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Our Pre-Thanksgiving Cleanse

By Rachel Johnson
November 03, 2016
Photo: Rachel Johnson
Yes, there is eating before the big eating holiday. Okay people, it’s game time. T-minus 48 hours until the big Turkey day and you’ve got a whole two days worth of eating until your body is ready for mountains of Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. The goal of this ‘pretox’ (the opposite of a detox) is to prep yourself as best as you can by consuming more vegetables and whole grains and balancing out the pats of butter you’re definitely going to put all over those freshly baked Honey Whole-Wheat Pull-Apart Rolls. We all partake during the holidays, it’s cool. In the interest of full disclosure, this meal plan is just a guide; our nutrition experts cannot back the health benefits of an Internet created term such as ‘Pre-Tox’. If anything, we hope to provide a framework for getting you ready for the holiday of eating, sitting, and eating again.
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Two Days Ahead - Breakfast

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Butternut Breakfast Tacos

It’s going to be a big week, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some breakfast tacos. Opting for the smaller, whole wheat tortillas makes you feel like you’re getting more bang for your breakfast buck. Plus, packing more vegetables into the egg scramble makes the cheesy sprinkle go farther.

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Two Days Ahead - Lunch

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Kale and Apple Salad with Shredded Chicken

You’re probably slammed at work trying to finish up before the holiday weekend, but you know that nothing is getting done. We’ve got you covered to power through the never ending pile of emails: yes, it’s kale salad.

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Two Days Ahead - Snack

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Dilly Labneh Dip

This afternoon is a great time to get started on some Thanksgiving prep! If you’re following the Cooking Light Epic Thanksgiving Cookbook, get to steppin’ on roasting beets for the Tricolored Beet Tart and boiling the beans for the Skillet Green Bean Casserole. And, hey— while you’re at it, reserve a few beans for this protein packed herb dip.

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Two Days Ahead - Dinner

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato, and Apple Harvest Hash

Remember that rotisserie chicken you shredded for lunch? Let’s make it easy on ourselves and make a 4-ounce portion of rotisserie chicken the main for dinner, too. The accompanying side will be doubled up for lunch tomorrow, because you are just that efficient and awesome. Drizzle the bacon syrup over your chicken to incorporate the whole dish.

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One Day Ahead - Breakfast

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal Latte

If you’re an early riser, get a jumpstart on today’s prep for tomorrow. Go on and toast bread cubes for Classic Herb Stuffing and cut up vegetables for Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables. Now that you’re the ultimate Thanksgiving superstar, get yourself in a zen moment and focus on the the most important part of your morning: coffee. Give yourself a moment to breathe before your family descends upon the kitchen. Treat yourself to a Chocolate Oatmeal Latte- yes, you can sip it or spoon it.

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One Day Ahead - Lunch

Photo: Rachel Johnson

You’ve got this covered, remember? You did all that prep last night for today’s lunch to save yourself a moment of panic. Heat up the rest of your Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato and Apple Harvest Hash in the toaster oven or microwave. If you need an extra boost, a spoonful of 2% greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice will jazz up the leftovers.

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One Day Ahead - Snack

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Cucumber Yogurt Cup with Mint

Stay on track with bright flavors and creamy, protein-packed yogurt. You’re going to be opting for rich pumpkin pie for breakfast on Friday, so you might want to get in the good probiotic cultures while you can.

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One Day Ahead - Dinner

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Cheesy Leek Pasta

No matter where you are in the USA, there is likely a Turkey Trot or other Thanksgiving 5K organized near you! Getting up early and moving and shaking is an excellent idea before the festival of feasting, so prepare tonight by loading up on some carbs.

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Thanksgiving Day - Breakfast

Photo: a_namenko / Getty

Turkey Trot time! You’re running out before sunrise to complete a 5K before your day begins; start with a protein packed bar and a banana for energy. We like Peanut Butter Perfect Bar; gluten free and Non-GMO, the bar has 17 grams of protein and has none of that dry and gross pre-made bar factor.

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Thanksgiving Day - Snack #1

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Not Quite Deviled Eggs

Some eat their Thanksgiving meal at lunch, others gather later in the afternoon. In any case, you’re going to need a snack (or maybe a second breakfast) to tide you over.

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Thanksgiving Day - Dinner

Photo: Jennifer Causey

If you still need ideas, we’ve got countless menus and recipe ideas for you to incorporate into your family’s dinner using our Thanksgiving Planner. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

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Thanksgiving Day - Snack #2

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Mini Guacamole Bowls

Time for football? We’ve got your post-dinner snack that your team can’t pass up. Assemble some easy Mini Guacamole Bowls to snack you through the late afternoon. Light enough to prevent guests from attacking the leftovers too early, avocado and crunchy blue corn chips are sure to satisfy the gametime cravings.

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