This week, millions of Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving by roasting a big, juicy turkey. And then, by Saturday afternoon, we’ll all be wondering what to do with the leftovers. Turkey is delicious, and an excellent source of protein, so it can be easily incorporated into a weight loss diet. But of course, no one wants to just munch on turkey for days at a time… So here are a few ways to use your leftovers, stick to your diet plans, and get that fridge cleaned out!

Toss it in salads. One simple solution is to toss leftover breast meat (or any other part of the turkey) into your favorite salad. As always, use an olive oil-based dressing to cut back on saturated fats, and go easy on the cheese and croutons.

Sandwiches. It might seem obvious to make turkey sandwiches with your leftovers, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Combine your turkey with avocado and a little cheese, and grill your sandwiches to perfection. Or, combine turkey with brie, a touch of bacon, and a bit of leftover cranberry sauce for a tangy alternative. Just remember to use nutritious, whole-wheat bread.

Turkey chili. Finely chop leftover turkey meat, and toss it into chili with fiber-rich beans.

Enchiladas. If you like chicken enchiladas, you’ll probably enjoy them with turkey, too! Just follow your usual recipe, but use shredded turkey meat for the filling.

Breakfast. Toss some leftover turkey into a quiche or frittata, or mix it into potatoes and onions and top with a poached egg.

Turkey tetrazzini. Using your favorite chicken tetrazzini recipe, simply substitute your turkey meat and enjoy. Really, you could use turkey in place of chicken in any pasta dish.

Game Day snacks. Use your leftover turkey as a topping on homemade pizzas, or bake it onto some nachos. You can even use the meat, alongside cheese or bacon, on slider buns. Obviously, you’ll want to keep an eye on the amount of cheese you use, and control your portions. Remember to serve plenty of healthy cut-up veggies and low-fat dips, too.

These are just some ideas to help you with your delicious, protein-packed leftovers. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment! Turkey is surprisingly versatile. And as always, give us a call for more help with your weight loss diet. We can assess your goals, and help you put together a plan that is both healthy and effective.