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You’ve been putting in the work—fueling your body with whole foods, lifting strong, balancing macros, and building habits that last. So when the holidays roll around, the goal isn’t to “stay perfect.” It’s to enjoy the feast, the family, and the moments that matter—while still feeling amazing the next day.
At the FASTer Way, we don’t do guilt or restriction. We do strategy. And with the right plan, and recipes, you can fully enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and stay aligned with your goals.
Here’s your game plan for the holiday: smart strategies, day-of tips, and five macro-friendly recipe swaps (for your traditional favorites) to help you enjoy Thanksgiving and keep your goals in motion.
Why the FASTer Way Approach Works (Even During the Holidays)
With the FASTer Way, you can enjoy the holidays and also make progress. Our proven foundations help you navigate holiday meals without stress, guilt, or derailment:
- Whole-food, macro-balanced nutrition keeps you satisfied and energized, helping you make smart choices naturally. You’ll fill your plate with lean protein, colorful veggies, and nutrient-dense carbs—while still enjoying your favorites guilt-free.
- Intermittent fasting allows your body to reset and recover between big meals, keeping digestion smooth and energy steady.
- Carb cycling gives flexibility for those higher-carb holiday dishes—yes, the sweet potatoes are part of the plan!
- Strength training builds muscle and keeps your metabolism active, so you can enjoy the celebration and stay in fat-burning mode long after.
The result? Freedom to celebrate and confidence to keep progressing all season long.
What to Do the Day of Your Holiday Meal
You don’t need to “save up calories” or skip meals before the big dinner. Instead, follow a simple FASTer Way strategy to enjoy your food and feel your best:
Fast overnight and start your meals right.
Give your body a solid overnight fast (16 hours) so digestion and hormones can reset. Then break your fast with a balanced, protein-rich meal to stabilize blood sugar before the big feast.
Hydrate early and often.
Drink plenty of water (or FASTer Way Hydration) throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps with digestion, reduces bloating, and curbs overeating disguised as hunger.
Fuel your body before the event. Don’t arrive hungry.
Eat a balanced lunch or snack before heading to your holiday meal. A mix of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fat will keep you satisfied so you can enjoy food mindfully instead of arriving famished.
Build a protein-forward plate.
At the meal, make protein your anchor (turkey, ham, or plant-based protein). Then add colorful veggies and your favorite carb-based sides in moderate portions. You’ll stay full, energized, and balanced long after dessert.
Bring a healthy dish to share.
Contribute something you know supports your FASTer Way goals—like one of the recipes or swaps below. That way, you’re guaranteed to have a dish that fuels your body and fits the occasion.
Good news! We’ve got you covered on that healthy dish to share! Check out some of our go-to holiday swaps and recipes below. All the flavor, zero guilt.
Your FASTer Way Thanksgiving Menu
These recipes were created to fit seamlessly into your FASTer Way lifestyle—packed with protein, rich in nutrients, and full of flavor so you can celebrate without compromise.
1. Lean Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Make the main dish the hero of your plate—lean protein is your friend. Most traditional turkey roasts are already a solid choice, but by selecting a turkey breast (or trimming dark meat) and using flavor-packed but light seasonings, you maximize protein while controlling added fats and carbs.
Why it works:
- Turkey breast = high protein, low fat.
- Focus on herbs/lemon/garlic vs. heavy glazes.
- Fills you up → less likely to overfill on high-carb sides.
Pro tip: Brush with a little olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, then roast until just done. Carve and serve alongside your favorite sides. Make sure your plate is half “lean protein + veggie” before adding the indulgent parts.
2. Cauliflower Mash with Dairy Free Yogurt & Garlic
Instead of traditional mashed potatoes (which can rack up carbs + fat fast), swap in cauliflower for big volume, flavor, and macro-friendliness.
Macro win:
- Much lower carb load than standard mash.
- Dairy free yogurt adds protein + creaminess without excess fat.
- Veggies = nutrient-dense, high-satiety.
