Thanksgiving food<\/a> doesn’t need to throw off your weight-loss progress \u2014 or taste any less delicious \u2014 according to Stephen Campolo, a fitness trainer and weight-loss expert based in Naples, Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n “The single best move you can make is simple: Start with protein and get full on turkey and ham first,” Campolo told Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n THANKSGIVING COSTS BY THE NUMBERS REVEAL WHAT’S CHEAPER, WHAT’S STILL PRICEY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Skip the bread basket and load your plate with at least 6 to 8 ounces of lean turkey, plus a solid portion of ham,” he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n People should eat their protein “slowly and completely before even glancing at the sides,” he also recommended.\u00a0<\/p>\n A fitness and weight-loss expert recommends loading your Thanksgiving plate with turkey or ham first to help curb overeating. (iStock)<\/p>\n “High-quality protein triggers satiety faster than any carb on the table,” Campolo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n PUMPKIN OR APPLE? AMERICA’S FIERCEST THANKSGIVING DESSERT DEBATE HEATS UP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Once your stomach registers ‘enough,’ those mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls lose their power. You’ll naturally take smaller portions \u2014 or skip them altogether \u2014 and still feel completely satisfied.”<\/p>\n A serving of lean turkey or ham may help reduce the urge to pile on heavy sides. (iStock)<\/p>\n But if you’re abstaining from meat, a filling Thanksgiving<\/a> meal doesn’t need to be all ham and turkey.<\/p>\n Plant-based proteins, such as lentils, can also enhance Thanksgiving meals, said Becky Geisel, owner of Bex Kitchen & Catering in New Jersey.\u00a0<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “At Bex, we love incorporating lentils into sides like our popular lentil and cauliflower salad or lentil and butternut squash salad,” Geisel told Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Chickpeas, quinoa and nuts such as almonds, pecans and peanuts<\/a> also pack in protein and add satisfying texture. Seeds, especially pumpkin and chia, are easy to sprinkle into salads or roasted vegetable dishes for an extra boost of protein.”<\/p>\n “Another tasty and easy way to up your protein game is by using your turkey’s bone broth as the base for your gravy,” said one expert. (iStock)<\/p>\n The chef also emphasized greens such as broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts.<\/p>\n “As a chef who focuses on whole foods and nutrition<\/a>, I always remind people that Thanksgiving can be both indulgent and balanced,” Geisel said.\u00a0<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “It’s all about creating dishes that nourish your body while celebrating flavor and tradition.”<\/p>\n Danielle Vauthy, a Washington-based professional chef at Hungryroot, also recommended combining protein with greens.<\/p>\n Lentils, chickpeas and nuts can make plant-based meals more filling, a chef told Fox News Digital. (iStock)<\/p>\n “I love adding more protein to Thanksgiving with a simple yet refreshing protein-packed salad<\/a>,” Vauthy said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “It’s easily made using cooked or canned chickpeas, shaved Brussels sprouts and fennel tossed in a light vinaigrette,” she told Fox News Digital. “It’s crisp, colorful and a great balance to heavier dishes.”<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n She also suggested starting the meal<\/a> with protein.<\/p>\n Nutrition-focused chefs encourage using wholesome plant proteins to make traditional Thanksgiving dishes more satisfying. (iStock)<\/p>\n “Serve hummus with fresh veggies, add a cheese plate to your spread, and top salads<\/a> with toasted pepitas or slivered almonds for a quick crunch and a nice protein lift,” Vauthy recommended.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/thanksgiving-dinner-protein-hacks-meat-plant-based-ideas-3.jpg\")
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