Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love spending time with my family, slowing down and enjoying each other’s company.
It reminds me of when I was growing up and how my parents opened our home to everyone – friends, family, neighbors and strangers.
We had a huge Thanksgiving meal, which always included my dad’s recipe for perfectly cooked turkey in a paper bag. Then there was the delicious Portuguese stuffing with linguica and chorizo sausages, the turnip stuffing and my mother’s delicious pies! She would make the best apple pie, pumpkin pie and pecan pie. I can practically taste them as I think about them – so good! Hahaha
It’s hard to resist all the family favorite holiday recipes. However, eating too many foods that are rich in dairy or full of gluten can cause inflammation in the body, causing a cascade of hormonal symptoms.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning, you can still enjoy Thanksgiving and other holidays with delicious food while keeping your hormones in check.
After all, Thanksgiving is about much more than food. Unity is what it’s really about.
You can make healthy, wholesome meals together as a family activity. Lots of good talks, hugs and spending time together in the kitchen gives you a big dose of vitamin ‘O’ or oxytocin, the love and bonding hormone.
Get Keto-Green Before the Feast
It can be tempting to save calories for the main Thanksgiving meal and skip eating until dinner. However, you can keep yourself alkaline and in ketosis if you give your body the right nutrients before the big event.
My Keto-Green Protein Shake gives you superfoods like spirulina, wheatgrass, and flaxseed to reduce inflammation and support healthy blood sugar, along with protein to curb cravings. Mix it with a ball of Mighty Maca to give you energy and support your hormones.
Stay keto green with smart drink choices
The easiest way to stay keto and also keep your metabolism high is to drink water – plain and simple, or with a little lemon, lime or orange squeezed into it for flavor.
Research shows that water increases your body’s ability to burn calories, is a natural appetite suppressant, and removes waste from the body to help support weight loss. Ideally, drink water throughout the day and consume at least half your body weight in ounces of pure water daily (but not with meals so you don’t dilute your digestive juices).
If you want to have a drink during Thanksgiving, it’s better to go for a straight distilled spirit, like plain vodka or tequila with water and lime juice, rather than wine that has a lot more sugar.
Try my delicious Te-Keto cocktail recipe!
Tequila and potato vodka are fairly low on the glycemic index, so you can enjoy them for an occasional refreshing cocktail without kicking you out of ketosis. With the New Year’s Eve festivities just around the corner, you can find me sipping this delicious cocktail. Sometimes I add a zing by mixing in a fresh jalapeño slice and fresh ginger.
Now for the celebration!
I’ve revamped some of my favorite dishes, turning them into keto-green recipes. Try them for your Thanksgiving meal or any other holiday gatherings you have planned during the season.
Appetizer Keto-Green Recipes
Creamy Artichoke Dip (Dairy Free)
This creamy dip is still Keto-Green friendly even though it may not have a taste. Dairy free, gluten free and absolutely delicious. A real crowd pleaser.
Instead of eating potato chips, try these vitamin-rich, keto greens! Crunchy kale is a fun way to enjoy a crunchy, salty snack while also getting a serving of greens into your day.
Main course Keto-Green Recipes
Thanksgiving turkey in a paper bag
My parents’ version of turkey cooked in a paper bag uses orange and lemon, along with spices, to give it a great flavor and aroma. The paper bag keeps the bird moist and juicy without drying it out.
Gluten free sauce
What’s turkey without the gravy? This gluten-free version gives you the richness and flavor without any of the inflammatory ingredients that make you feel sick after the indulgence.
Companion Keto-Green Recipes
Keto Green Beans
Crispy pancetta, toasted coconut flakes, and crunchy pine nuts give this dish lots of texture and flavor! Paired with bright green beans, it’s a crowd pleaser that takes almost no time to make.
Cauliflower puree
Swap mashed potatoes for this creamy, dreamy, keto-friendly side of cauliflower. You’ll love the taste and you’ll love how you feel afterwards!
Brussels salad
This simple, crunchy salad is full of flavor and easy to prepare. It makes a perfect contrast to other rich and heavy dishes typical of the holiday season.
Dessert Keto-Green Recipes
The mighty Maca Truffle
Yes, you can be keto and have chocolate! My brother, Robert, is a chocolatier and created this delicious recipe with two of my favorites – chocolate and Mighty Maca! This decadent truffle has notes of lemon, lime, cinnamon, spice and more.
This guilt-free chocolate drink is from my friend Leanne Ely of Saving Dinner. Sit back and enjoy this silky dessert drink.
If you like something a little more salty and crunchy with your sweet treats, you’ll love this simple Nut Complex recipe from Leanne Vogel at Healthful Pursuit.
Keep Keto-Green essentials in the kitchen
You can stock your pantry with Mighty Maca Plus and add it to your morning routine as well as your recipes. My superfood powder promotes detoxification, alkalizes the body, increases energy and supports digestion and hormone balance.
My Keto-Green Protein shake is a great way to stay fueled without feeling weighed down. It’s packed with nutrients that support energy, focus, healthy digestion and reduce hunger cravings.