How to serve: Steam cauliflower until tender, mash with plain dairy free yogurt, garlic, a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optional: top with fresh chives. Serve warm. You get a satisfying texture and you stay aligned.
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You’ve been putting in the work—fueling your body with whole foods, lifting strong, balancing macros, and building habits that last. So when the holidays roll around, the goal isn’t to “stay perfect.” It’s to enjoy the feast, the family, and the moments that matter—while still feeling amazing the next day.
At the FASTer Way, we don’t do guilt or restriction. We do strategy. And with the right plan, and recipes, you can fully enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and stay aligned with your goals.
Here’s your game plan for the holiday: smart strategies, day-of tips, and five macro-friendly recipe swaps (for your traditional favorites) to help you enjoy Thanksgiving and keep your goals in motion.
Why the FASTer Way Approach Works (Even During the Holidays)
With the FASTer Way, you can enjoy the holidays and also make progress. Our proven foundations help you navigate holiday meals without stress, guilt, or derailment:
- Whole-food, macro-balanced nutrition keeps you satisfied and energized, helping you make smart choices naturally. You’ll fill your plate with lean protein, colorful veggies, and nutrient-dense carbs—while still enjoying your favorites guilt-free.
- Intermittent fasting allows your body to reset and recover between big meals, keeping digestion smooth and energy steady.
- Carb cycling gives flexibility for those higher-carb holiday dishes—yes, the sweet potatoes are part of the plan!
- Strength training builds muscle and keeps your metabolism active, so you can enjoy the celebration and stay in fat-burning mode long after.
The result? Freedom to celebrate and confidence to keep progressing all season long.
What to Do the Day of Your Holiday Meal
You don’t need to “save up calories” or skip meals before the big dinner. Instead, follow a simple FASTer Way strategy to enjoy your food and feel your best:
Fast overnight and start your meals right.
Give your body a solid overnight fast (16 hours) so digestion and hormones can reset. Then break your fast with a balanced, protein-rich meal to stabilize blood sugar before the big feast.
Hydrate early and often.
Drink plenty of water (or FASTer Way Hydration) throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps with digestion, reduces bloating, and curbs overeating disguised as hunger.
Fuel your body before the event. Don’t arrive hungry.
Eat a balanced lunch or snack before heading to your holiday meal. A mix of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fat will keep you satisfied so you can enjoy food mindfully instead of arriving famished.
Build a protein-forward plate.
At the meal, make protein your anchor (turkey, ham, or plant-based protein). Then add colorful veggies and your favorite carb-based sides in moderate portions. You’ll stay full, energized, and balanced long after dessert.
Bring a healthy dish to share.
Contribute something you know supports your FASTer Way goals—like one of the recipes or swaps below. That way, you’re guaranteed to have a dish that fuels your body and fits the occasion.
Good news! We’ve got you covered on that healthy dish to share! Check out some of our go-to holiday swaps and recipes below. All the flavor, zero guilt.
Your FASTer Way Thanksgiving Menu
These recipes were created to fit seamlessly into your FASTer Way lifestyle—packed with protein, rich in nutrients, and full of flavor so you can celebrate without compromise.
1. Lean Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Make the main dish the hero of your plate—lean protein is your friend. Most traditional turkey roasts are already a solid choice, but by selecting a turkey breast (or trimming dark meat) and using flavor-packed but light seasonings, you maximize protein while controlling added fats and carbs.
Why it works:
- Turkey breast = high protein, low fat.
- Focus on herbs/lemon/garlic vs. heavy glazes.
- Fills you up → less likely to overfill on high-carb sides.
Pro tip: Brush with a little olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, then roast until just done. Carve and serve alongside your favorite sides. Make sure your plate is half “lean protein + veggie” before adding the indulgent parts.
2. Cauliflower Mash with Dairy Free Yogurt & Garlic
Instead of traditional mashed potatoes (which can rack up carbs + fat fast), swap in cauliflower for big volume, flavor, and macro-friendliness.
