Low Carb Thanksgiving

It's not easy staying healthy during the holidays when sugary sauces and treats are plentiful. Here are some ideas to help you.

Turkey
Turkey is a great lean source of protein if you stick to white meat and remove the skin.

Mashed Potatoes
Try one of these instead:

• Scalloped NotPotatoes! - a big hit on our Not Potato! Night
• Celery Root Mash - celeriac is a delicious alternative

Turnip and Rutabaga
These are actually good options, white turnip better than rutabaga, just avoid adding butter or sugar. If you need some extra zip, use olive oil and/or one of our sugar-free maple syrups (Ideal Protein or Walden Farms).

Side Vegetables
Choose low Glycemic Index vegetables for your sides like:

• cauliflower 
• broccoli
• cabbage - try cabbage steaks
• asparagus
• leafy greens
• zucchini 
• green beans or brussel spouts in moderation
• avoid peas, carrots, potatoes, and corn

You can season your vegetables with:

• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• onion powder
• garlic
• ginger
• other herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, cumin, paprika, etc)
• mustards (no sugar added)
• apple cider vinegar 
• hot sauce
• other sugar and fat free condiments

Rolls
Sorry - these are out if you want to keep your carbs down. Definitely a no go if you are on Phase 1. If you absolutely need bread, try this Fluffy Roll recipe.

Gravy
Unfortunately, gravy is often thickened with flour which adds carbs. To avoid this, make your gravy using no thickener, adding only broth or water and then reducing, or use a no carb thickener like Xanthan gum (but only a tiny bit towards the end). If you want your gravy thicker or creamier, try blending in some silken tofu.

Desserts
So much tasty sugar is served up over the holidays. Don't deny yourself a treat, just choose a healthy one.

• Raspberry Meringue Cookies
• Ideal Protein products:
• Pudding - milk or dark chocolate, vanilla, banana, butterscotch
• Wafers - triple chocolate, orange, lemon, strawberry
• Bars - milk chocolate, cookie n cream, caramel nut, cookie dough swirl, lemon poppyseed, chocolate mint, and more...
• Soy Puffs - chocolate, peanut butter, sour cream
• Jelly - raspberry or cherry
• Raspberry Chocolaty Bar
• Double Chocolate Brownie
• Crisps - fine herb, salt & vinegar and BBQ if sweet isn't your preference

Drinks
Alcohol is a big NO if you are on Phase 1. Try one of the options below for sipping:

• tea
• coffee
• water - sparkling or still
• club soda
• one of the above with lemon, lime or a little sugar free sweetener
• TRUE Citrus
• Ideal Protein Mangosteen Enhancer, Mio, Crystal light, etc with no sugar, calories or fat
• Splenda
• avoid milk or cream - if you need something like this, try using a little of the Ideal Protein Vanilla Drink.
• Ideal Protein products like:
• Blueberry Cran-Granata
• Peach and Mango
• Pina Colada
• Pineapple and Banana
• you can mix any of the above with sparkling or still water

Our 2013 Ideal Protein Thanksgiving post has our ideas from last year too.

Ideal Protein Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Looking for a low carb dessert for those holidays where temptations are everywhere? Try this tasty pudding option.

Ingredients:

• Ideal Protein Butterscotch pudding
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Nutmeg
• Walden Farms Marshmallow dip

Directions:

Blend Ideal Protein Butterscotch pudding, pumpkin spice, nutmeg and Walden Farms marshmallow dip together for a delicious low carb Thanksgiving dessert.

Low Carb "Stuffing"

This mock stuffing makes a great addition to any big dinner and is a delicious way to add in some vegetables and flavour, while reducing carbs and sugars.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped small
• 1/4 cup mushrooms, chopped small
• preferred spices like onion powder, poultry seasoning (sage, savoury, etc), salt, and pepper.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Rice separately.
2. Saute the celery and mushroom over medium high until softened. 
3. Stir in the cooked cauliflower rice. Stir in the spices and mix well. Serve immediately.

Mock Mashed Potatoes

One of our family celebration friendly recipes - great for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• cauliflower, chopped into small florets
• white turnip
• garlic powder
• vegetable or chicken stock
• preferred spices

Directions:

1. Bring enough broth to cover your desired amount of vegetables to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add vegetables, using equal parts turnip and cauliflower, and a couple cloves of chopped garlic.
3. When tender, drain broth into a separate bowl. 
4. Use a hand blender to whip the vegetables into a mashed potato like consistency, adding back broth as needed.
5. Blend in other spices to taste.Try adding traditional spices like bay leaf, sage, onion powder and celery.