A traditional Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the epitome of health. In fact, it is the antithesis of health, and gorging oneself into a food coma is the ultimate goal. The giant spread usually consists of holiday pies and carb-centric sides that are loaded with sugar and fat. But if you want to lighten up the menu this year, we have some great Thanksgiving side dishes that will do the trick. 

It can be scary to divert from the familiar, but sometimes you need to jump into the deep end. You can search for new twists on green bean and sweet potato dishes, for example, and invite new flavors to the party. Feature seasonal produce items like Brussels sprouts or replace potatoes with celeriac, another seasonal produce item. One of the primary things that we encourage you to do is add more greens and refreshing dishes to your Thanksgiving spread. Not only does this increase your vegetable intake, but it also nourishes the body and makes the digestive system happier.

Ahead, you’ll find seven easy and healthy recipes that will go great with your Thanksgiving feast. Not only are they scrumptious, but they are a lot lighter than the traditional sides that accompany the big meal. They include more vegetables, some of which are seasonal, and aim to help you feel lighter on the day. 

Pomegranate, Avocado, & Citrus Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts make a great canvas for the color and flavor of fresh pomegranate arils, creamy avocado, and citrus dressing.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Orange Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Ready in just 30 minutes, these orange maple-glazed Brussels sprouts are the perfect fall-inspired side dish for. It’s like vegetable candy! It will be an absolute treat at your Thanksgiving table.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Soft, tender, and smothered in a garlicky, creamy sauce, these vegan scalloped potatoes are the perfect sophisticated holiday side dish. These are incredibly creamy, garlicky, and sensationally delicious, especially when made from scratch. Yes, from scratch!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Rainbow Roasted Carrots

Are you ready to taste the rainbow? Far from Skittles, these herbaceous, roasted rainbow carrots are the perfect Thanksgiving side.

Click here to make the recipe.

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

We don’t want to sound overconfident, but this is a near perfect recipe. Roasted to perfection, you just can’t get enough of this squash.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Mashed Rutabaga With Chives

Could this side dish be the new favorite menu item at your holiday feast? Mashed rutabaga is a peppery, fluffy, and low-carb treat!

Click here to make the recipe.

Roasted Peaches

Get ready for one of the best vegan treats you can have during summer. Roasted peaches celebrate the fruit in its natural state!

Click here to make the recipe.

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If there is a seasonal squash you should try during the fall, it is the kabocha squash. It looks like a squatty green pumpkin that has a bright orange flesh. Kabocha squash has a sweeter flavor, similar to butternut squash, and can absorb a variety of flavors. It goes great in soups and stews, but it is classically fried in tempura batter and served with a vegetable medley in Japanese cuisine. That’s not all it can do, though, as this recipe shows how you can transform the squash into crispy, spiced dehydrated chips. The chips deliver in the crispy category and have a robust flavor that keeps you coming back for more. And unlike packaged chips you buy in the store, you can eat these guilt-free.

Kabocha squash, much like sweet potatoes, is a great source of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. A 2/3 cup serving of kabocha squash provides the following nutrient content:

• Calories: 30
• Fat: 0 grams (g)
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.2 g
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Vitamin C: 9 milligrams (mg)
• Beta-carotene: 1,782 micrograms (mcg)

In order to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and promote optimal vision, the body needs vitamin A. Vitamin C may also help slow the progression of AMD, and people who consume a lot of vitamin C have a lower risk of cataracts. Some research indicates that beta-carotene, which is present in kabocha squash, may help prevent some cancers when consumed through food and not as a supplement. More studies are necessary in humans to confirm kabocha squash’s cancer-preventative properties. For now, enjoy the chips and you may benefit you eye health, immune function, and more.

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Potatoes, turnips, beets, and other root vegetables have been staple foods in many cultures for thousands of years. Some records indicate that sweet potatoes, among other root vegetables, were integral in folk medicine over 5,000 years ago. Root vegetables have supported undernourished populations since ancient times. The reason for that is because starchy root vegetables provide vital vitamins and minerals, fiber, and they are easy to prepare. Plus, they are usually very inexpensive and easy to grow.

