted Yams
Fresh, Buttery Green Beans (with Optional Breadcrumb Topping)
Brilliant, Tart Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving foods at their best - bon appetit!

And remember, eating healthful foods is only part of the equation. Limit the amount of food you put on your plate and eat slowly to give your body time to register fullness. Also, limit alcohol intake and avoid calorie-laden sodas; opt instead for sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a cup of warm ginger tea.

Keep your body happy and healthy and you’ll have one more reason to be thankful.

Chef Kristen Kancler is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Cookery School and works as Chef and Owner of Pura Vida Personal Cuisine, a personal chef service in the Bay Area (CA) promoting a healthy lifestyle. She can be reached at puravidacuisine at gmail dot com.

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