Grateful Thanksgiving: Transform Leftovers

Thanksgiving often leaves us with more leftovers than we can eat.

“Across America 320 million pounds of food will be wasted this Thanksgiving, representing $550 million worth of food thrown away in just a single day. At a time when more Americans are facing food insecurity, the amount of discarded food is the equivalent of 267 million meals that could have gone to people in need.” ReFED

With simple strategies, transform brain-healthy Thanksgiving leftovers into family-friendly meals that reduce food waste, support mood and energy, and keep everyone nourished.

Smart Strategies for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Make Turkey Stock for Nourishing Meals

Use the bones of your carved turkey plus veggie scraps (leek ends, celery tops, green bean tips) to make a nutrient-rich stock. Doing this immediately ensures nothing goes to waste and supports family wellness.

Store Leftovers Clearly

Glass containers with labels (as simple as masking tape and a sharpie) make it easy to identify leftovers.

If a dish isn’t eaten within three days, freeze it. This reduces food waste and makes weeknight meals easier.

Freeze for Busy Weeknights

Portion leftovers in mason jars or reusable bags. Frozen brain-healthy Thanksgiving leftovers provide quick, nourishing meals for kids, adults, and women in perimenopause or menopause.

Delicious Meals Thanksgiving Leftovers

Turkey Enchiladas

Combine leftover turkey with drained organic beans.
Add enchilada sauce – store bought or homemade – and roll in tortillas.
Top with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Turkey Barley Soup

Sauté onions, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Add barley, herbs, and turkey stock.
Simmer until barley is tender.
Freeze portions for later.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Sauté onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and oregano.
Mix in leftover turkey.
Top with leftover cauliflower mashed potatoes and mushrooms.
Freeze for future meals.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Ideas

Oatmeal topper: Add dollop of cranberry sauce and pumpkin seeds.
Lunch wrap: Combine with greens, turkey, goat cheese, crunchy veggie (cucumbers, bell peppers)
Snack: Mix with goat cheese and spread on rice crackers.

Cranberries provide antioxidants and fiber, supporting steady blood sugar and mood

Why Thanksgiving Leftovers Matter

Repurposing your leftovers helps:

Reduce food waste and environmental impact.
Support family wellness with nutrient-dense meals.
Provide healthy kids meals that enhance focus and energy.
Support perimenopausal and menopausal women with steady blood sugar and mood.