Why I Don’t Cook Thanksgiving Dinner, As a Dietitian

Since I’m a dietitian, it might come as a surprise some that my Thanksgiving spread doesn’t mean you have to toil over a hot stove all day. Instead I opt for a pre-cooked meal; it’s my culinary side And mental sanity game changer for the holidays.

Yes, I’ve heard the whispers in the grocery aisles: “But isn’t homemade healthier?” As professionals in the nutrition world, we dietitians often advocate freshly prepared, healthy meals. There’s no denying that cooking from scratch allows for more control over ingredients and portion sizes. However, in my Thanksgiving experiencethe portions I lost control over had to do with the amount of time I spent in the kitchen versus with my family. The latter was seriously lacking.

Once upon a time, in my earnest search for the ultimate homemade Thanksgiving feast, I envisioned a picturesque dinner—one that could grace the pages of a lifestyle magazine, perhaps under the careful guidance of Martha Stewart. I embarked on an ambitious menu, thinking that my years of nutritional consulting would effortlessly translate into grand culinary delights. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

My dishes were delicious (if I say so myself). BUT . . .

I couldn’t escape the kitchen. Between basting, sautéing and wrestling with the monster-sized turkeythere was barely a moment to catch your breath, let alone enjoy the company of family and friends. Every minute spent another dish clean up was another minute of missing stories from loved ones around the table. Of course, I got help. But even with the extra hands, I felt like I had completely missed the opportunity to meet people I rarely see.

And while everyone thanked me for a wonderful evening and a delicious meal, my gut told me that the highlight of the evening was the company, and not my perfectly seasoned ‘taters.

That experience taught me something very important about Thanksgiving: It’s not so much about creating the perfect meal, but about creating wonderful memories. And for those of you who think I’m overlooking the aesthetics of food, don’t worry! I still manage to make my pre-cooked offerings look attractive. A pinch of fresh herbs here, a touch of paprika there, and voilà: a perfect spread with significantly less fuss.

Now let’s call it a kick. Picking up ready-made meals and opting for shortcuts often results in dishes with higher fat, salt and sugar content, if those are elements you closely monitor for health reasons. But if not, isn’t one day of indulgence a small price to pay to negate the anxiety of preparing holiday meals? My stress levels are much lower without the pressure of cooking a lavish feast, and isn’t that better for my overall health? After all, the essence of Thanksgiving lies in the joy and company of loved ones – and yes, indulgence too.

By freeing myself from the kitchen chains, I find that I don’t have to worry about preparing a Martha Stewart-level meal. Instead, I can focus my energy on more important things, like catching up with family members and lounging comfortably in a post-turkey dinner haze while I strategize for Black Friday shopping.

So if you’re not having fun cooking your Thanksgiving meal this year, know that you’re not alone. There are no rules for how to celebrate this holiday, and you have my permission to do what’s most meaningful to you — whether that’s picking up a pre-cooked bird, opting for a tofu-based “turkey,” or forgoing it altogether. the traditional meal. For me, the holiday is about connections – not just those between flavor profiles, but those between family members. Picking up a pre-cooked meal has done wonders in helping me rediscover what matters most. And I don’t let the judgments of others influence how I choose to celebrate the fourth Thursday in November.

As for those wondering if you can taste the difference in my Thanksgiving, there’s no scientific data to support this, but I’m pretty sure a cheerful giggle makes everything taste better. So here’s to you, my beloved, pre-cooked Thanksgiving feast, and to all the many, many years we will spend together.

Lauren Manaker (she/her) is an award-winning registered dietitian and freelance writer with a passion for providing evidence-based nutrition information in a fun and interesting way. Lauren is a member of the PS council.