Don't be intimidated by a lot of extra food after the holiday — Thanksgiving leftovers can be repurposed into a wide variety of healthy and tasty meals.ShootingRichard/GettyImages
- Thanksgiving leftovers can be a great source of healthy next-day recipes, a dietitian said.
- Turkey can be used in high-protein burgers, soups, and sandwiches.
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest food events of the year, and with a little inspiration, you can keep the party going long after your guests have left by turning extra food into delicious meals for days to come, according to a dietitian.
Holiday classics like turkey, cranberries, potatoes, and more can be transformed into healthy soups, salads, casseroles, and even breakfast, said Bonnie Taub-Dix, registered dietitian and the author of "Read It Before You Eat It — Taking You from Label to Table."
Taub-Dix told Business Insider she loves to "healthify" leftovers by adding extra sources of nutrients, particularly during the holidays.
"I call them makeovers because I make over what I need so then I can eat the next day," she said. "I do this year-round but especially on Thanksgiving."
Using leftovers is not only delicious and convenient, but cuts down on food waste and helps you save money, she added.
Try these creative ideas to pack more nutrients into your leftovers.