We hope you had such a lovely Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family! Now that the holiday has passed, we know many of you may be trying to tighten your diet back up. One thing that can make this extremely difficult is…leftovers. We say all the time that the holiday is just one day, but calorie-dense leftovers can make it hard to get right back on track. Why be wasteful, right?
Getting back to a normal routine is important for many reasons, but these three stick out:
1. Avoid the “all-or-nothing” mindset: One day doesn’t define your progress, but staying off track can snowball into weeks or months of poor habits.
2. Reset your body and mind: Returning to your regular routine helps you feel better physically and mentally, bringing energy and motivation back into your daily life. If you struggle with getting back into the gym or if your gym is closed, be sure to check out this blog post. We’ve got you covered with all things fitness and nutrition through the winter months!
3. Reinforce healthy habits: Post-holiday resets remind you that indulgences are part of a sustainable lifestyle—not a reason to quit.
So with those leftovers looming in your fridge, we thought it would be beneficial to provide you with some easy ways to create balanced, nutrient dense meals that fit in your healthy lifestyle and avoid food waste.
Turkey Leftovers Power Bowl
- Base: Start with leafy greens, cooked quinoa, or brown rice.
- Protein: Add shredded turkey (white meat for a leaner option).
- Veggies: Toss in leftover roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots.
- Topping: Drizzle with a homemade vinaigrette or a dollop of cranberry sauce for sweetness.
- Why it works: Combining protein, fiber, and healthy carbs makes this a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
- Base: Dice leftover sweet potato casserole (skip the marshmallow topping) or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Protein: Sauté with turkey sausage or scramble in eggs.
- Veggies: Add diced onions, bell peppers, and spinach for color and nutrients.
- Why it works: This hearty dish balances protein, carbs, and fats for a nourishing post-holiday breakfast.
Stuffing-Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Base: Hollow out large bell peppers.
- Filling: Combine leftover stuffing with shredded turkey and a handful of chopped veggies.
- Bake: Top with a sprinkle of cheese (optional) and bake until the peppers are tender.
- Why it works: The peppers add fiber and volume while giving stuffing a second life in a more balanced form.
The key to bouncing back after Thanksgiving is to avoid guilt and focus on small, intentional steps. Use this opportunity to realign with your goals, get creative in the kitchen, and remind yourself why consistency is the ultimate path to success. You can find more recipes and meal ideas like this on a weekly basis in our Achieve Nutrition Facebook Group – click here to join!
You can feel your best and enjoy the holiday season – and if you need additional support, schedule a call with one of our Achieve Nutrition coaches here!
