When it comes time to gather around the table for the Thanksgiving feast, what are you most excited about? Is it the turkey, the scrumptious sides or perhaps the delicious desserts that come after the meal?
If it’s Thanksgiving desserts that you crave, then you might be wondering how you can indulge on Nutrisystem without going completely off track from your healthy weight loss goals.
It’s no secret that we’ve made it our mission to transform your favorite meals, snacks and desserts into perfectly-portioned, healthier versions that you love. Thanksgiving is no exception! We’ve rounded up a list of 20 Thanksgiving dessert recipes that are much healthier than your traditional pies, rolls and cakes. Read on to choose the best dessert recipes for your Thanksgiving spread.
1. Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll >
Pumpkin roll is a Thanksgiving classic—perhaps just a step below pumpkin pie in fame. But this version is made lighter and healthier by using ingredients like coconut sugar, low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat pastry flour. Thanks to these healthy swaps, a slice of this delicious roll is just 101 calories—but will still satisfy your sweet tooth. Get the full recipe! >
2. Easy Apple Pie Bars >
Besides pumpkins, apples are another fall staple that makes for a delicious dessert base. This recipe has the flavors of apple pie infused with a blondie bar and will give that baked good indulgence you’ve been looking for. Made using both applesauce and sliced apples, it’s got all the apple goodness that you love. Plus, you can enjoy an entire bar for just 153 calories. Get the full recipe! >
3. Pumpkin Banana Bread >
For banana bread and pumpkin lovers, we’ve found your perfect fall treat. This fall-inspired version of classic banana bread features pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to make it the perfect fit for your Thanksgiving spread. It’s also a great breakfast to start the holiday on the right track! A serving of our Pumpkin Banana Bread is 143 calories. Get the full recipe! >
4. Instant Pot Maple Walnut Cheesecake >
The Instant Pot is a saving grace for the busy chef—and you can even use it for dessert! It works especially great for moist desserts like this Maple Walnut Cheesecake. The crust is made from healthful ingredients like walnuts and medjool dates. The filling comes from classic ingredients like Neufchatel cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, maple syrup and maple extract. Brimming with maple flavor, it has all the fall feels and is 232 calories per slice. Get the full recipe! >
5. Healthy Apple Pie >
Pies are often a fixture on the Thanksgiving dessert table—and they’re often loaded with sugar! But this Thanksgiving dessert recipe is proof that you don’t need added sugar to make a delicious treat. Our Healthy Apple Pie lets the natural sweetness of the apples shine. As a result, it has a mere 147 calories per slice. Plus, it’s a bonus that this recipe is easy to make. It uses just eight simple ingredients. Get the full recipe! >
6. Homemade Carrot Cake >
While carrot cake might sound like more of a springtime dessert, the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and maple—including dreamy maple-flavored icing—makes this recipe right at home on the Thanksgiving table. Plus, carrots are a seasonal fall root veggie, so there’s no better time to enjoy them then now! While cakes like this one are usually loaded with sugar, ours finds sweetness from other ingredients like maple syrup and applesauce. You can help yourself to a 147-calorie slice with no guilt. Get the full recipe! >
7. Air Fryer Cranberry Pecan Pie >
Another handy appliance for the busy chef, your air fryer can also help you whip up some healthy and delicious Thanksgiving dessert recipes. This one starts with a five-ingredient homemade crust which is filled with a delicious cranberry and pecan filling. It’s then “baked” in the wonder-of-appliances: the air fryer! One slice is just 141 calories of yumminess. Get the full recipe! >
8. Crustless Pumpkin Pie >
Here’s an easy way to make pumpkin pie healthier while still being able to enjoy your favorite part—remove the crust! This recipe makes some healthy substitutions in the filling (such as swapping sugar for stevia and using nonfat milk instead of heavy cream)—and then ditches the crust entirely. You’ll be able to feel like you’re indulging when you’ve really made a healthy choice. Get the full recipe! >
9. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites >
These mini cheesecake bites are an adorable display for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Made using a mini muffin tin, they come together with easy ingredients like gingersnap cookies, low-fat cream cheese and canned pumpkin. Pop a bite for a mere 64 calories and satisfy your sweet tooth for all the pumpkin goodies. Get the full recipe! >
10. 3-Step Pumpkin Mousse >
Here’s a fun way to get your pumpkin fix—pumpkin mousse! Grab a blender and simply combine ingredients like cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and sugar. The result is a dreamy, whipped dessert that tastes heavenly but packs only 203 calories. You can also feel good about the fact that cottage cheese is high in many nutrients. Get the full recipe! >
11. 3-Step Cinnamon Pecan Cookies >
Nothing beats both easy and delicious—and this recipe is both. With the flavors of cinnamon, pecans and brown sugar, it’s sure to become one of your favorite fall cookies. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making for a wholesome treat that is just 114 calories. Get the full recipe! >
12. Maple Chocolate Pecan Pies >
Pecan pie is another Thanksgiving favorite—and this recipe takes it up a notch by also adding the flavors of maple and chocolate. While it’s lightened up from a traditional pecan pie, we swear you won’t be able to tell the difference. It’s just 90 calories per serving but still wholly delicious. Get the full recipe! >
13. Instant Pot Apple Cake >
Grab the Instant Pot to whip together this easy-to-make cake that features ripe and juicy Granny Smith apples as the star ingredient. Combined with favorite fall spices like ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, it’s a warm and cozy cake that won’t leave you feeling overstuffed—or spiking with sugar. A slice is just 128 calories. Get the full recipe! >
14. Pumpkin Spice Cookies >
Maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin puree come together in this diet-friendly cookie that boasts just 76 calories per serving. You’ll get your pumpkin fix and only use two Extras on your Nutrisystem plan. Get the full recipe! >
15. Maple Walnut Cookies >
This protein-packed cookie has the flavors of maple syrup, walnuts and cinnamon for a rich cookie that won’t wreck your weight loss goals. One cookie is 122 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan. Consider putting together a whole cookie spread for a fun Thanksgiving dessert table. Get the full recipe! >
16. Pear Ginger Squares >
The combination of pear and ginger is great pairing and truly makes this a Thanksgiving dessert standout. These dessert bars use healthful ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour,
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat carbs while following the Ketogenic Diet?