Root vegetables, also known as tubers, grow underground, with many of them ripening throughout fall and early winter. Technically speaking, not all root vegetables are tubers; rather, the term “tuber” is commonly used to describe a lot of root vegetables. Bulbs, corms, and rhizomes are also categories of root vegetables. Some of the most common types of root vegetables include:

• Beets
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Fennel
• Jerusalem artichokes
• Sweet potatoes
• Turnips
• Radishes
• Celeriac 
• Yams
• Parsnips
• Jicama
• Horseradish

Russet Potatoes

White, Russet, or Idaho potatoes are the classic potatoes you know and love. They get a bad rap, but the truth is that they are the largest contributors of vegetable phenolics and antioxidants to the American Diet. The problem is usually with how you prepare them. Frying them and adding copious amounts of butter or dairy can negate the health benefits. White potatoes are rich sources of potassium, which is essential for supporting bone and heart health. They also contain manganese, an integral mineral for nerve and bone health. 

Parsnips

Belonging to the same family as carrots, parsley, and celery, parsnips offer similar nutrients to those foods. They are an excellent source of folate, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Researchers state that most of the fiber in parsnips is soluble, which is linked to a lower risk of diabetes and high cholesterol. One serving of parsnip provides a good amount of folate, which helps increase energy, enhance metabolism, and contributes to healthy nervous system function. Folate also aids with the synthesis of DNA and red blood cell formation.

Rutabaga

Have you ever seen those purple and white bulbs in the produce section? Rutabagas are a cross between cabbage and turnips, so they provide similar benefits, such as lots of fiber and vitamin C. They are high in zinc, which plays a role in immune health, brain function, metabolism, mood regulation, and protection for physiological stress. They taste similar to turnips and white potatoes, and they come out great when roasted and caramelized. 

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are some of the most popular root vegetables, and particularly tasty as well. They offer a lot of vitamin A (one of the best plant sources), potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin C, lots of fiber, and slow-absorbing starch. They also offer lots of beneficial antioxidant compounds, including chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins. Even though they have “sweet” in the name, they have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, so they may help stabilize blood sugar levels. 

Carrots

Carrots are some of the most popular root vegetables in existence and can be enjoyed any number of ways. Shave them thinly into a salad, dip them into hummus, juice them, or roast or steam them. They are naturally rich in carotenoids, which help protect the eyes and skin. Carrots also contain the antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, in addition to vitamins C, D, E, & K, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. 

Beets

Scientists attribute the benefits of beets to their impressive antioxidant profile. They are naturally rich in betalain and have the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of 27 vegetables commonly consumed in the United States. Some preliminary evidence suggests that beets may enhance endurance during athletic performance. They also contain nitrates, which the body can use for muscle recovery, improved circulation, and inflammation reduction. 

Jerusalem Artichokes

Jerusalem artichokes, or sunchokes, are an excellent source of fiber and protein, but have very few calories. They are also rich in vitamin A, potassium, and iron. In fact, Jerusalem artichokes are one of the highest plant-based sources of iron. They may help combat iron deficiency and may help support nerve health, red blood cell formation, and healthy metabolism.

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Autumn seems to arrive before summer is over. It’s almost as if people cannot wait to decorate with fall foliage and cinnamon-scented pine cones. Pumpkin-spiced everything appears and people are in full fall mode, dressing in beanies and scarves even if the weather is perfect for beach days. 

As most people learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for overall health and optimizing immune function is of the utmost importance. With schools back in session, it’s more important than ever to maintain immune health. When the immune system operates at peak efficiency, it’s able to combat germs, viruses, or bacteria before they actually wreak havoc on the body. This can ultimately reduce the duration of illness or even fend off harsh symptoms.

For many people, it’s second nature to reach for vitamin C tablets, electrolyte powders, or other synthetics to enhance immune function. The average person doesn’t reach for fruits, vegetables, and herbs to keep the immune system in tip-top shape. Fall offers many beneficial produce items that improve immunity, and you can learn about them below. 

Pomegranates

One of fall’s best and most flavorful produce items, the pomegranate exhibits numerous health benefits. The Ancient Egyptians used pomegranates to treat infections, and incorporated them into other healing practices. According to several studies, the antioxidants in pomegranates help the body fight back against numerous viruses. Pomegranates are also rich sources of vitamin C, which boosts antibody production in immunity development.

Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato, or yam, is a classic fall favorite that is a rich source of vitamins A & C. Sweet potatoes happen to be one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which is a plant-based compound that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential component of a healthy immune system. It helps to maintain mucous membranes in the gut, where the body is exposed to potential disease-causing pathogens. By promoting optimal gut health, vitamin A contributes to a healthier immune system.