Macro win:
- Much lower carb load than standard mash.
- Dairy free yogurt adds protein + creaminess without excess fat.
- Veggies = nutrient-dense, high-satiety.
How to serve: Steam cauliflower until tender, mash with plain dairy free yogurt, garlic, a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optional: top with fresh chives. Serve warm. You get a satisfying texture and you stay aligned.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
5 Macro-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipe Swaps That Won’t Derail Your Progress
You’ve been putting in the work—fueling your body with whole foods, lifting strong, balancing macros, and building habits that last. So when the holidays roll around, the goal isn’t to “stay perfect.” It’s to enjoy the feast, the family, and the moments that matter—while still feeling amazing the next day.
At the FASTer Way, we don’t do guilt or restriction. We do strategy. And with the right plan, and recipes, you can fully enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and stay aligned with your goals.
Here’s your game plan for the holiday: smart strategies, day-of tips, and five macro-friendly recipe swaps (for your traditional favorites) to help you enjoy Thanksgiving and keep your goals in motion.
Why the FASTer Way Approach Works (Even During the Holidays)
With the FASTer Way, you can enjoy the holidays and also make progress. Our proven foundations help you navigate holiday meals without stress, guilt, or derailment:
- Whole-food, macro-balanced nutrition keeps you satisfied and energized, helping you make smart choices naturally. You’ll fill your plate with lean protein, colorful veggies, and nutrient-dense carbs—while still enjoying your favorites guilt-free.
- Intermittent fasting allows your body to reset and recover between big meals, keeping digestion smooth and energy steady.
- Carb cycling gives flexibility for those higher-carb holiday dishes—yes, the sweet potatoes are part of the plan!
- Strength training builds muscle and keeps your metabolism active, so you can enjoy the celebration and stay in fat-burning mode long after.
The result? Freedom to celebrate and confidence to keep progressing all season long.
What to Do the Day of Your Holiday Meal
You don’t need to “save up calories” or skip meals before the big dinner. Instead, follow a simple FASTer Way strategy to enjoy your food and feel your best:
Fast overnight and start your meals right.
Give your body a solid overnight fast (16 hours) so digestion and hormones can reset. Then break your fast with a balanced, protein-rich meal to stabilize blood sugar before the big feast.
Hydrate early and often.
Drink plenty of water (or FASTer Way Hydration) throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps with digestion, reduces bloating, and curbs overeating disguised as hunger.
Fuel your body before the event. Don’t arrive hungry.
Eat a balanced lunch or snack before heading to your holiday meal. A mix of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fat will keep you satisfied so you can enjoy food mindfully instead of arriving famished.
Build a protein-forward plate.
At the meal, make protein your anchor (turkey, ham, or plant-based protein). Then add colorful veggies and your favorite carb-based sides in moderate portions. You’ll stay full, energized, and balanced long after dessert.
Bring a healthy dish to share.
Contribute something you know supports your FASTer Way goals—like one of the recipes or swaps below. That way, you’re guaranteed to have a dish that fuels your body and fits the occasion.
Good news! We’ve got you covered on that healthy dish to share! Check out some of our go-to holiday swaps and recipes below. All the flavor, zero guilt.
Your FASTer Way Thanksgiving Menu
These recipes were created to fit seamlessly into your FASTer Way lifestyle—packed with protein, rich in nutrients, and full of flavor so you can celebrate without compromise.
1. Lean Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Make the main dish the hero of your plate—lean protein is your friend. Most traditional turkey roasts are already a solid choice, but by selecting a turkey breast (or trimming dark meat) and using flavor-packed but light seasonings, you maximize protein while controlling added fats and carbs.
Why it works:
- Turkey breast = high protein, low fat.
- Focus on herbs/lemon/garlic vs. heavy glazes.
- Fills you up → less likely to overfill on high-carb sides.
Pro tip: Brush with a little olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, then roast until just done. Carve and serve alongside your favorite sides. Make sure your plate is half “lean protein + veggie” before adding the indulgent parts.
