Smart Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

From Feast to Work Lunch Fuel:

Smart Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers  

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—amazing food. But once the feast is over, your fridge may be overflowing with leftovers that can easily lead to days of indulgence. The good news? With a little planning and creativity, you can transform those leftovers into meals that support your nutrition and fitness goals. Here’s how to make your Thanksgiving leftovers work for you—especially for stress-free work lunches.

1. Reinvent, Don’t Just Reheat

Instead of eating the same meal repeatedly, give your leftovers a healthy twist.

• Shred turkey – for protein-packed salads, wraps, or soups.
• Mashed Potatoes – can become a base for a lighter shepherd’s pie layered with vegetables and lean protein like ground turkey or lentils.
• Roasted Vegetables –can be tossed into omelets or grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or brown rice.

2. Focus on Protein and Fiber

Thanksgiving meals often lean heavy on carbs and fats. Rebalance your lunches by prioritizing protein and fiber:

• Pair turkey or ham with a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Add beans or lentils to leftover soups for an extra fiber boost.
• Use cranberry sauce sparingly as a topping for Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet, fiber-rich breakfast.

3. Lighten Up the Heavier Staples

Calorie-dense dishes like stuffing or creamy casseroles can still be enjoyed—just add lighter elements:

• Mix a small portion of stuffing with sautéed greens and lean protein for a nutrient-dense plate.
• Thin out rich gravies or creamy soups with low-sodium broth to cut calories and sodium.

4. Plan Your Portions

Portion control is key to avoiding overeating:

• Use smaller plates or single-serving containers for packed lunches.
• Freeze extra portions immediately to prevent overindulgence and have ready-to-go meals later.
• They key to satiety is adding fiber (whole grains, legumes), protein and lots of veggies to all of your lunches

5. Hydrate and Move

Salt- and sugar-rich holiday foods can leave you bloated or sluggish. Combat this by:

• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Incorporating movement into your day, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood.

6. Quick Leftover-Friendly Recipes

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your leftovers:

• Turkey & Veggie Stir-Fry: Sauté shredded turkey and roasted vegetables with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice.
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl: Mash leftover sweet potatoes and top with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
• Stuffing-Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill with a mixture of stuffing, lean turkey, and spinach. Bake until heated through.

Other creative options:

• Turkey Salad or Wraps: Mix chopped turkey with Greek yogurt or a small amount of mayo, and serve on whole wheat bread or in a wrap with fresh greens.
• Potato Frittata: Use leftover mashed or roasted potatoes with eggs and veggies. Portion for easy lunch servings.
• Vegetable Buddha Bowl: Combine roasted veggies with grains, beans, and your choice of protein.

7. Storage & Freezing Tips (1)

To keep leftovers safe and fresh:

• Store within 2 hours of cooking, in shallow containers for quick cooling.
• Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days or freeze for 2–6 months.
• Freeze sauces like gravy or cranberry sauce in ice cube trays or muffin tins.
• Skip freezing anything with crispy toppings (like green bean casserole).
• Freeze turkey or ham bones for future stocks.

8. Repurposing Tips

• Add-Ins: Toss leftover vegetables or meats into quesadillas, sandwiches, or stir-fries.
• Puree Veggies: Freeze purees in ice cube trays to boost soups, sauces, or casseroles later.
• Meatless Meals: Use mashed potatoes to make quick potato pancakes paired with a salad.
• Repeat Meals: Divide leftovers into heatable containers to create your own ready-made frozen lunches.

9. Practice Gratitude Over Guilt

Thanksgiving is about enjoyment and thankfulness. Don’t stress if you indulged more than planned. Focus on nourishing your body with mindful choices moving forward.

By approaching your Thanksgiving leftovers with creativity and intention, you can enjoy seasonal flavors while staying aligned with your health goals. Balance, smart planning, and a few creative recipes are all it takes to turn your leftovers into stress-free, nutritious work lunches.

References:

FoodSafety.gov.
“Thanksgiving Leftovers for Safe Keeping, Weekend Grazing.” 2018. FoodSafety.gov. November 21, 2018. https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/thanksgiving-leftovers-safe-keeping-weekend-grazing#:~:text=Leftovers%20should%20be%20stored%20within.

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Author: Bettina Mackenbach

RD, Registered Dietitian, Certified Health and Wellness Coach.