Garlic

It’s hard to think of garlic as a seasonal produce item because it’s available throughout the year. Garlic happens to be one of the most common ingredients in global cuisine. Several studies found that raw garlic may significantly reduce blood pressure. Raw garlic also exhibits antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that may help combat viruses and bacteria. Processing destroys all of garlic’s health benefits, so using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic won’t benefit the body.

Grapes

Fresh grapes contain over 1,600 natural plant compounds, including a mixture of polyphenols and antioxidants. Both of these groups have proven their ability to protect cells from harmful pathogens. Grapes are also rich in resveratrol, which is a polyphenol that positively influences the immune system. One cup of raw grapes also satisfies 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and supplies the body with 2.5 ounces of water. 

Pumpkins

Just like sweet potatoes, pumpkins are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Several studies found that vitamin A strengthens the immune system to help combat infections. Researchers found that people who have low levels of vitamin A or vitamin A deficiency tend to have weaker immune systems. Additionally, pumpkins contain a high amount of vitamin C, which works to increase white blood cell production. More white blood cells encourage immune cells to work more efficiently, healing wounds faster. 

Apples

There are so many apple varieties that arrive during fall. From Honeycrisp and Pink Lady to Jonagold and Granny Smith varieties, there’s no shortage of apples during fall. According to a 2015 stud y, people who consumed one apple daily used fewer prescription medications. Regularly consumption of apples supplies the body with lots of fiber, which can help reduce inflammation that’s common during infections. Additionally, apples contain khellin, which is a flavonoid that helps to open up airways and reduce respiratory symptoms, especially in asthma patients. 

There are other beneficial produce items to explore during fall, especially right before winter arrives. Keep your eyes out for the arrival of citrus fruits, which offer lots of vitamin C. Tangerines, blood oranges, lemons, key limes, grapefruit, and many other orange varieties are excellent immune-boosting fruits. Still need a little immunity boost? Consider the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit to help boost immune function.

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Kraft Heinz, a food manufacturing giant, will remove all artificial dyes from its brands in 2027. This comes in response to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s scrutiny on synthetic dyes. It was only a couple months ago that U.S. Health officials urged food manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply. Now, it seems that food makers are moving in the right direction. 

Kraft Heinz is the maker of Heinz ketchup, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Jell-O, Capri-Sun, and other brands. Kraft Heinz made a recent claim that almost 90% of its U.S. products are currently free of food, drug, and cosmetic colors. Pedro Navio, Kraft Heinz’s North America president, stated, “The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of (artificial) colors across the remainder of our portfolio.” The products that still contain dyes will be removed by the end of 2027. It should be noted that the company removed artificial colors from Kraft Mac & Cheese in 2016.

A Step In The Right Direction

The call for the removal of artificial dyes from food products is not recent news. Many studies have cited that these dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems, such as hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has maintained that the approved list of dyes are safe and that the total evidence indicates that most children have no adverse effects after consuming foods that contain them. 

Currently, the FDA allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January of this year, the agency announced that Red No. 3 would be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory tests. Red No. 3 is common in foods such as cakes, candies, and even some medications. 

The unfortunate reality is that artificial dyes are widely used in U.S. foods. Europe and Canada require synthetic colors to carry warning labels, so they mostly use natural substitutes. California and West Virginia, however, have already passed laws that restrict the use of artificial colors in foods. And U.S. food manufacturers are already reformulating their foods. Instead of synthetic dyes, food makers can use natural hues made from algae, beets, and crushed insects and pigments from radishes, red cabbage, and purple sweet potatoes. 

More Companies Will Follow Suit

After Kraft Heinz’s announcement, General Mills soon followed suit. General Mills makes cereals such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix, Cheerios, and other brands like Pillsbury, Yoplait, and Nature Valley. It announced that it planned to remove certified colors from all of its U.S. cereals and K-12 foods by summer 2026, and out of all products by 2027. General Mills also issued a statement saying that 85% of its retail products do not contain these artificial colors. 

The transition to use healthier alternatives to synthetic food dyes is partially to retain customers. According to Kraft Heinz, both Lunchables and Capri-Sun have fallen out of favor with customers who want healthier food options. The company’s sales dropped 6.4% last quarter. Just last month, the company claimed to be evaluating strategic changes and potential transactions. Lastly, Kraft Heinz recently sold off Planters and its U.S. cheese business in order to simplify its business. Analysts believe that that announcement is a signal that the company may unload other brands or seek to merge with a rival. 

