Happy Friday Turkeys!

I've scoured the internet to put together the best Paleo Thanksgiving recipes and menus! There are 5 menus to choose from, create the whole menu or pick and choose to create your own, I don't care. I just want you eating like a champ on the big day of thanks!

A special thank you to my fellow recipe blogger buddies. Be sure to check out their websites and follow them in social media land. They've all so very graciously provided some special tips to keep you Paleo and thriving throughout the holiday season.

PaleOMG

"Practice self control. Holidays are about splurging in more ways than one. So indulge in something that you usually wouldn't, just be careful about not stuffing your face until you can't move. I've been there and it's not worth it. Eat in moderation and enjoy the some of the foods you don't usually eat. Life is all about living, especially when it comes to food choices. So make choices that are worth it."- Juli

Paleo Comfort Foods

"We don't advise people to go super super strict Paleo during this time (the holidays are stressful enough), but we do encourage people to be aware of what they are choosing to eat or drink (Paleo or not). Far too often people mindlessly indulge in everything from mass-produced crappy cookies in a tin that don't even taste good to some dinner rolls that taste stale - just because they are there and it's the holidays! The throwing all caution to the wind during this time so often leads to people being depressed at the start of the New Year, and we want them to be feeling great! We do a little challenge with our gym clients this time of year (the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas) to help them be mindful of what they choose to eat or drink. We don't profess perfectionism, we just want people to be aware of what they are choosing to eat…and if it's worth navigating off the Paleo reservation, we hope they enjoy!"- Julie and Charles

Nom Nom Paleo

"By taking a flavor-first approach -- not just during the holidays, but throughout the year -- I find that I never feel deprived. And if I'm going to a holiday party or potluck, I just make sure to bring a real-food dish to share that's delicious and filling, so I'll always have something to eat. Lastly, if I happen to indulge in something that's less-than-Paleo, I don't stress about it. It's the holidays, after all, and stress is worse for your health than an occasional detour from the Paleo straight-and-true!"- Michelle

The Clothes Make the Girl

"Slow down and savor your food. Whether you're enjoying nutritious paleo meals or indulging in a favorite once-a-year treat, take a deep breath and really focus on what you're eating. Use all of your sense and linger over the texture, aroma, temperature, and taste of every bite you put in your well-deserving mouth. The holidays are a time of celebration, and if you can be really present, you can make those special moments even more delicious and meaningful."- Melissa

Multiply Delicious

"As Paleo eaters the holidays might seem a little daunting, but we can still have those foods that make our hearts smile and our stomachs dance with delight. It can all be done in a Paleo kitchen too. Embrace your Paleo kitchen and reward yourself with seasonal whole foods.... minus the guilt."- Heather

Primal Palate

"Well, one nice thing to do is to offer up bringing a Paleo dish with you to holiday parties. That way you can contribute to the fun, share great food, and also potentially help people understand more about the Paleo lifestyle."- Bill and Hayley

 Cavegirl Cuisine

"Thanksgiving is a great time to "keep it paleo"! There is turkey and ham...loads of veggies and sweet potatoes and squash...nuts and cranberries! Plus, with so many great recipes out there, you have no excuse not to make your paleo holidays fabulous!"

Paleo Porn

"Don't be afraid to try a taste of mom's non-Paleo foods. Just don't beat yourself up about it and stick to mostly Paleo options on the rest of your plate. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Keep calm and Paleo on tomorrow. "- Marla

Garnish with Lemon

"It's easy to get caught up in all of the excesses and indulgences of the holidays. Balance and moderation are key to enjoying the best of what the season offers."- Lisa and Anna

Rubies and Radishes

"Fill up your plate with Paleo friendly foods first – turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, salad, then use the rest of the room to enjoy some of your old favorites, as long as they are foods that won't make you feel sick. Other than that, relax and have a happy Thanksgiving!"- Arsy

Simply Paleo

"The Holiday season is always a challenging time of year. I usually go to Mississippi and you KNOW there is some seriously amazing food in the South. So guess what I do? I eat it! I don't beat myself up, hit the pavement for a nice run the next morning and take my Omega supplements. I'm not saying go off the deep end but enjoy one or two dishes that you've haven't indulged in all year, savor every bite and pick up the next day. I started #paleolove to exemplify that living Paleo is about sharing the love with one another, loving food, enjoying life and living to thrive; especially during this time of year!"- Lauren


Menu #1 - The Traditional Thanksgiving Feast
Oven Roasted Turkey (Paleo Brine first!)
Cauliflower mashed potatoes and gravy
Paleo Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole
Paleo Cranberry Sauce
Butter Dill Carrots
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Menu #4 - The Southern Thanksgiving 
Pot Roast and gravy 
Paleo Grits
Twisted Apple Cole Slaw 
Minty Beet Salad
Awesome Collard Greens
Paleo Biscuits 
Banana Pudding
 Menu #2 - The Sassy Savory Thanksgiving
Honey Mustard Pork Butt
Apple and butternut squash hash
Roasted broccoli with hollandaise sauce
Curried Cauliflower Florets
Triple layer almond cups
 Menu #5 - The Unique Thanksgiving Feast
Paleo Turkey Fritters
Mashed sweet potatoes with caramelized onions
Strawberry and Fennel Salad
Stuffed Zucchini
Sauteed Baby Artichokes
Pumpkin Swirl Cups
 Menu #3 - The Meat Lover's Thanksgiving 
Herbed Ham 
Cream of broccoli soup with bacon 
Crispy herbed pork belly
Sausage and onion stuffing
Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Bacon, Brussels and Butternut Squash
Strawberry Pie Cups
 

Live To Thrive,

Lauren

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