As I sit down to write to you, I can't help but reflect on this time last year when we (at my house) decided to cancel Thanksgiving.

This was, no doubt, one of my hardest pandemic moments.

It is often these darker moments of life that shine the light on what we cherish most.

For me, this Thanksgiving season is illuminating a whole new level of gratitude.

While the Thanksgiving holiday was intended to accentuate gratitude, practicing a state of gratitude has many diverse and positive results that go far and beyond Thanksgiving.

Scientists have made great strides toward understanding the scientific roots of gratitude and the various benefits that accompany gratitude. Here are a few of my favorites:

Gratitude Improves Our Patience: Research shows that practicing gratitude can increase your internal well of patience and keep you more calm and centered in yourself.

Gratitude Improves Our Eating: Gratitude is a positive state of mind. Gratitude fills your body with loving thoughts, positive intentions, and reverses judgment and criticism (of self or others). Gratitude not only makes us happier.

Gratitude Improves Our Self-Care: Gratitude is the perfect ingredient to boost wellness-based activities and self-care. One study found a positive correlation between practicing gratitude and focusing on healthy behaviors such as diet and exercise.

Gratitude Helps Heal Health Issues: One study found that more grateful cardiac patients reported better sleep, less fatigue, and lower levels of cellular inflammation, and another found that heart failure patients who kept a gratitude journal for eight weeks were more grateful and had reduced signs of inflammation afterwards.

Gratitude Promotes Generosity and Being Of Service: Several studies have supported the link between gratitude and prosocial behavior. These studies have found that more grateful people are more helpful and generous.

Remember: The best way to express gratitude is to savor and celebrate the pleasure that you do have.

As you tune into the Thanksgiving season this year (especially if the holidays are tough for you), consider focusing on the simple pleasures in your life — a delicious meal you share, the family and friends you cherish, laughter, a warm place to sleep, or a pretty night sky.

Also, on the remaining 364 days of the year — those that can feel more usual and mundane — I invite you to join me in practicing growing your sense of gratitude.

Before I sign off, be sure to scroll down to check out a compilation of some all time favorite Boulder Nutrition recipes –– seasonal, nourishing and perfect for any Thanksgiving table.

Eat well, rest deeply, and take extra good care of you.

Roasted Rainbow Beet Salad

Pretty, tasty and perfectly balanced with the sweet pungent colorful beets, salty toasted seeds, and sour and sweet balsamic vinegar. Everyone in my family requested that I make these again!

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Farmers market Green bean casserole

I grew up with this oldie at every Thanksgiving –– as I am sure many of you did. This is a yummy from scratch version with a sprinkle of crispy onions on top.

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Crispy balsamic roasted Brussels

This is the ultimate side for my dreamy Thanksgiving menu. Choose how crispy you like them and saddle up to pamper your palate.

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Celeriac Mash Up

I love mashing root vegetables in place or along with potatoes. Have fun with the nuances of this one. It’s a favorite!

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Charred Beets and beens

I think I created this one based on the artistry of color, but luckily it is also tasty and full of so much fun. I hope it spruces up your table as it does mine!

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Gluten-free Peasant loaf stuffing

Don’t worry, I would not skip the stuffing! If you need a good gluten-free option, try this tasty recipe made with Kim&Jakes gluten-free peasant loaf for a delightful twist.

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pasture-raised Turkey confit

I tried this out last year for the first time, when we had 25 people over, a full house. This turkey recipe was a huge hit and I will never go back…brine included in the recipe.

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grateful cranberry sauce

This naturally sweetened zesty version of traditional cranberry sauce highlights the health benefits of cranberries without all of the added sugar.

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wild mushroom miso gravy

I have been making wild mushroom miso gravy for years. It is one of my signature recipes. I hope you love this as much as I do.

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Horn of the moon pumkin pie {with coconut cream}

A friend of mine gave me The Horn Of The Moon cookbook when I first moved to Boulder in 1995. I still go back to this recipe that I have shifted and tweaked over the years. Trust me on this one!