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Take a break from the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes this holiday season and try this comforting recipe! This dish will take you back to a good memory, even if you have never eaten it before. It’s just that good! The creamy sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the earthy walnuts, making this a comforting side dish with notes of sophistication. While it may not have you extending your pinky as you sip tea, it will be a big hit at your dinner table. It just adds a little extra deliciousness to your spread!

Sweet potatoes and walnuts go together like peanut butter and jelly. Crunchy walnuts add the perfect textural contrast to luxuriously creamy sweet potatoes. Although sweet potato recipes are more popular doing fall, they are a year-round produce item. Enjoy them whenever you can! Besides their addictive flavor, sweet potatoes are really good for you. They are naturally rich in many vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Specifically, sweet potatoes exhibit the following health benefits:

• They contain sporamins, which are unique proteins that account for over 80% of their total protein content. Researchers note that these proteins exhibit antioxidant properties, which may help protect your cells.
• Like other plant-based foods, sweet potatoes contain a number of plant compounds that may protect the body in one way or another. Sweet potatoes contain a lot of beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid that the body converts to vitamin A. By adding fat to the meal (walnuts in the case of this recipe), you can increase the absorption of this compound.
• Finally, researchers note that the dietary fiber in sweet potatoes can help benefit the gut. One study found that the fiber in sweet potatoes acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of healthy gut bacteria. That helps improve both digestion and immune function!

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As soon as the weather starts to cool down, we start thinking about warming fall recipes. We are talking about soups, stews, and savory warm salads. You roast some parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, squash, or other fall vegetables and toss them with some whole grains and sturdy greens. In the case of this fall harvest salad, you roast some golden beets and sweet potatoes before tossing them with quinoa and mixed greens. You can also use kale and bulgur wheat if you have those items on hand. You can also use couscous or wild rice in place of quinoa.

This works great as an entree salad, side salad, or meal prep dish for a couple days. If you decide to meal prep this salad, though, we recommend that you use kale, as it doesn’t get soggy like other greens. If you plan to eat this right away, use the mixed greens in the recipe ingredients. Additionally, do not dress the salad if you meal prep, as that will cause all of the ingredients to get a little soggy. We don’t know about you, but we’d prefer to not eat a soggy salad!

Roasting the vegetables is the time-consuming part of this recipe. beets can take a while to roast, so cut them uniformly and on the thinner side. The same rule applies for the sweet potatoes. You want the vegetables to roast evenly, so make sure to spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. If you do that, they should take about 30-35 minutes to roast. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before assembling the salad. And remember, you can cook the quinoa, prepare the rest of the ingredients, and make the dressing while the veggies are roasting.

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Being on a raw vegan diet does not mean that you have to completely give up all of your favorite foods. You can still enjoy tacos, burgers, wraps, and more, so long as you make raw vegan versions. For example, use romaine leaves in place of tortillas and use walnuts and other spices to create the taco “meat.” Do you love crispy sweet potato fries with a luxurious dipping sauce? Well, now you have this recipe, which is completely raw vegan and acceptable to eat while cleansing.

Sometimes, sweet potato fries do not taste great, or they taste good but then your body doesn’t agree with them. Perhaps you feel bloated after you eat a big serving of them, especially if they come with an aioli, which is a mayonnaise-based sauce. All the deep frying and saturated fat from the mayo also cancel out any health benefits that the sweet potatoes were going to provide. These dehydrated sweet potato fries, though, retain their nutrients, even though they aren’t as crispy as traditional fries. Additionally, there is no mayonnaise in the dipping sauce!

Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Just one cup of baked sweet potato provides 213% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin A! Sweet potatoes may also support gut health, as they contain antioxidants and soluble fiber. Eating fiber-rich foods can help soften your stool and make it easier to eliminate. The antioxidants in sweet potatoes have demonstrated an ability to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which may reduce the risk of conditions like infectious diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

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This isn’t your ordinary vegetable soup because this soup is made with roasted vegetables, which offer deeper, richer flavors and a subtle smokiness. Once you roast your vegetables, blend them together to make a creamy, addictive soup. Although there are many adjectives that can accurately describe this soup, it is simply delicious. Blending all of the ingredients together helps create a rich, creamy consistency. And the great thing about this soup is that is is great for all culinary skill levels. It is very beginner-friendly!