Yes, you can eat carbohydrates while on the Ketogenic Diet. You should limit your intake of carbohydrates. Instead, eat high-fiber veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale. These will fill you up without adding unnecessary calories.
Make sure you eat plenty nuts and seeds, olive oil, coconut oils, butter, lard and bacon. These foods are high-in saturated fats which are essential for ketosis.
What are the foods that burn belly fat?
Fruits, vegetables, and other vegetable are excellent for weight loss. They are high in vitamins C, E and K that increase metabolism and boost energy levels.
For weight loss, lean proteins are best. These are rich in protein and essential amino acids, which provide the building blocks for muscle growth.
For those who want to lose weight quickly whole grains, such as brown rice or oats, bread, pasta and cereals, are excellent options.
They are filling and provide sustained energy for the entire day.
How can I reduce my appetite?
You can stop eating when hungry by eating small, frequent meals throughout the day and not just three big meals at mealtimes. This helps keep your blood sugar levels steady and reduces hunger pangs.
Drinking lots of water, or taking an herbal supplement like bitter melon and ginseng may be better than eating only.
Avoid carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, or pasta. They give you a quick boost and then a huge crash.
You should instead choose protein-rich foods, such as lean meats (fish, eggs), nuts and legumes. These will provide energy for a long time and help to maintain your blood sugar levels.
Sugary snacks and drinks like chocolate bars, doughnuts and cakes, as well as soft drinks and juice, should be avoided. These can make you feel hungry and bloated.
Instead, look for healthier options, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain grains.
If you are trying to lose weight, don’t depend on miracle cures or fad diets.
Statistics
- After 10 weeks, the CQ-only group experienced an 8.8% decrease in body weight, and the CQ and AME group an 11.8% decrease, on average. (healthline.com)
- A 2003 meta-analysis of studies found that people taking orlistat for 12 months in combination with lifestyle changes saw a 2.9% greater weight reduction than the placebo group (26Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- On average, they experienced 28 pounds (12.8 kg) of weight loss, a 6.4-inch (16.2-cm) reduction in waist circumference, and a 6.3% dip in body fat (5Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- According to another review from 2012, CLA may make you lose about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) compared with a placebo. (healthline.com)
- According to a 2014 review, even prescription weight loss pills don’t work as well as you might assume. (healthline.com)
External Links
healthline.com
- Glucomannan — Is It an Effective Weight Loss Supplement?
webmd.com
cdc.gov
ods.od.nih.gov
- Ephedra – Office of Dietary Supplements
- Health Professional Fact Sheet: Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss
How To
How Can You Lose Weight Without Exercise Or Dieting?
The best way to lose weight naturally is to increase your metabolism so you burn fat faster than you store it. The amount of energy we burn and how much we use is influenced by our metabolism. You don’t need to do any exercise to increase your metabolism. Simple lifestyle changes can help increase your metabolic rate. Here are some great tips.
- Get More Protein – Protein is good for your blood sugar and muscle growth. Research shows that protein intake can be reduced by up to 20% if eaten before meals.
- Drink more water. Water is essential for your body to remain hydrated. Your metabolism will improve and you can drink eight glasses of water each day.
- Cut Back On Sugar – When it comes to losing weight, cutting back on sugar is one of the easiest ways to start burning more calories. Sugary foods will cause insulin to be released, which can make it difficult to burn fat. You can avoid this by cutting out sweets and soda. Instead, drink plenty and eat plenty fruits.
- Get Enough Sleep – Getting enough sleep is proven to improve brain function and overall well-being, including glucose tolerance. It also lowers appetite hormones such as leptin or ghrelin.
- Cardio Daily: Cardio is a great way to burn extra calories throughout the day. Walking for 30 minutes three days a week is a good way to get started. This will increase heart rate and cardiovascular fitness without you having to sweat.
- You can add movement to your day if you want to lose weight. It is possible to incorporate movement into your everyday life without needing to do a lot of exercise. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Park further away when you shop. Walk around while on the phone. Stand during meetings and calls. Take regular breaks throughout the day for deep breathing and stretching.