2. Cauliflower Mash with Dairy Free Yogurt & Garlic
Instead of traditional mashed potatoes (which can rack up carbs + fat fast), swap in cauliflower for big volume, flavor, and macro-friendliness.
Macro win:
- Much lower carb load than standard mash.
- Dairy free yogurt adds protein + creaminess without excess fat.
- Veggies = nutrient-dense, high-satiety.
How to serve: Steam cauliflower until tender, mash with plain dairy free yogurt, garlic, a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optional: top with fresh chives. Serve warm. You get a satisfying texture and you stay aligned.
Celebrate fully while staying aligned with your goals—no stress, no guilt.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic + Pecans
Veggies should earn a spotlight on your plate — and this dish makes that easy. Roasting brings out sweetness, a little balsamic gives depth, and pecans deliver healthy fats + crunch.
Why you’ll love it:
- Delivers flavor and texture so you don’t feel like you’re “settling” for greens.
- Provides fiber + nutrients to support recovery, digestion, and overall health.
- Helps fill you up so you’re less likely to overindulge later.
Coach tip: Choose around 1 cup of roasted sprouts, top with ½ Tbsp chopped pecans, drizzle with ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar. You’re getting flavor, nutrients, and good fats — making for a delish Thanksgiving option.
4. Sweet Potato Bake with Pecan Crumble — Smart Version
Yes, you can enjoy sweet potatoes. The trick is to swap smart and watch portions & toppings. The research shows macro-friendly sweet potato casseroles (vs. traditional heavy ones) can slash fat and carbs significantly.
Strategy for this dish:
- Use plain roasted or mashed sweet potatoes (light on maple/butter).
- Use a nut topping (pecans) instead of sugary marshmallows or a heavy brown sugar crust.
- Controlled portion size so you get the flavor you want, without undoing your week’s progress.
Why this works: You get complex carbs (great for energy), flavor that feels holiday-worthy, and you stay in macro-aligned range.
Serving suggestion: ¾ cup sweet potato, top with 1 Tbsp chopped pecans + a small drizzle of maple syrup (optional). Steam or roast for texture, serve warm.
5. Pumpkin Protein Cheesecake Cups (or Mini Dessert Option)
Dessert doesn’t have to be the “fall off the cliff” moment. Choose one indulgent-but-smart dessert that lets you celebrate and stay on track.
Recipe direction:
- Use canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree + protein powder or dairy free yogurt base.
- Small ramekin servings (1–2 each).
- Use minimal crust or skip crust entirely; top with light dairy free whip or cinnamon pecan crumble.
Why it matters: You’ve earned dessert. Let’s celebrate. But you also value results. This keeps you aligned without feeling deprived.
Remember—Strategy Over Stress
The FASTer Way lifestyle is designed to help you thrive through every season—not just survive the holidays. By pairing whole-food nutrition with intentional movement and mindful choices, you can enjoy every bite, stay balanced, and wake up feeling your best.
These recipe swaps aren’t about restriction—they’re about confidence, strategy, and freedom. Because when you approach the holidays with intention, you don’t lose progress—you build it.
So pour the mocktail, enjoy your favorites, and celebrate the progress you’ve made. You’ve got this.
Related Resources
- The Ultimate Guide to Staying on Track With Holiday Travel & Family Meals
- How to Balance Hormones During Fall & Pre-Holiday Stress
- FAST Fall Meals + Fat Loss Strategies That Fit Your Busy Schedule
Ready for a Holiday Reset That Actually Works?
The FASTer Way 3‑Week Program is your pre‑holiday secret weapon. It’s short, flexible, and designed to help you enjoy every celebration while feeling strong, lean, and confident heading into the new year.
In just three weeks, you’ll:
- Reset your metabolism and balance your hormones
- Learn how to pair workouts and macros for faster fat loss
- Stay energized through the holidays—without restriction or guilt
This is your chance to finish the year feeling amazing and get a head start on your January goals.
