Healthy Thanksgiving Sides: Recipe Roundup

For many who have been trying (or seriously thinking about trying) to get healthier, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a six-week holiday obstacle course of calories.

While estimates, vary, it's safe to say the average Thanksgiving meal may hit nearly 3,000 calories (with 45% of them coming from fat).

Fortunately, there are plenty of great recipes that swap out some of the more unhealthy Turkey Day sides, without losing the flavor. We've put together a few of our favorite to hopefully help make the start of a race through the holidays a strong one.

Gluten-Free Stuffing

"Stuffing" certainly lives up to its name, as this delicious side is loaded with empty calories. Try this easy to prepare, bread-free version instead. View recipe or watch the video below.

Whole Wheat Toasted Almond Pumpkin Muffins

Enjoy the last days as your fall pumpkin fever breaks with this pumpkin muffins recipe. It also makes a great, quick Thanksgiving morning "pre-game" breakfast you can munch on while racing back and forth through the kitchen. View recipe here.

Roasted Garlic Kale Mashed Potatoes

From whitneybond.com

One of Thanksgiving's decadent favorites (mashed potatoes) meets one of the healthiest superfoods around (kale) to make a healthier, delicious side. This recipe adds some much-needed nutrients to mashed potatoes, while also swapping out some of the fattier elements (like with soy milk) but retaining the texture and flavor with garlic. View recipe here.

Skinny Chocolate Glazed Pumpkin Cake

from jenelizabethsjournals.com

And let's not forget dessert. That magical moment when we can't possibly eat anymore then realize we have a "dessert stomach" when the pie trays park themselves on the table. Fear not, this healthy dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth, but uses canola oil and whole wheat flour to keep saturated fats at bay while even bringing a little added vitamins to the mix. Enjoy! View recipe here.