Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year. With so many delicious options spread out across the table, it can be hard to resist going back for seconds (or even thirds).
However, overindulging in certain types of food can leave you feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. To help you avoid that post-Thanksgiving food coma, here are 30 foods you should avoid after your holiday meal.
1. Gravy
Gravy is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s also high in fat and calories. Instead of pouring it over everything on your plate, try using it sparingly or skipping it altogether.
2. Stuffing
Stuffing is another Thanksgiving favorite that can be high in calories and carbs. If you’re watching your diet, try making a healthier stuffing recipe using whole-grain bread and plenty of veggies.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a carb-heavy side dish that can leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. If you can’t bear the thought of skipping them, try using a lighter recipe that swaps out some of the heavy cream and butter for lower-fat alternatives.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
While sweet potatoes themselves are a healthy choice, the traditional sweet potato casserole is often loaded with sugar, butter, and marshmallows.
Instead of indulging in this calorie-packed dish, try roasting some plain sweet potatoes for a healthier side.
5. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a rich and creamy side dish that’s often loaded with butter and heavy cream. If you want to indulge, try making a lighter version using low-fat milk and a small amount of butter.
6. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish, but it’s also high in sodium and carbs. Instead of the canned soup and fried onions, try making a lighter version using fresh green beans and a homemade sauce.
7. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple, but it’s often packed with added sugar. If you must have some, look for a recipe that uses natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
8. Canned Cranberry Jelly
Canned cranberry jelly is another popular Thanksgiving side that’s loaded with added sugars. If you want to enjoy some cranberry flavor, try making a homemade cranberry relish using fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a little honey.
9. Dinner Rolls
While dinner rolls may seem harmless, they’re often made with refined flour and packed with calories. Instead of indulging in multiple rolls, try opting for a few slices of whole-grain bread or a dinner roll made from almond flour.
10. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, but it’s also one of the most calorie-packed options on the table. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, try making a lighter dessert using fresh fruit and a small amount of honey.
11. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie may seem like a healthier dessert choice, but it’s often loaded with sugar and cream. If you want to indulge, try making a homemade pumpkin pie using natural sweeteners and low-fat milk.
12. Cheesecake
Cheesecake is another dessert that’s packed with calories and fat. If you’re craving something sweet, try making a no-bake cheesecake using Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
13. Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket may be a popular party food, but they’re also high in fat and calories. If you need a snack, try opting for a handful of nuts or some fresh veggies and hummus.
14. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer, but they’re often made with mayonnaise and other high-fat ingredients. If you want a snack, try making a healthier version using Greek yogurt and fresh herbs.
15. Fried Turkey
Fried turkey may be a delicious option, but it’s also one of the most calorie-packed choices on the table. If possible, opt for a roasted turkey instead.
16. Ham
While ham may seem like a healthy protein choice, it’s often packed with salt and other additives. If possible, opt for a lean protein like turkey or chicken instead.
17. Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday classic, but it’s also high in calories and fat. If you want a festive drink, try making a lighter version using almond milk and a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
18. Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa may seem like an innocent indulgence, but it’s often packed with sugar and calories. If you want a warm drink, try making a cup of herbal tea or some low-fat apple cider instead.
19. Candy Canes
Candy canes are a popular holiday treat, but they’re also high in sugar and calories. If you want a sweet treat, try opting for a small piece of dark chocolate or a homemade protein ball instead.
20. Fudge
Fudge is a rich and decadent dessert that’s often loaded with sugar and fat. If you’re craving something sweet, try making a small batch of homemade granola bars using natural sweeteners like honey, dates, or maple syrup.
21. Caramel Popcorn
Caramel popcorn is a popular holiday snack, but it’s also packed with sugar and calories. If you want a snack, try roasting some plain popcorn and seasoning it with herbs or spices instead.
22. Chex Mix
Chex mix is a classic party snack, but it’s often loaded with salt, fat, and preservatives. If you want a healthier option, try making a homemade trail mix using nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
23. Potato Chips
Potato chips are a popular party food, but they’re also high in salt and fat. If you want a salty snack, try opting for some air-popped popcorn or some roasted chickpeas instead.
24. Canned Fruit
Canned fruit may seem like a healthy option, but it’s often packed with added sugars. If you want some fruit, opt for fresh or frozen berries or a piece of whole fruit like an apple or orange.
25. Jam
Jam is often packed with added sugars and preservatives. If you want some sweetness on your toast or bread, try making a small batch of homemade chia jam using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
26. Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is a popular dipping sauce, but it’s often loaded with calories and sugar. If you want a dipping sauce, try making a healthier version using Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, and a small amount of honey.
27. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a popular salad dressing, but it’s also high in calories and fat. If you want a creamy dressing, try making a homemade version using Greek yogurt, herbs, and a small amount of olive oil.
28. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is often loaded with mayo and other high-fat ingredients. If you want a crunchy side dish, opt for a salad made with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette dressing.
29. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food favorite, but it’s also high in calories and fat. If you want a cheesy dish, try making a lighter version using low-fat cheese and whole-grain pasta.
30. Fried or Candied Nuts
Fried or candied nuts may seem like a healthy snack, but they’re often loaded with added sugars and salt. If you want a nutty snack, try opting for a handful of raw or roasted nuts instead.