Wishing Our US Readers a Very Happy Thanksgiving
To all of you celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States today, I want to wish you a warm and joyful holiday. Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, cook, laugh, and enjoy the foods that anchor family traditions. It is also a moment when many of us think a little more consciously about what we are eating and how it makes us feel. So this week, in the spirit of gratitude and nourishment, I thought we would take a lighter look at some classic Thanksgiving foods and how they fit into a naturally healthy lifestyle.
A Short and Surprising History of Thanksgiving
The modern Thanksgiving holiday took shape in the mid-nineteenth century when Abraham Lincoln declared it a national day of gratitude. But the roots go further back to early harvest festivals, where communities gathered to give thanks for the season’s bounty. However, those meals would have looked very different from today’s feasts. There were no sugary marshmallows, no pumpkin spiced desserts, and certainly no processed stuffing mixes.
What did connect the then and the now was the idea of eating with intention. Fresh autumn produce, shared with people you care about, has always been at the heart of this day.
Sweet Potato or Yam. What Is the Difference
Sweet potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving favourite, so it is worth knowing exactly what you are serving and why they deserve a place on the table. If you have ever stood in a supermarket wondering why sweet potatoes are sometimes labelled as yams, you are not alone. In the United States, the terms became mixed in the twentieth century when orange-fleshed sweet potatoes were marketed as yams to differentiate them from paler varieties. True yams are actually a completely different root vegetable, grown mostly in Africa and the Caribbean, with a starchier texture and much less sweetness.
What most Americans serve at Thanksgiving, often topped with cinnamon or toasted nuts, is the sweet potato. Nutritionally, sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. They support eye health, immune function, and stable blood sugar more effectively than many traditional white potato sides. They are naturally sweet, colourful, and packed with nourishment, which makes them a perfect seasonal ingredient. If you would like a healthy twist this year, try roasting them with olive oil and cinnamon or topping them with pecans instead of marshmallows. Adding a little orange zest or fresh rosemary also lifts the flavour without adding any extra sugar.
Is Maple Syrup a Healthier Sweetener
With so many autumn recipes leaning into warm, sweet flavours, it is also worth looking at the sweeteners we choose. Maple syrup is one of those, and a common ingredient in Thanksgiving cooking, especially in pumpkin pie and seasonal desserts, and it can have a surprisingly good nutritional profile for a natural sweetener. While it still raises blood sugar, it is less processed than white sugar and contains trace minerals such as manganese and zinc. Its rich flavour also means you can often use less of it while still getting a satisfying sweetness. Balancing sweetness with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves can also help reduce the amount of sweetener you need overall.
Supporting Digestion During the Holiday Season
For many people, Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the most indulgent time of year.
Richer meals, more frequent gatherings, and heavier foods can sometimes leave digestion feeling sluggish. A gentle way to support your body is to take a high-quality digestive enzyme before meals. The Essential Digestive Plus™ formula includes enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, and dairy. Taking it just before eating can support comfort, ease bloating, and help the body cope with richer or more varied dishes. It is a simple addition that can make holiday meals feel far more enjoyable.
Final Thought
Thanksgiving is about more than the food on the table. It is about connection, gratitude, and taking a moment to pause before the busy run-up to the end of the year. Whether you are celebrating today or simply appreciating the seasonal shifts, I hope this week brings you warmth, nourishment, and a reminder that healthy eating can be joyful, colourful, and deeply satisfying.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating.
Read More From Naturally Healthy News
If this time of year leaves you feeling busier than usual or pulled in many directions, it helps to know which foods can steady your mood and support your nervous system. For more ideas on eating in a way that keeps you calm, grounded, and energised through the season, take a look at: Top Stress-Relieving Foods for a Happier Mind
