Say goodbye to your holiday meal planning woes. This list of healthy starters, sides and dessert are guilt-free ways to brighten up any holiday table.

I’m sitting on the couch watching the first snow flurries of the year come down. It’s both beautiful and confusing.

When did summer end? Will warm weather ever return? Is there a way for it to snow and still be warm out?

I ask myself these questions every day. Still waiting for my brain to muster up an answer… After a trip to Vegas in September I’m thinking my next move will be to somewhere warm. The thrill of doubling my money at the slots may be clouding my judgement, but waking up in a warm, dry climate sounds like the dream.

Just like the cold snuck up on us, it seems the holidays did the same. I still can’t believe next week is Thanksgiving. If you’re in shock too and haven’t made a menu plan yet, I’ve got the perfect healthy playlist for you.

Start it off right:

Picture yourself in an over-sized movie theater seat, popcorn bucket in tow. The lights dim and previews start rolling. They might not be related to the actual movie but they set the stage for your theater going experience. Think of the appetizers as your guest’s preview to dinner. Once your guests get their hands on these healthy holiday starters, they’re definitely gonna want to see what’s next.

Here are some of my favorite healthy holiday starters:

• Root Veggie Pancakes
• Fig and Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
• Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup

Forget about the turkey

When I was about 4, I had a dance recital. It was a super cute event with a bunch of little kids in tutus and lipstick living their best life. For me it was an event cloaked in stress and unfortunately sweat. I could only muster up enough courage to do my routine by hiding half of my body behind the curtain. I’m sure the people in the front row wondered “where is the other half of that kid?”. Though I spent the performance on the side of the stage, I danced my heart out and had a blast!

Think of your holiday sides as the shy little kid having fun in her own way. I know when the holidays roll around the focus is on the turkey, ham or roasts but just remember, those sides can steal the show too. And you can plump them up with healthy swaps so you can eat all you want minus the weighed down holiday dinner feeling.

Here are some of my favorite healthy holiday showstoppers:

• Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots with Spicy Lemon Dressing

• Cheesy Mushroom & Sage Bread Pudding

• Quick and Easy Garlic Green Beans

Make room for the best part

Let’s not beat around the bush here, everyone looks forward to dessert time. This holiday meal plan is all about healthy options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy dessert!

Not only is this apple cobbler perfect for this time of year, it’s also refined sugar free and sweetened with dried apricots.

• Best Apple Cobbler with Oat Topping

Do you have your Thanksgiving menu ready to go yet? Let me know in the comments what you’re planning to make. If you need some tips for how to make your holidays healthier, just let me know!