As we near the final month of fall one of our favorite American holidays is approaching, Thanksgiving. Most of us understand the struggle of trying to stay healthy during the holidays. The good news is that if you really commit yourself, there are ways to maintain those healthy habits during the holidays. If you are feeling the anxiety of the delicious holiday approaching us, don’t worry, we are about to tell you how you can have your pumpkin soufflé and eat it too.

Turkey pumpkin chili

This is a delicious and healthy recipe the whole family will love. This recipe is great for leftover turkey or if you are just trying to change things up. Warm up your tummy and heart with this hearty, unique dish.

What you’ll need:

• 1 pound of lean ground turkey
• 1 chopped yellow or white onion
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 2 minced garlic gloves
• 1 bell pepper of your color choice, chopped
• 1 can of red kidney beans
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 cup of tomato juice
• 2 cups of vegetable brother or chicken or turkey broth
• Cooking oil of your choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 table spoon of chili powder
• 2 cups of cut up pumpkin

How to make it:

• Put your cooking oil in a large pan and sauté your onions and your garlic until the onions begin to brown.
• Add in the ground turkey and let it brown, following, add the peppers, tomato, beans, pumpkin, tomato juice and broth, and your seasoning.
• Cook on low to medium heat for about 25 minutes.
• Add a bit of full-fat Greek yogurt as a sour cream replacement as well as some shredded cheese and enjoy!

Happy pilgrim salad

This salad combines some of your favorite Thanksgiving foods into a healthy salad. With this recipe it may not be so difficult to get the kids to eat their veggies this November.

What you’ll need:

• Cranberries (try to find naturally sweetened ones with low added sugar)
• Feta cheese or goat’s cheese (try baking the goat’s cheese for extra amazing flavor)
• A bag or two of fresh baby spinach
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (try toasted them in the oven for extra amazing flavor)
• Green beans (fresh or oven baked)
• Sautéed or boiled butternut or squash (cubed or diced)
• A few tablespoons of olive oil and/or balsamic vinaigrette

How to make it:

• Simply throw all your ingredients into a bowl and mix!

Zucchini and carrot muffins
Zucchini and carrot muffins are grain free, delicious, and healthy. You may find yourself making these muffins year-round as they are a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. Even more great news is that this recipe will only take you about 30 minutes.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup of almond flour
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 medium size zucchini, grated into about ½ cup
• 1 medium size carrot, grated into about ½ cup
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• Just a pinch of salt

How to make it:

• Pre-heat your over to 375 degrees.
• Mix your zucchini, carrot, egg, butter, syrup or honey in a large bowl.
• Mix your dry ingredients separately, your salt, flour and baking soda.
• Once they are mixed separately, add them together and mix (careful not to over mix).
• Place your mixture into your muffin molds and bake them for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
• Wait for them to cool before enjoying.

 Zucchini Lasagna

This recipe is so yummy you won’t even miss the noodles. This is a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious low-carb meal as well as get in your veggies for Thanksgiving or any day of the year.

What you’ll need:

• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion
• 2 Teaspoons of olive oil
• 28 ounces of crushed tomato
• 2 Tablespoons of Basil
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced thin to medium thickness
• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
• 16 ounces part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

How to make it:

• Brown the lean ground beef in a medium sauce pan then drain.
• Add a teaspoon of olive oil and sauté your garlic and onions for about 3 minutes.
• Put the meat back in the pan and add your tomatoes and basil, simmer on low for about 35 minutes while covered.
• Slice your zucchini and grill it in a pan for about 3 minutes on each side.
• Mix your cheeses and egg in a separate bowl.
• Take a 9×12 casserole dish and add the following in this order: your sauce, zucchini, cheese mix, mozzarella.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.
• Uncover for 15 minutes.
• Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pumpkin Soufflé

With this recipe you can enjoy your sweet, fluffy dessert without the guilt. While it tastes just as great, you’ll find that you and your body won’t miss the added sugar and starch from the crust.

What you’ll need:

• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 (16 ounce) can unsweetened pumpkin
• 1/2 cup raw cane sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make it:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix all your ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
• Bake for 1 hour.
• Let cool for 15 minutes.

Staying healthy with these holidays is only one part of being healthy. You should also do your best to get in about 30 minutes of daily exercise. If you are looking for a fitness gym in Bedford and Arlington, come check out our awesome facility here at Fitness Nation. With our clean and modern workout environment, we will help you achieve your holiday fitness goals.