Weight Loss MRC Blog

5 Deliciously Good For You Thanksgiving Recipes

November 10, 2022

The holiday season is in full swing! Parties, gatherings, gifts, family, and especially - FOOD. Did you know that the average person can gain anywhere between 5-15 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years DAy? YIKES! If you've been wanting to start on weight loss or simply keep lost weight off, that number can be a little terrifying. Here's the good news - you don't have to be another statistic this year! You CAN enjoy the holidays (and your food) without overindulging and completely disregarding a healthy lifestyle and hard earned progress towards a weight loss or health goal! Today, we've got 5 delicious recipes to share with you that are perfect for helping to stay on a healthier track this holiday season! But first, we'll share with you our quick list of tips for staying healthier during the the holidays:

Plan ahead: know ahead of time what and where you'll be eating. Make a plan, and stick to it!
Set realistic goals: it's admirable to think "I'd love to lose 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years" but if you know that's not realistic, don't set yourself up for failure! Instead, maybe a better goal might look like "I want to maintain my weight between Thanksgiving and New Years" or "I'm only going to eat dessert at special holiday meals instead of all throughout the season" or "I'm going to walk a mile 3 times a week during the holidays" - you'll know what goals are right for you!
Moderation: Being "healthy" doesn't mean "never eating anything unhealthy ever". Perhaps your goal during the holidays is to "be healthier". Maybe you usually make two full plates and have two slices of pie at Thanksgiving. This year, being healthier might mean only eating one plate of food and one slice of pie. Moderation doesn't have to be about "going without." Moderation, instead, can be about "actively
Drink more water: enough said, right? Just do it! Your body will thank you in so many ways!
Have a protein drink when you feel hungry - stock up on MRC protein drinks and bars. When you're feeling a craving come on, mix up a protein drink or grab a protein bar as a healthy alternative to traditional sweets and treats!
Keep a food log: the holidays are the seasons of BLT's (bites, licks, and tatstes, that is). Knowing what you've been eating (even the things you are tasting and nibbling on) will help you keep a better gauge on where you are. You can use an electronic app to track, a spreadsheet, or even just a journal or sheet of paper. Bottom line: knowing what you've been eating will not only keep you more accountable, but will put you firmly in the driver's seat and give you more control
Lean into your support system - if you've got a weight loss coach, mentor, or partner, now is the time to lean into their support! If you are looking for a weight loss accountability coach or partner, click here to explore our Weight Loss Kits and Virtual Coaching options or click here to connect with a local Metabolic Reserach Center office for premier in-person support.
Prepare meals at home: as much as you can, cook food at home! Restaurant food is laden with hidden calories, sugars, and extra fats. Know what's going into your body by preparing meals and snacks at home as much as you can. Limit eating out to special occassions with family and friends.

Now for the delicious stuff, our favorite Thanksgiving recipes! What we love about these recipes - they are easy to make. They are delicious. And they are packed with protein that can help you to feel more satiated between and after meals! Keep scrolling to see side dishes, a delicious mocktail, and a dessert/treat that you're going to love bringing to your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner this year!

Green Bean Casserole

12 oz. fresh or frozen French cut green beans, thawed and drained
2 packets of MRC Cream of Chicken Soup protein powder
1 1/2 C. water
2 TBSP grassfed butter, cubed
4 oz. fresh or frozen mushrooms, thawed and drained
100 calories worth of Saltines, Melba Rounds, or plain crackers; finely crushed
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a small casserole dish. Combine crushed crackers with garlic powder and set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, saute the green beans and mushrooms until tender (approximately 5 minutes for frozen, 7-9 minutes if using fresh vegetables). While veggies are cooking, combine Chicken Soup protein powder with 6 oz. of warm water. Add sauteed veggies and liquid to the casserole dish and top with the cubed butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle cracker mixture overtop, and return to the oven to bake for another 5 minutes, crackers should begin to brown, but not burn. Serve warm. Makes 2-4 servings.

Cranberry Orange Relish

12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries
1 small orange
3/4 C. water
1 cinnamon stick
Optional: 1 packet MRC Orange protein drink or MRC Strawberry Banana protein drink
10 packets zero calorie sweetener

Peel the orange, reserver half of the peel (optional), and juice the orange. Combine orange juice, water, and sweetener into a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add the cranberries and cinnamon stick and return to a boil briefly. Reduce the heat to a medium-low simmer, stirring occassional while the cranberries to cook and burst while much of the liquid cooks off, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and mix in the protein drink packet. If you are using the peel, slice thinly and mix in now, too. Cool to room temperature, transfer to a serving bowl, and refrigerate overnight. Makes 3-4 servings.

Red Wine Spritzer Mocktail

1 packet Grape Concentrate protein drink
1 packet of Pomegranate Concentrate protein drink or Mixed Berry Concentrate protein drink
To taste: zero calorie lemon-lime drink or sparkling water

Stir all ingredients together and serve over ice in a wine glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a little extra decadence!

Sage & Savory Dressing

7 slices 45 calorie bread, toasted and cubed
1 package of MRC Chicken Bouillon protein powder dissolved in 8 oz. hot water
3 green onions, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 tsp. each: savory seasoning, sage, rosemary, poultry seasoning
1 stalk of celery, minced
1/2 bell pepper, minced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 2 qt. casserole dish. Soak toasted bread cubes in the chicken bouillon liquid. Prep the remaining ingredients, and combine everything and pack loosely in the baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top has begun to brown. Makes 5-7 servings.

Creamy Almond Strawberries

3/4 C. strawberries
1 packet MRC Vanilla Creme Pudding protein powder
3 oz. cold water
1/4 tsp. almond extract

Remove the stems from the strawberries, cut a deep X in the top of each strawberry, and gently spread the berries apart where cut. In a small bowl, combine the protein powder, water, and almond extract. Spoon the pudding into the center of the split strawberries and arrange on a plate. Cover and chill in the fridge for a couple hours. Sprinkle with coarse zero-calorie sweetener and serve cold. Makes 1 serving.