10 Simple staples for a healthy Thanksgiving [infographic]

We’ve hit the downhill slope for the year, where the holiday events start coming fast and furious. We have so much to do in such a short span; it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, in the process of taking care of everyone else, we often neglect to take care of ourselves. We eat poorly, stay up late and neglect regular workouts. If we’re not careful, the holidays can quickly turn into a metabolic disaster. The holiday half-dozen-pound weight gain can turn into more than a baker’s dozen.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can address the potential for dietary mayhem and sluggish winter activity, but we need to plan ahead.

Here are a few of our favorite holiday recipes to maintain us right through the winter with energy and vitality.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Slow cooker sweet and spicy nuts

One snack that’s particularly popular with the teenage brood at my house is Slow Cooker Sweet And Spicy Nuts. It’s really simple to make, too.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Mashed Cauliflower

Here lately, I’ve started mashing cauliflower. My children really like the taste of cauliflower, and I really like that it’s both inexpensive and good for you.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Cranberry Relish

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I’ve been on the lookout for a cranberry recipe, and this one is sure to please. In addition to cranberries, it features apples, oranges, walnuts and honey – yum!

In the kitchen with Kelley: Three-Bean Salad

This three-bean salad recipe is delightful and so good for you! The three beans are edamame, black beans and black-eyed peas. (Believe it or not, black-eyed peas are actually beans.)

In the kitchen with Kelley: Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are both a good source of protein and a great snack. And they’re easy to fix if you know what you’re doing.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Mexican-Style Deviled Eggs

As I’ve mentioned before, I love eggs. And one of my favorite ways to eat them is deviled. I also love Mexican food, so I was thrilled to find a recipe that combined two of my favorite things.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Maple-Glazed Carrots

My youngest child loves carrots. I eat them because they’re good for me. But I like to spruce them up a bit.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. Here’s a yummy sweet potato recipe that’s much better for you.

In the kitchen with Kelley: Honey-baked acorn squash

A new vegetable that I’ve discovered is acorn squash, which just so happens to contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.