Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and of course, FOOD. But this year, make Thanksgiving the healthiest one yet by using non-toxic tips and ideas. From organic wine to non-toxic cookware, I’ve got you covered!
Look into getting an organic turkey this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to come together and give thanks, but it’s also a time to eat – and lots of it.
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is the turkey, and if you’re looking to make things organic this year, there are a few things you need to know.
First, look for a turkey that has no hormones or antibiotics. These birds are typically raised in healthier conditions and are less likely to be contaminated with harmful chemicals. You should also make sure the turkey hasn’t been fed any GMOs.
Check out some local farms in your area that raise turkeys. Or, check at your local market. You may be able to find atleast no hormones and antibiotics.
While organic turkeys are a bit more expensive, they’re definitely worth it for a safer, healthier meal.
Use a stainless-steel roasting pan
When it comes to roasting pans, there are two main types: those made of stainless steel and those coated with non-stick material.
Both have their pros and cons, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, stainless steel is the way to go.
Non-stick cookware is coated with chemicals that can be released into the food, and there are health concerns about possible health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals.
Stainless steel doesn’t have this problem, so it’s a safer choice for cooking.
In addition, stainless steel is more durable than non-stick cookware and won’t scratch or chip as easily. So, if you’re looking for a healthier and more durable option, choose a stainless-steel roasting pan.
Don’t cover the Thanksgiving turkey with aluminum foil
Many people think that covering a turkey with aluminum foil will help it cook faster.
However, health experts warn that this could lead to health problems.
When aluminum foil is heated, it can release toxins that can be dangerous if they are ingested.
In addition, aluminum foil is not very effective at cooking food evenly.
So, if you want to avoid health risks and get better results, it’s best to use a different method to cook your turkey.
One option is to use a roasting pan with a lid (link above). This will help to keep the heat in and prevent the skin from drying out.
Another option is to roast the turkey in parchment paper, Make sure to choose one that is unbleached, chlorine-free and no toxic coating of any kind.
I have never done this but here is a recipe on how to roast the turkey in parchment paper. This looks great and is worth a try! (I might try it out before hand on a chicken or something just to know the outcome for sure).
Use a stainless-steel turkey baster
The next time you baste your turkey, consider using a stainless steel baster instead of a plastic one.
Stainless steel is much more durable and will last longer, plus it’s less likely to leach harmful chemicals into your food. Look for one that has a silicone bulb and not plastic.
Plastic basters are often made with bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt the endocrine system and cause developmental problems.
So why take the risk? Go with stainless steel and enjoy your basted turkey worry-free!
Use stainless-steel cookware over non-stick
If you’re like most people, you probably have at least one non-stick skillet in your kitchen. After all, who doesn’t love the ease of cooking with a pan that practically cleans itself?
However, there is one downside to non-stick cookware: it often contains PFOA, a chemical that has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Stainless steel cookware, on the other hand, is PFOA-free and just as easy to clean. In fact, many professional chefs prefer stainless steel for its superior cooking performance.
So next time you’re in the market for new cookware, ditch the non-stick and go for stainless steel instead.
Skip the canned cranberry sauce
When it comes to cranberry sauce, there’s just no comparison between homemade and canned.
First of all, there’s the issue of BPA in cans. This harmful chemical has been linked to a variety of health problems, and there’s no reason to expose yourself to it when making your own sauce is so easy.
Plus, homemade cranberry sauce just tastes better. It’s fresher and more full of flavor than anything you could ever find in a can.
If you’ve never made your own cranberry sauce before, now is the time to start.
Trust me, once you’ve had homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again.
Here is an easy cranberry sauce recipe that can be done in an Instant Pot.
Choose organic, fresh vegetable over canned vegetables
When it comes to choosing between fresh and canned vegetables, there are a few things to consider.
First of all, fresh vegetables are often more nutritious since they haven’t been sitting in a can for months on end.
They also don’t contain any pesticides or other harmful chemicals that can leach into the food.
Additionally, canned vegetables usually have a higher sodium content, which can be a problem for people who are watching their salt intake.
Finally, canned vegetables often come with a lining of the can that may contain BPA, a toxic chemical that can disrupt the endocrine system.
For all these reasons, it’s generally better to choose fresh, organic vegetables over canned options.