Why should you roast vegetables instead of steaming or sautéing them? While steaming is a great way to cook vegetables, you miss out on the caramelized flavor and delightful smokiness that comes from roasting them. But not all vegetables roast equally, as some take longer to cook than others. For example, it takes longer to roast tomatoes and bell peppers than it does to roast beets and parsnips. Because this recipe contains bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes, make sure to cut them appropriately to ensure even roasting. It is more important to cut the sweet potatoes and carrots thinly and the rest of the ingredients can be roughly the same size.

This recipe includes various vegetables, but you can make this soup with a few adaptations. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and incorporate different spices. Do you like a little spice? Throw some cayenne or chili powder into the mix. Consider adding beans for more protein. Opt out of the oat milk if you want a soup made strictly of vegetables. Don’t be afraid to put your own creative spin on this!

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Most people have seen the dark side, that is, the inevitable, lethargic, and sick feeling of a hangover that results from too much drinking. The older you get, the fewer drinks it takes to cause a hangover. You don’t simply bounce back like you did when you were in your 20s. They can hinder your daily activities and lead to symptoms that include stomach pain, nausea, light sensitivity, irritability, headache, thirst, anxiety, and even vertigo. 

Hangover symptoms peak when the body’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to zero. These symptoms can last for a couple hours, a full day, or even longer. There is no cure for a hangover, but certain foods and beverages can help ease symptoms and help you feel better. This article aims to highlight the best foods and beverages to consume to ease your hangover. We won’t cover this in the following list, but water is a necessity to bring you back to life. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so rehydrating with water and electrolytes can help revive you and reduce the severity of hangover symptoms. 

8 of the best foods to help ease a hangover

1. Coconut water

Yes, we just mentioned drinking water, but drinking electrolyte-rich beverages is equally important to your recovery. Coconut water contains potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are electrolyte. Although there are no studies that indicate the direct effects of coconut water on hangovers, some research suggests that coconut water can help restore fluids lost due to illness or exercise. Drinking coconut water may help replenish electrolytes and increase hydration during a hangover. Replacing electrolytes will not get rid of the hangover, though. 

2. Bananas

One cup of sliced bananas contains 537 milligrams (mg) of potassium. As previously mentioned, potassium is a valuable electrolyte, and it can also help keep blood pressure levels in check. Eating a banana may help reduce hangover symptoms by replenishing electrolyte levels, although this is not scientifically backed. 

3. Asparagus

The flavonoids in asparagus may enhance the activity of enzymes in the body that work to break down alcohol. Research suggests that certain compounds in asparagus also work to protect the liver from the toxic effects of alcohol and other harmful substances. 

4. Legumes

Lentils, beans, and other legumes are rich in zinc, a mineral that can effectively metabolize alcohol. According to research, zinc helps the body metabolize alcohol more quickly, and consuming zinc-rich foods help make hangover symptoms less severe. Click here to learn about more plant-based sources of zinc. 

5. Mango

In studies on mice, mango was able to effectively reduce blood alcohol levels and increase alcohol metabolism. Does this translate to humans? Unfortunately, there isn’t research on how mango’s ability to do this in humans. Researchers believe that mango’s metabolites, such as fructose, may help stimulate alcohol metabolism in the body. 

6. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of vitamin A, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to nutritional data, one five-inch sweet potato contains 922 micrograms (mcg) RAE (retinol activity equivalents) of vitamin A. Because hangover symptoms are largely related to inflammation, consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help. Consume sweet potatoes, turmeric, ginger, and other anti-inflammatory foods to right the ship!

7. Ginger

Ginger is great for both soothing an upset stomach and sore throat. Since alcohol can cause an upset stomach, adding it to your food may help reduce the severity of hangover symptoms, such as nausea or stomach pain. Ginger goes great in smoothies, in stir-fries, or even sliced and added to sparkling water. Studies show that the antioxidant properties in ginger help protect against lung, liver, and kidney changes caused by alcohol consumption.

8. Korean pear juice

It should be noted that this is on the list only because the effects were backed by a small study. Study authors noted that Korean pear juice significantly reduced the severity of hangover symptoms and helped lower blood alcohol levels. The juice improved symptoms such as memory impairment, light and sound sensitivity, and the difficulty concentrating.

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