Thanksgiving is known as an all-day eating extravaganza, but not every dish has to leave you feeling stuffed.
Healthy swaps can ensure your meal (and all the in-between snacks) are as delicious as they are nutritious, without weighing you down.
In the spirit of turkey jerky Thanksgiving, rethink what this protein-packed snack has to offer and how creative you can get when it comes to meal planning for the big day.
Build a Thanksgiving Snack Board
Before the turkey hits the table, load up on colorful veggies and other healthy Thanksgiving snacks like sliced fruit, seasonal nuts, and savory turkey jerky for a holiday-inspired charcuterie board.
Filling your plate with high-protein holiday snacks will help balance the indulgence of diving into buttery mashed potatoes, gooey pecan pie, and other heavier dishes.
Lunchbox Swaps for Kids
Switch things up with kids' lunchbox swaps that include healthy Thanksgiving snacks that little ones will love.
Add charcuterie board leftovers or try out kid-friendly turkey jerky recipes like pinwheels. For these, spread cream cheese or hummus on a small tortilla and fill with jerky, shredded cheese, and a few cucumbers for crunch. Roll up and slice into rounds that are easy to eat.
Also, a simple Greek yogurt dip mixed with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon adds protein for fruit slices. These types of snacks will keep kids energized with the nutrients they need and make lunches more fun than the average turkey sandwich.
Road-Trip Ready Snack Packs
If you’re hitting the road this holiday season, don’t leave home without the car snacks. Packs of turkey jerky are mess-free, savory strips of deliciousness that help you avoid sugar crashes and spontaneously grabbing junk food from the nearest gas station.
Other shelf-stable road trip snacks for Thanksgiving trips include homemade trail mix, carrot sticks or celery sticks with peanut butter, and whole fruit like apples and bananas to keep hunger at bay until you arrive at your final destination.
Post-Turkey Trot Fuel
“Turkey trots” are an annual tradition for many. Lace up your sneakers and join in on a brisk morning walk or run before enjoying a relaxing day, typically filled with little more than football and food.
Make it a turkey jerky Thanksgiving trot that’s packed with protein to help with muscle repair and keep you energized so you can breeze across the finish line.
Salad Toppers for a Lighter Side Dish
Let new turkey jerky recipes take the lead for side dishes. For a savory salad topping, use turkey jerky crumbles instead of the heavy croutons or fatty fillers. You’ll get a nutrient boost without adding extra carbs and fats.
Missing the crunch? Dice up turkey jerky into smaller pieces and “toast” in a heated pan for a few minutes to crisp the edges for more texture.
Cocktail Hour Pairings
Pair turkey jerky with your drink of choice. A white wine spritz tempers the fiery flavor of the Hot & Bothered Turkey Jerky. Or, opt for craft beer and a Sweet & Snappy Turkey Jerky for a classic combo.
Festive, non-alcoholic pairings work just as well. Try a pineapple juice and mint cocktail to pair with the Tasty Teriyaki jerky flavor or a cranberry fizz to pair with the More Than Just Original Turkey Jerky flavor.
Midnight Snack Alternative
Instead of reaching for one more piece of pie or microwaved stuffing to feed your midnight snack craving, indulge in a few pieces of turkey jerky instead.
It’ll stave off hunger and keep you feeling full without keeping you up all night.
Celebrate a Turkey Jerky Thanksgiving
Lighten up your Thanksgiving meal by indulging in delicious, healthy, high-protein holiday snacks. Turkey jerky is a tasty treat that has a place on the dinner table and on the go.
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