The holidays have arrived and you know what that means — lots of yummy treats. But one, not-so-merry thing about a festive dinner is that it doesn’t always adhere to a bone-healthy diet.

So, we put together a menu with three classic recipes that are sure to make your mouth water and satisfy your bone health too.

Plus, the recipes are easy to make so you won’t steal precious time away from your family and friends.

Here’s to a full plate, a happy heart, and even happier bones!

Organic free-range turkey

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving — at least not in my eyes. If you feel the same way, then I have some tips to help you make a smashing success of this main dish.

When deciding which turkey to buy, opt for one that’s USDA organic and animal welfare approved. These turkeys are raised mostly outdoors.

What’s more, they’ve eaten a healthy diet free of GMOs, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Plus, they tend to contain more omega 3 fatty acids which are crucial to overall health — and that includes your bones.

Another reason why turkey makes a good main dish is that it provides plenty of protein. After all, protein makes up around one third of your bone mass and it’s crucial for preventing age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) too.

Of course, you don’t want to go through the effort of finding a healthy, protein-packed turkey only to cook it in an unhealthy way. So opt for roasting over deep frying.

And focus on using fresh herbs for seasoning to keep salt intake to a minimum. My mom used rosemary, thyme, and sage — it always added a lovely touch.

You-can’t-tell-it’s-not potato mash

My mom always made buttery mashed potatoes every Christmas. To me, it’s just not a holiday feast if mashed potatoes aren’t on the menu (or at least something that resembles potatoes!) That’s why I’m sharing how to make it as bone-healthy and delicious as possible.

All you need to do is swap out traditional mashed potatoes with steamed, whipped cauliflower. With its light, creamy full-flavor you won’t even miss the potatoes! Plus, with less prep time and no peeling necessary, this recipe is a time saver.

What’s more, cauliflower is carb friendly. And it adds almost twice the amount of calcium that potatoes provide! This dish is the stuff dreams are made of.

Pumpkin pie

Few things make guests drool more than pumpkin pie. A holiday favorite, it can be a great option for bone health — especially when you cut down on the cream and sugar most recipes call for.

Plus, pumpkin has potassium which protects bone density. And it contains vitamin C — a vital co-factor for making collagen. This is important as your bones are made up of about 35% collagen. It provides a framework for your bones, and along with calcium, strengthens them. Turns out you can have your cake (or pie) and eat it too.

If you’d like to add a little flair to your pie, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top before baking. It’s the perfect way to add an extra dose of omega fats and antioxidants — not to mention show off your presentation skills.

Happy Holidays!

Tip the scale into holiday dinner perfection with these classic, comforting dishes. They’re delicious. They’re bone-healthy. And they’re crowd-pleasers.

So, I hope you’ll do your bones and taste buds a favor and try these recipes.

They’re as easy to make as they are guilt-free. So you can take the stress out of planning a holiday meal.

What’s your favorite dish during the holidays? Please share it with us in the comments below!