Soon, millions of people will gather with family and friends to share food, laughter, and gratitude for the things that matter most.
But if you’re not feeling like your healthiest, most energized self, it can be hard to feel truly thankful — especially when your body feels like it’s working against you.
The good news?
Your health story isn’t over.
You get to decide where it goes from here.
Just like building a house, creating lasting health starts with a strong foundation.
You wouldn’t dream of putting up walls or a roof before pouring the foundation first — otherwise, the whole thing would collapse.
The same goes for your health.
Before you can build energy, balance, or resilience, you have to start with the basics that support your thyroid and overall well-being.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple plan to keep your thyroid health on track this Thanksgiving — including some easy, delicious holiday tips and a recipe that’s both thyroid-friendly and crowd-approved.
But first, back to that foundation…
Most people skip it.
They jump from diet to diet or supplement to supplement, hoping for quick results — but that’s like trying to build a roof with no walls.
Lasting health takes patience, commitment, and the right plan to guide you.
And when you stick with it, the results can be truly rewarding.
Just the other day, I spoke with someone I’ve been working with for a few months. She told me she finally feels more energized, more balanced, and more like herself again — after years of trying everything else.
It’s amazing what happens when you take an active role in your own health journey.
So, to help you feel more confident this holiday season, I’ve put together a few simple thyroid-supportive Thanksgiving tips you can start using right away — no stress, no overwhelm, just small steps toward feeling your best again.
1. Balance the Tryptophan with Broth or Collagen
That post-meal sleepiness after Thanksgiving? It’s not just the turkey talking.
While many people blame tryptophan — the amino acid found in turkey — the truth is, almost all meats contain a similar (or even higher) amount.
So, it’s not the turkey’s fault.
Still, balance matters.
When it comes to supporting your thyroid and maintaining steady energy, too much tryptophan can throw things off a bit.
That doesn’t mean meat is bad.
Far from it.
Protein is essential for thyroid and metabolic health.
But, like most things, the key is balance.
A simple way to support that balance is to pair your turkey with a little broth, gelatin, or collagen.
These foods provide complementary amino acids that help round out your meal — promoting a smoother balance that your body can use efficiently for energy and repair.
Need some easy ways to do it?
- Stir a little gelatin into your gravy (it thickens beautifully).
- Make a fruit gelatin dessert or mousse — festive and thyroid-friendly.
- Or, if cooking isn’t on your list this year, add a scoop of high-quality grass-fed collagen protein powder to your drink.
Just a tablespoon or so of collagen blends easily into coffee, tea, or even a glass of water — helping you stay balanced and energized long after the feast.
2. Don’t Waste Your Turkey Bones
Speaking of broth…
After the feast, most people toss the turkey carcass without a second thought — not realizing it’s actually the one of the most nourishing parts!
Instead of throwing it away, turn those bones into a rich, flavorful turkey broth.
Just add the carcass, trimmings, and skin to a pot with water and let it simmer.
Be sure to include the carcass, trimmings, and skin for a gelatin-rich broth.
As it cooks, the gelatin and minerals from the bones help create a deeply nourishing, comforting broth — perfect for sipping or using in soups, sauces, or leftovers.
And if you’re new to making it, don’t worry — it’s simpler than you think.
Get the step-by-step instructions using this Bone Broth Recipe.
3. Support Your Thyroid With Coconut Oil
If you’re in charge of the Thanksgiving cooking this year, do yourself a favor — swap out the vegetable oils for coconut oil.
It’s a simple switch that can make a big difference for your thyroid and metabolism.
Unlike many seed oils (like canola, sunflower, or safflower), coconut oil contains natural shorter-chain saturated fats that are stable at high heat and can help your body use energy more efficiently.
And if you’re celebrating somewhere else and don’t have control over what’s being used in the kitchen, you can still enjoy some of coconut oil’s benefits.
Try adding a small spoonful to your coffee, tea, or even alongside your meal — it’s an easy way to balance your fat intake and support your thyroid and metabolism.
Today, coconut oil is easy to find in most grocery stores or online — making it one of the simplest ways to keep your holiday meals thyroid-friendly.
4. Support Your Thyroid with Vitamin E
If you’re not the one cooking Thanksgiving dinner — or if the menu leans heavy on vegetable oils — you’re not alone.
Most holiday meals are filled with polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), and for most of us, that’s hard to avoid.
But there’s good news… instead of stressing about every bite, you can focus on simple ways to support your body.
Adding a Vitamin E supplement on Thanksgiving Day (and every day for that matter) can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and keep your metabolism running smoothly.
It’s an easy, science-backed way to give your thyroid a little extra support — no food guilt required.
And Now That Recipe You’ve Been Waiting For…
In the last section, we talked about a few foods to be mindful of during your holiday feast.
Now it’s time for something a little more fun — a simple recipe made with thyroid-supportive ingredients that let you relax, enjoy, and spend your day focused on what really matters: time with your loved ones, not what’s on your plate.
Enjoy!
Parmesan Baked Potato Halves
Source: http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/parmesan-baked-potato-halves.html
Ingredients
- 6 small potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) butter
- grated parmesan cheese
- garlic powder
- other seasonings (to personal preference)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400F/ 204C.
- Melt butter and pour into a 9×13 inch pan and spread evenly across the bottom.
- Generously sprinkle parmesan cheese and lightly sprinkle other seasonings all over the butter.
- Place potato halves face down on the butter and seasonings.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cool for at least a FULL 5 minutes before removing from the pan, otherwise the parmesan crust won’t stick to the potato.
- Serve on a plate with a side of sour cream for dipping.
A few things we like about this recipe…
If you’ve tasted these potatoes, you already know — they speak for themselves.
Parmesan cheese is one of the most nutrient-dense foods around.
And because it’s traditionally made with real rennet and aged naturally, it’s often easier to digest and well-tolerated by most people, even those who don’t always do well with other dairy products.
Over the years, I’ve found that very few people have trouble with it, even when their digestion isn’t in the best place.
And of course, potatoes themselves are packed with high-quality nutrients and a comforting, balanced source of energy.
That said, if you’re being mindful of your blood sugar levels, you may want to enjoy them in moderation.
Thanksgiving Is About Giving Thanks — And Today, I’m Thankful for You
Don’t spend your day worrying about what’s on your plate.
Instead, use these four simple, thyroid-friendly Thanksgiving tips and focus on what really matters — enjoying yourself and the people you love.
Remember, this holiday is about giving thanks for what we do have… not dwelling on the past or what’s missing.
So count your blessing and focus on a plan for optimizing your thyroid function and supporting your health from this point forward.
Without a doubt, one of the many things I’m deeply thankful for is you.
Because without you, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my mission of helping others support their thyroid health and feel like their happy, healthy selves again.
From the bottom of my heart — thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving.
KEY IDEA
This Thanksgiving, don’t let food worries steal your joy. Discover four simple, thyroid-supportive tips to help you enjoy the holiday and feel your best — from balancing your turkey with collagen-rich broth to swapping seed oils for coconut oil and adding a touch of vitamin E for extra support. You’ll also find a simple, four-ingredient recipe for Parmesan Baked Potato Halves that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. Because true health begins with a strong foundation and a grateful heart… go ahead — relax, savor every bite, and celebrate what really matters: good food, good company, and a thyroid that’s supported, balanced, and energized all season long.