Ditch the paper plates
Sure, paper plates might seem like the easiest option when it comes to hosting a party or big event. But did you know that most paper plates are lined with a harmful chemical called PFOA? This chemical has been linked to cancer and other serious health problems.
So why take the risk? There are plenty of safer alternatives out there, like reusable plates or biodegradable plates made from sustainable materials.
So next time you’re planning a party, skip the paper plates and go for something that’s better for your health and the environment.
Use stainless steel or bamboo serving spoons
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to serve food, ditch the plastic serving spoons and opt for stainless steel or bamboo instead.
Plastic serving spoons often contain harmful chemicals like BPA, which can leach into food and cause health problems.
Stainless steel and bamboo are much safer options, and they’re also more durable, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
Plus, they just look nicer on the table than plastic!
Use rechargeable candles instead of burning candles
As much as we love the ambiance of a burning candle, there are some health risks associated with them that make rechargeable candles a much better option.
For one, burning candles release harmful chemicals into the air that can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation.
In addition, flames can create a fire hazard if they come into contact with flammable materials.
Rechargeable candles, on the other hand, provide all the benefits of traditional candles without any of the health risks. They give off light and heat just like regular candles, but they don’t produce any harmful emissions.
Plus, they’re safer to use around children and pets since there’s no open flame.
Look for organic wine
If you’re looking for a wine that’s truly organic, you might want to start your search in the organic aisle of your local liquor store.
But what exactly is organic wine? And how do you know if a wine is truly organic?
Organic wine is made from grapes that are grown using organic farming practices. This means avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
In addition, organic wines are often made with minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express their true terroir.
As a result, organic wines can offer a more natural and authentic flavor profile.
I have not found them to be any more expensive than conventional wines.
Just look for the USDA organic seal on the bottle.
Store Thanksgiving leftovers in glass
After all the cooking is done and the feast is over, it’s time to store the leftovers. But what’s the best way to do it?
Some people swear by plastic Tupperware, but if you’re looking to avoid chemicals like BPA, glass is the way to go.
BPA-free plastic may sound like a safer option, but studies have shown that it is just as bad as BPA was in the first place (the manufacturers just replaced one Bisphenol for another typically using BPS or BPF), so it’s best to stay away from it.
Glass containers are not only free of harmful chemicals, but they’re also durable and easy to clean.
Plus, you can also freeze your Thanksgiving leftovers in glass.
So next time you’re looking for a way to store your Thanksgiving leftovers, make sure you choose glass.
Send your guests home with a “Thanksgiving in a jar”
If you are sending guests home with leftovers, one idea I am going to try this year is mason jars. They come in all shapes and sizes to fit everything from turkey and gravy to apple pie.
The idea that I have is to get large, wide mouth jars and layer the leftovers inside… gravy on the bottom, then some turkey, then some veggies and a roll on top. Just like those salad in a jar ideas that I am sure you have seen.
Then they have one full meal in a jar ready to be heated up. Just empty the jar into a pan and you are good to go.
I think that it may just work! I will let you know. Or, if you have tried this before, let us know how it worked out in the comments below.
Plus, mason jars are pretty cheap and not a huge deal if you don’t get them returned to you.
The dreaded Thanksgiving day cleanup
As anyone who has hosted Thanksgiving dinner knows, the day of or after the feast can be quite a chore.
In addition to dealing with a house full of guests, there’s also the task of cleaning up the kitchen.
Thankfully, there are a few non-toxic cleaners that can help make the job a little easier.
For example, white vinegar is an excellent natural degreaser, and baking soda can be used to scrub away stuck-on food. lemon juice is also great for cutting through grease and grime.
Check out my Stuff I Love page for some non-toxic cleaners that you can buy.
Or, If you would like to make your own cleaners, read my post 8 Homemade Cleaning Products That Work And Save You Money for some easy DIY recipes.
Conclusion
So this Thanksgiving, don’t stress about being perfect. Just do your best to make some simple swaps and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
And if you slip up, don’t worry – we won’t tell!
Have you made the switch to a non-toxic Thanksgiving yet? Share your ideas in the comments below.
Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving everyone!
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If you need help finding other non-toxic products for your home and don’t know where to start, I have put together some of my favorites here to help you out!
