Thanksgiving is looming up for Americans and is usually one of the most anticipated events of the year. But, if you’ve been following a low carb diet, you might be wondering what you can eat and not completely ruin your diet. Let’s face it, the usual Thanksgiving dishes are absolutely loaded with carbohydrates and you don’t want to suffer another carb coma! You may even be thinking about avoiding Thanksgiving altogether!
The good news is that there are lots of delicious low-carb recipes that you can actually share with your loved ones this Thanksgiving. From the scrumptious turkey dishes to mouthwatering desserts, here are some of the most appetizing low carb Thanksgiving meal ideas.
Low Carb Thanksgiving Meal Ideas
1. Easy Roasted Turkey With Sage Butter
A Thanksgiving celebration would not be complete without turkey. Thankfully turkey is a low carb meat and there are various ways to prepare a low carb turkey meal. The best turkey to buy is one that is organic or free-range. Steer clear of smoked turkey recipes because the smoke leaves toxic compounds on the meat.
If you are cooking a turkey yourself then this recipe is a breeze. This recipe calls for spreading some tasty sage butter under the skin but trust me it’s not difficult. The butter helps to baste the bird and keep it moist. The cavity is stuffed with lemons and apples to flavor the pan juices for the low carb gravy.
Get Mellissa’s full instructions here
2. Spicy Sausage and Cheddar Stuffing
Everyone loves stuffing on Thanksgiving. In fact, aside from turkey, the stuffing is what everyone seems to be looking forward to during the Thanksgiving dinner. And although most stuffing recipes are loaded with carbs, there are actually lots of low carb stuffing recipes that you can try. This Spicy Sausage and Cheddar Stuffing is definitely worth checking out. It’s made with low-carb skillet bread with lots of sausage without additives or sugar of course.
Get the recipe by Carolyn, the writer and recipe developer behind All Day I Dream About Food, here.
3. Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Thanksgiving for some would not be the same without the traditional green bean casserole but recipes that use tinned cream of mushroom soup and a topping of breadcrumbs are a no no for keto or low carb diets. In fact green beans are considered to be too high in carbs for a strict keto diet but are actually okay for a low carb diet. They’re low in net carbs and rich in dietary fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and help prevent low carb constipation. One cup of green beans has only 6g net carbs.
This delicious green bean casserole recipe by Rachel, The Aussie Keto Queen contains mushrooms, bacon and onions but she says she’s upped the fats to offset the slightly higher carb green beans and onion. Get the recipe here.
4. Bacon Deviled Eggs
Of course, Thanksgiving dinners are not only about feasting on turkey. You also need to have some appetizers to go with your turkey dish! There are lots of delicious low carb appetizer options for your Thanksgiving, and this Bacon Deviled Eggs from Peace Love and Low Carb is one of them. It’s quick and easy to prepare, which is perfect if you’re pressed for time. Made from dairy-free and low carb ingredients, this appetizer will enable you to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner without going off your low-carb diet, whether you’re on the Keto Diet or Paleo.
5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Sure, there are lots of delicious soup recipes out there to warm up your Thanksgiving dinner, but most of these soups are made with flour to give them a thick and smooth consistency. For those on a low carb diet, having flour in the soup is definitely a big no. So check out this low carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Tasteaholics. Instead of flour, it uses the Xanthan gum as a thickener.
It’s so delicious and you’re getting in your green veggies. Broccoli is a cruciferous veg which contains substances that induce the liver detox enzymes. With so much pollution around it’s important to have your detox system working efficiently.
6. Caramel Nut Chocolate Brownies
The best way to cap off a Thanksgiving dinner is with mouthwatering desserts! And just because you’re on a low carb diet does not mean that you have to skip this part of your meal. There are plenty of low carb desserts that you and your guests will surely love, even if they are not on the diet. One of these is this Caramel Nut Chocolate Brownies from I Breathe I’m Hungry. They are super chocolatey, tender, and fudgy with a touch of bourbon to make them extra festive. In fact, it’s everything you ever want for a brownie!
7. Pumpkin Pie Custard
Here’s another mouthwatering low carb dessert that’s a bit different from all the usual pumpkin pie recipes out there but perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. But if you are looking for a low carb pumpkin pie recipe then I have already posted a delicious recipe right here.
This Pumpkin Pie Custard from Sugar Free Mom has all the flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie but without the carbs. This healthy dessert is not only low carb but it’s gluten-free as well. It’s the perfect dessert for followers of the Keto and Paleo diet.
With these delicious low carb Thanksgiving meal ideas, you’ll have no excuse not to celebrate and feast on Thanksgiving with your loved ones and friends! Have A Happy Thanksgiving!
