These 2 Healthier Takes on Thanksgiving Classics Are Easy to Make and Packed With Flavor

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with it comes the start of the “food marathon,” a stretch of holiday parties, family gatherings, and festive meals that lasts through the new year.If you’re working toward healthier eating habits, this time of year can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to skip your favorite holiday foods or stress over every bite to stay on track with your health goals.As a registered dietitian, I believe that all foods can fit into a healthy diet, and the holidays are no exception. In fact, permitting yourself to enjoy the foods you love is an important part of building a healthy relationship with food.That’s exactly what we’ll be talking about during our next free Start TODAY coaching call on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.I’ll share simple, realistic strategies to help you maintain your healthy habits without missing out on the foods and traditions you love. From incorporating more nutritious foods into your holiday meals to avoiding the temptation to skip meals to “save up” for a big dinner, you’ll learn how to approach the holiday season with a healthy mindset. Plus, I’ll share easy meal prep tips to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. How to Join the Start TODAY Coaching CallYou can join us in 3 easy steps:Download the Start TODAY app for FREE (no credit card required).Register for the coaching call through the in-app notification.Ask Natalie your questions live on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.Join the Start TODAY coaching call on November 17, 2026Natalie’s Healthier Thanksgiving SidesPlus, I’ll show you how to make two easy healthy and tasty Thanksgiving sides:Crispy Green Beans with Shallot BreadcrumbsNatalie RizzoCrispy Green Beans With Shallot Breadcrumbs: A lighter take on traditional green bean casserole, featuring roasted green beans topped with golden breadcrumbs and crispy shallots for a satisfying crunch.Maple-Roasted Squash with Pomegranates and PecansNatalie RizzoMaple-Roasted Squash With Pomegranate and Pecans: A colorful, nutrient-packed side dish featuring fiber-rich squash, antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds and heart-healthy pecans. Plus, there’s no need to peel the squash, making prep a breeze.Both dishes are simple to prepare, full of flavor and perfect for adding a little extra nutrition to your holiday table.Let’s make this Thanksgiving a little healthier, a lot less stressful and just as delicious!Download the FREE Start TODAY app to get both recipes and join the coaching call!