Thanksgiving Tips!

Thanksgiving carries different symbols for many Americans -- family, history, and gratitude among them.

One of the most time-honored -- and loveliest -- traditions of Thanksgiving also includes cooking and gathering around the table for an overflowing feast.

Because of this, some Sound Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetics patients sometimes approach the Thanksgiving holiday with a mix of emotions -- excitement, anxiety and even fear of the unknown.

We're here to help.

We've rounded up our favorite healthy and delicious Thanksgiving recipes for you below. They'll help you celebrate Thanksgiving Day while still feeling in control and completely nourished.

Side Dishes

Side dishes are often the main star of the show on our Thanksgiving table, and for good reason -- they're scrumptious! Check out our favorite plan-approved side dish recipes below.

• Grain-free stuffing -- this "stuffing" with parsnips, carrots and mushrooms has all the flavors of traditional stuffing but is veggie- (rather than carb-) loaded!
• Smoky roasted mushrooms -- we're mushroom obsessed, and these babies will be the first to disappear from our table. The smoked paprika is key!
• Sauteed brussel sprouts -- these taste nothing like the boiled version you remember (and hated) as a kid! These are simply pan seared and delicious.
• Herbed cauliflower mash -- oven busy with a gorgeously browning turkey? Use your slow cooker or pressure cooker to make this mashed potato alternative.
• Sauteed swiss chard -- a hint of balsamic vinegar brings out the brightness in these beautifully simple greens.
• Beet salad -- we love the color beets add to the table! Include this salad for freshness and variety.

Main Dishes

• Mushroom-stuffed pork tenderloin -- why not deviate from a traditional turkey main dish and make this show-stopper instead? (Did we mention we're mushroom obsessed?)
• Strict Paleo turkey -- a recipe ensuring there's no hidden sugars in your roasting process.

Desserts

Did you think we forgot about you, fellow sweet-toothers?

• Simple berries and cream* -- no recipe, just keep it simple. Pull together the freshest berries you can find (we hear the Dream Berry strawberries at Costco are insanely good), add some plan-approved cream (non-dairy if you're sensitive). We like Cocowhip Light (or you can make your own).
• Protein truffles -- there are about a million ways to make these, but they always come out delicious. Bonus: swap out the chocolate for our Turmeric-infused So Clean protein powder and some added cinnamon for a holiday-spiced kick!
• Chocolate avocado pudding -- if you're in Phase 2 of our plan, you may have added some avocado back to your diet. If so, hooray -- avocado is one of our favorite (and most versatile) foods! Check out this dessert, for instance. Just yum.

*many many bonus points if you do the dance while you're making it.

Cocktails and Mocktails

Under-200 calorie drinks worth cheersing to

• Caramel apple sangria -- a great batch drink to make in advance for the whole family (the adults, at least).
• Apple cider mimosas -- perfect lightened-up flavors to reflect the season.
• Maple rum hot toddy -- warm and delicious.
• Fizzy rosemary cider mocktail -- we can't wait to try our hand at the sugar-free simple syrup in this recipe! While we don't use sugar alternatives frequently, a splash comes in handy for mocktails and cocktails in the holiday season.
• Pre-made mocktails by Curious Elixirs -- one of Dr. James' favorite ways to partake in celebrations booze-free. She loves Curious #2, a spicy pineapple faux-garita!

How did we do? What else will you be bringing to the table? Please share with us in comments! We love hearing from you!