GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Thanksgiving is fast approaching and if you are interested in eating a little healthier, but still want to enjoy the rich flavors of the season, you might want to consider some healthy swaps. Julia Dugas, a Lifetime Fitness dietitian joined us with some easy recipes.
Dugas served up this list of healthier foods to load up your plate:
Turkey
Green beans + Brussels sprouts
Sweet potato
Homemade cranberry sauce
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 can (14.5 oz) pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
Optional
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS
- Brown ground turkey over medium heat in large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add in yellow onion, green & yellow peppers, and garlic and sauté 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, pumpkin puree, red kidney beans. Season with chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and paprika (salt and pepper to taste).
- Reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes.
- Top with cilantro and/or jalapeno and enjoy!
Apple Pie Protein Bites
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ cup almond flour
- 4 scoops of vanilla whey protein
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
DIRECTIONS:
In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined. The batter should be a sticky, thick consistency.
Place mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Remove, and form 1” inch balls. Store in the refrigerator.