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Let's be honest, the best part about Thanksgiving is the side dishes.
Unfortunately, that's also where the bulk of the calories are. Research shows that the average American eats at least 3,000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. Depending on age and sex, the daily recommended intake ranges between 1,800 and 2,800 calories for an entire day. And while there's nothing wrong with indulging a bit on a holiday (everything in moderation!), navigating all the options can feel like a minefield for those on a weight loss journey.
Certain side dishes are a lot more nutritious than others, so Hers has done the legwork to help you make mindful choices.
In addition to paying attention to calories, it's important to consider protein, saturated fat, fiber, net carbs, and sugar. Hers analyzed 26 of the top-rated Thanksgiving side dish recipes on Allrecipes.com to see which got top marks for nutrition. Each recipe was then ranked based on six categories.
Now check out the 10 healthiest and unhealthiest Thanksgiving side dishes to help you choose the best options for your dinner table.
11. Winter fruit salad with lemon poppy seed dressing
Nutrition can vary greatly across different Thanksgiving side dishes. Here are the best and worst options in each category surveyed to help find the sides that work best for your dietary priorities.
Hers looked at 26 side dish recipes that received more than 1,000 reviews on Allrecipes.com, since that means they've been well-tested by plenty of home cooks. Using that list, Hers analyzed six different types of nutritional content in one serving of each recipe. Hers ranked protein and fiber favorably, while dishes high in calories, saturated fat, net carbs, and sugar received lower scores. Additionally, a 2x multiplier was used when scoring protein and saturated fat.
Get the data.
It's possible to strike a balance between enjoying a celebratory Thanksgiving feast and keeping health goals in check. Here are three tips to help you feel great all day long.