Nourishing Your Body This Holiday Season

By Ashley Stuver and Evan Chase

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The holiday season is a time to gather, give thanks, and celebrate with the people we love most.

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For many, Thanksgiving brings a welcome pause from busy routines – a moment to reflect, share a meal, and focus on gratitude. But for those of us with thyroid conditions, it can also raise questions about how to balance holiday indulgence with feeling well enough to truly enjoy the celebrations and time with loved ones.

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The good news? We’ve gathered some of our favorite recipes to help make this Thanksgiving both delicious and nourishing!

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Before we get into the meal ideas, let’s first talk about the power of community and connection. 

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Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food; it’s about connecting with loved ones. Sharing a meal with family and friends has proven benefits for both emotional and physical health. Strong social ties can reduce stress, improve immune function, and even support healthy thyroid function through balanced hormone regulation.

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Whether you’re hosting a full house or celebrating with a small group, take time to savor the moments of laughter and gratitude. These moments can be just as nourishing as the meal itself!

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Now, Let’s Talk Food!

Eating well during the holidays doesn’t mean giving up on the flavors you love.

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The key is to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that support your metabolism and hormone balance. 

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When we were scouring the internet and brainstorming our favorite holiday recipes, we kept a few key things in mind.

• Protein-rich mains (hello, turkey!) for steady energy and metabolism support
• Vegetable side dishes loaded with antioxidants and micronutrients (this was our favorite category to explore!)
• Gluten-free stuffing, because who doesn’t want options that are easier on digestion, but just as fun as the traditional stuff
• Simple desserts that everyone will enjoy 

Mains:

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Turkey:

We love this Herb Butter Roast Turkey option from Kat Ashmore — it’s as show-stopping as she promises!

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Roasted Chicken:

‍Not a turkey fan? Try The Best Roasted Chicken by Ashlea Carver. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and sounds absolutely divine.

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Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb

Another option we love is Kristen Stevens' Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb. Gluten-free, low carb, and served with a mint chimichurri sauce – this one has us drooling!

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Side Dishes:

When we discussed what to include in our recipe round-up, we agreed that we wanted to provide you with options. For the side dishes, we’ve included a couple in each category for you to choose from. Some are sweet, while others are more savory and herbaceous. We like to think we’ve captured something for everyone! 

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Stuffing: 

Try Erin Collin’s Gluten-Free Stuffing, which sounds like a classic favorite, with over 120 5-star reviews! For something a little different (and a little protein-packed), we love Terry Tuckwiller’s Wild Rice Stuffing.

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Green Bean Casserole

Mary Smith’s Easy Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole (with fried onions) is a lighter twist on a holiday classic. 

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Sweet Potatoes

Believe it or not, we deliberated far too long over how many sweet potato recipes to include in our lineup. From mashed to sliced, and sweet to savory, it was hard to narrow it down!

For our savory lovers, Bangers and Mash is the perfect complement to your main dish. But if you’re looking for a sweeter touch, try Ambitious Kitchen’s Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Streusel OR these Roasted Sweet Potatoes by Laura Reigel.

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Squash:

If squash is more your style, try Hasselback Butternut Squash or Delicate Squash with Cinnamon Maple Butter from Kat Ashmore.

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Carrots: 

We love Love & Lemons’ Roasted Carrots that are naturally sweetened with honey (or skip it if you prefer less sweetness).

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Cranberry Sauce

Crumb Top Baking’s Cranberry Sauce combines fresh cranberries with blackberries and chia seeds for an extra fiber boost – simple, vibrant, and delicious.

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Cruciferous Veggies (and a Note on Thyroid Health)

Cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and kale, sometimes have a complicated reputation when it comes to thyroid health because they contain compounds known as goitrogens. These naturally occurring compounds can affect iodine uptake when eaten in very large quantities. But for most people, including those managing thyroid disorders, these veggies are perfectly safe, especially as an occasional holiday side.

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Brussels sprouts

If you love Brussels sprouts, we recommend these yummy Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese by Clean Plate Mama or Mary Smith’s "Soy" Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!

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Salad

And if you’re on salad duty, Kat Ashmore’s Harvest Bowl Salad with apple cider vinaigrette is a crowd-pleasing option.

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Desserts:

After all those savory sides and nutrient-packed veggies, it’s time for something sweet!

Dessert is one of the highlights of the holiday table, and the best part is you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for wellness. We think these treats strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment.

Paleo Apple Crisp by Rachael’s Good Eats

Soft Healthy Pumpkin Cookies by Ambitious Kitchen

Easy Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust by Mary Smith

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Mocktails & Cocktails:

We also wanted to include a few mocktails and cocktails for you, because raising a glass can also be part of the celebration, and there are plenty of creative ways to make your drinks fun and healthy!

Mocktails:

Thanksgiving Mocktail by Eden Passante of Sugar and Charm

Low Sugar Mocktails (we suggest the blood orange and rosemary mocktail) by Lexy Parsons at FitOn

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Cocktails:

Paleo Thanksgiving Margarita by Mary Smith

Paleo Pomegranate Palomas by Mary Smith

Apple Cider Spritz by Sonja Overhiser at A Couple Cooks

Apple Cider Vodka Crush by Paul Kushner at My Bartender 

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A Final Tip for After Dinner:

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After a hearty meal, one of the simplest and most effective things you can do is take a walk.

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Taking a 15-20 minute stroll after dinner is like giving your body a little thank you dance! It helps your muscles soak up extra sugar from your meal, keeping your blood sugar steady and your energy smooth.

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Plus, it boosts digestion, can help you sleep better, and adds a refreshing, feel-good finish to your day. The perfect way to round out a day of gratitude and reflection. 

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In Closing:

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, remember that health isn’t about perfection: it’s about balance, joy, and connection. From all of us at Modern Thyroid Clinic, we wish you a happy, healthy, and heartwarming holiday season.

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