When you hear “Thanksgiving,” it’s easy to picture the mountain of mashed potatoes, the creamy casseroles, and all those pies calling your name. But here’s the thing no one really talks about: Thanksgiving can actually be healthy. Between the turkey, the veggies, and a little creative repurposing, it’s one of the easiest holidays to make both delicious and nutritious.
Quote of the day: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” Madame Curie
Let me explain why this day of gratitude doesn’t have to derail your health goals, and why cooking that turkey (and turning it into a post-holiday soup) might just be one of the best things you can do for your body.
As an aside, this is the answer to the prompt for our Where Bloggers Live group of “What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?”
But I also want to express my gratitude to this wonderful group of women. 2 of our members had to drop out recently.
Iris was dealing with some health issues and, as a result, passed away. We will miss her.
Leslie was having website issues and decided to take a break from blogging (possibly permanently).
While I love having this site and sharing all sorts of lifestyle and fashion information, it’s a good reminder that things can change.
Need fun and positive content? Make sure to sign up for my emails. You also get my free eBook when you sign up, but that’s not the best part.
The best part is you get a daily dose of positive energy.
Insider info: If daily emails are too much, you can opt into just getting them on Saturday. I appreciate any support.
1. Turkey: The Underrated Superfood of the Season
Let’s start with the star of the table…the turkey! It’s lean, full of protein, and surprisingly easy to prepare. I know roasting a big bird might seem intimidating (it certainly did to me the first time), but once you do it, you realize it’s mostly just time in the oven doing the work for you.
Pro tip: We will cook turkey all year long. We have created a spring turkey where we add onions, lemon, and parsley to the inside of the carcass before cooking.
I like to think of turkey as the holiday’s built-in healthy choice. Compared to other festive meats, turkey is packed with nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and selenium. It’s basically nature’s gift to your immune system right when we’re heading into cold and flu season.
And let’s not forget: you can season it with herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. Those spices are loaded with antioxidants and flavor, so you don’t need to drown it in gravy.
2. Making the Turkey: Easier Than You Think
I remember the first time I made my own turkey. I was convinced it was going to be an ordeal that would take three days, two phone calls to my mom, and maybe a minor meltdown. But then… it wasn’t.
Here’s the secret: a turkey is really just a large chicken. If you’ve roasted a chicken before, you already know the process. You season it, give it some love with butter or olive oil, and let the oven do its thing.
A few of my favorite turkey tips:
- Skip the stress of perfection. No one will remember if your turkey skin isn’t Instagram-golden. They’ll remember the laughter and stories shared at the table.
- Spices. I fill a bowl with olive oil and then pile in the spices. You tend to think it’s too much, but remember, the turkey is big and you want it to cover all of it.
- Let it rest before slicing. It’s tempting to dive right in, but give it 20–30 minutes to relax before carving. (This could be the best time to change into your cute T-day outfit.)
Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll see how simple it really is and how you can enjoy a protein-rich meal that’s the perfect foundation for a healthy feast.
Pro tip: Carving the turkey isn’t rocket science. But if you’re new to this, then do like all the youngins do…Google it.
3. The Unsung Hero: Turkey Soup from the Carcass
Now, here’s where the real health magic happens. After the feast, most people wrap up leftovers and toss the carcass. But if you’ve ever made soup from the bones, you know what a treasure that pot can be.
Turkey carcass soup is pure gold. It’s nutrient-dense, soothing, and a delicious way to keep the celebration going for days afterward. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s good for your soul and your body.
Why? Because when you simmer those bones for hours, they release collagen, minerals, and amino acids that support your joints, gut, and skin. Bone broth has been a cornerstone of traditional wellness for centuries, and your post-Thanksgiving turkey gives you the perfect excuse to make a big batch.
Pro tip: Don’t have time to make soup right away? Put the carcass in a plastic bag and freeze it until you do have time.
Here’s how I make mine:
- Toss the carcass into a large pot.
- Sprinkle in a bunch of salt, pepper, and herbs…whatever you used for the turkey works beautifully here.
- Cover with water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower to a simmer for several hours (even overnight if you use a slow cooker).
- Removed the carcass and pull off the meat. Throw back into the broth and say goodbye to the bones.
- Add any leftover raw veggies or use frozen. Sometimes I add cooked rice or quinoa.
You’ll be left with the most flavorful soup with any veggies, rice, or noodles you like. I love to add kale or spinach for extra greens.
It’s the perfect way to reset after the big meal, and sneak in extra hydration and nutrition while you’re at it.
4. Balance and Gratitude: The Healthiest Parts of Thanksgiving
Of course, health isn’t just about calories or nutrients. It’s also about how we eat and the joy we feel when sharing a meal with loved ones. Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder of that.
Gratitude might just be the healthiest ingredient of all. Research shows that practicing gratitude can lower stress, improve sleep, and even boost your immune system. So when you say “thank you” for your meal, your family, or even just the roof over your head, it’s doing your body good.
So instead of thinking of Thanksgiving as a food “free-for-all,” try thinking of it as an opportunity.
- An opportunity to cook something wholesome from scratch.
- An opportunity to repurpose and reduce waste with homemade broth or soup.
- An opportunity to nourish both your body and your mindset.
If you use the turkey as the centerpiece, skip the heavy casseroles, and focus on colorful sides (think roasted veggies or salads), your Thanksgiving plate can easily be one of the most balanced meals you eat all year.
Health Comes from Connection and Creativity
I truly believe that one of the best parts of growing older is realizing health isn’t about perfection. It’s about habits, creativity, and caring for yourself in little ways, like turning leftovers into soup that warms you for days.
Other articles about health and food:
–How not to gain weight on a cruise
–My journey with healthy eating
–How I conquered my sugar addiction
This is my reminder to you of why Thanksgiving can be healthy. You’re cooking real food, celebrating gratitude, and maybe turning that turkey carcass into the best soup you’ve ever made.
And if that’s not a win for both heart and health, I don’t know what is.
Where Bloggers Live
What is Where Bloggers Live?
It’s all kinds of different prompts that started with our homes and have evolved to all different kinds of fun prompts.
Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and hear all about the personal backstories and interesting details? The best part of this group is that I learn something new from everyone’s different perspectives.
FYI, we don’t all post at the same time since we all have different schedules and live in different parts of the world.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Sally at Within a World of My Own
The Series
We’ve been doing this fun series for over 5 years now.
Want to explore some of the old prompts? Feel free to visit any that might strike your fancy.
Vacation-Palm Springs
Things I Can’t Live Without
Eco-Friendly Practices
Favorite post –Happy 5 Years
Bedtime Routine
3 Favorite Gifts
Detox your wardrobe
Date night ideas in Phoenix
Spring Cleaning-Laundry Style
180 Degree Journey
What’s In My Bag
Does Makeup Make You Look Better?
How to Survive the Heat
10 Things I Can’t Live Without
2 Sick Tricks
Thank You
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey, which I LOVE!!!
Supporting a blog can be easy and free. Just visiting my pages, clicking my links (especially for small businesses and sponsored posts), and sharing the things you like on your social media make a huge difference. Spreading the word is how I can reach more wonderful people like you!
Or feel free to “buy me a coffee” which is a monetary way to tell me that you enjoy reading my blog.
