I love everything about Thanksgiving: football, family, the start of the holiday season, and especially the food. Five years ago, I became gluten and dairy free. When Thanksgiving rolled around the first year I wasn’t having gluten or dairy, I was super bummed that I wouldn’t get to enjoy my favorite dishes like green bean casserole and stuffing without being in pain. The following year I decided to make a few changes. I knew there had to be a way to enjoy my favorite holiday without feeling sick! I’m sharing a few simple swaps to the classic staples for Thanksgiving making them gluten and dairy free. These simple swaps have made a big difference and now I can enjoy my green bean casserole and stuffing pain free!
Green Bean Casserole
I really like this recipe from Gluten Free on a Shoestring. I swap out original crispy french onions for gluten free ones. I also swap out condensed cream of mushroom soup, for a gluten free version I find at Whole Foods, made by the brand Pacific. There is still dairy, but at least I can cut out the gluten!
Stuffing
A simple swap for stuffing is changing regular bread crumbs for gluten free bread crumbs. My trick for really great stuffing is that I use a little extra liquid to help not dry out!
Gravy
I use Organic Imagine also found at Whole Foods that is gluten free!
Pumpkin Fluff
This is always a hit at Thanksgiving! Check out this super simple recipe for the perfect Pumpkin Fluff. I like to add some tasty gluten free ginger snaps to enjoy this yummy treat with too!
Finally, I want to share a few tips that have helped me over the past five years to not overindulge on Thanksgiving. Even if you don’t have a dietary restriction like gluten or dairy free, you can avoid the pain of overeating by following these quick tips:
- Eat meals around the big meal: Do NOT skip out on breakfast! The more your fuel leading up to Thanksgiving, the better!
- Drink your water: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This will help flush out those toxins from a meal you don’t have every day.
- Move your body: Make sure you get your sweat on! I love going for a walk after dinner with the family – even if it is just around the block, movement is key to help with digestion, swelling, and just feeling better!
- One spoon rule: This is my favorite rule! This allows me to take one spoonful of whatever I want and then be done. It’s enjoying ALL the yumminess I want with moderation!
I hope these tips and swaps help you to have a healthier and lighter Thanksgiving!
