Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

Dr. Preston Maring

Dr. Maring is a Kaiser physician with 36 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology. He’s also a skilled cook with a passion for food. His interest in organic foods led him to create the Friday Fresh Farmer’s Market at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in 2003. The weekly food fest was a hit, and dozens more Kaiser facilities have opened their own. Maring, meanwhile, has become a vocal advocate for locally farmed, organic produce. Read on for some of his innovative, healthy Thanksgiving recipes.

Potato Leek Puree

Potato, Caramelized Leek and Shallot Puree is a great alternative to the fat laden traditional mashed potatoes.

That said, part of the tradition lives on in this dish as it also uses sour cream and milk but calls for non-fat and skim milk. Potatoes fall on the list of "buy-organic-if-you-can" because traditionally farmed potatoes have been found to have high levels of chemical pesticide residue in them.

Click here for the recipe.

Kale and Apples

Kale is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat. It is packed with vitamin K and lutein. Many studies have shown that people who consume more lutein-rich foods have a lower risk of cataracts. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting.

Dr. Maring’s Kale with Sauteed Apples and Onion lights up the table with its rich green tones and sweet asian pears. This recipe is easy and full of flavor.

Click here for the recipe.

Pumpkin and Apple Soup

Take the pumpkin center piece off the table and throw it in the oven. This hearty pumpkin and apple soup is high in fiber, low in fat and full disease fighting nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium.

Click here for the recipe.

Leftover Turkey Chili

This spicy red, green, and white turkey chili is loaded with good things. And, you can make this without the turkey for vegetarians. If you use canned ingredients in this recipe, make sure to check the label for the sodium content and any other added colors or artificial preservatives.

Click here for the recipe.

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