Gut-Friendly Holiday Dishes

Always bloated and uncomfortable during Thanksgiving? Try these gut-friendly options!

Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board

This festive and fun appetizer is the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving meal. It’s loaded with colorful vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, plus, it’s a showstopper on any table! The beauty of this board is that it can be tailored to your preferences and will keep everyone snacking happily before the main course.

What You’ll Need:

Turkey Body (Centerpiece):

• Cheese ball or small wheel of brie (optional: roll in chopped nuts or cranberries for added texture and color). Choose a lactose-free or dairy alternative if needed!

Turkey Feathers (Spread Outward):

• Carrot sticks (orange)
• Bell pepper slices (red, yellow, green)
• Cucumber slices
• Celery sticks
• Cherry tomatoes
• Whole-grain or seed crackers
• Sliced meats (turkey, prosciutto, salami)

Turkey Head & Neck:

• Small pear or apple (for the head)
• Edible eyes (black olives or peppercorns)
• Small slice of carrot or pepper (for the beak)

Turkey Wings:

• Pretzel sticks or breadsticks

Fruits & Extras:

• Grapes (green and red)
• Dried apricots or cranberries
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• Cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, or havarti)

Dips for the Veggies:

• Hummus or Greek yogurt dip

How to Assemble:

• Start by placing the cheese ball or brie in the center of your board to form the turkey’s body.
• Place the pear or apple above the cheese ball as the turkey’s head and decorate it with edible eyes and a beak.
• Fan out your veggies, crackers, and meats to form the turkey’s colorful feathers.
• Add pretzel or breadsticks as wings on either side of the body.
• Fill in the gaps with fruits, nuts, and cheese cubes for added variety and texture.

Healthier Sweet Potato Pie

Pumpkin pie is a beloved Thanksgiving classic, and this lighter version brings all the warm, comforting flavors we cherish, with a healthier twist. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and made creamy with almond milk, it offers a dairy-free option that’s just as satisfying. Paired with a store-bought whole wheat or gluten-free crust, it’s an easy, time-saving way to enjoy a delicious and wholesome dessert without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the crust:

• 1 store-bought whole wheat or gluten-free pie crust (for a healthier choice, choose an option with fewer additives)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare the crust: Unroll the store-bought crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative look and set aside.
• Prepare the filling: Peel, cube, and boil the sweet potatoes until soft. Drain and mash them until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, almond milk, eggs, spices, and salt.
• Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with the wet ingredients until smooth and fully combined.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the pie cool for at least an hour before serving.

Optional Topping:

• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream for added creaminess.

Miracle Worker Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail

A refreshing, gut-friendly mocktail is the perfect way to celebrate and stay energized during the holiday season. With GutPersonal’s Miracle Worker, you can support digestion and reduce bloating, making it the ideal drink for any festive occasion. It’s a feel-good sip that lets you enjoy the celebration while nourishing your gut!

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• 1 scoop GutPersonal Miracle Worker (strawberry flavor)
• Ice
• Pomegranate seeds + fresh mint for garnish

How to Make It:

• In a shaker, mix pomegranate juice, sparkling water, and Miracle Worker.
• Pour over ice and garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint.

Enjoy! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and gut-friendly Thanksgiving!