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Stephanie McKercher, MS, RDN - Grateful Grazer

Hi, I’m Stephanie, a registered dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. I share nourishing recipes and gentle, non-diet nutrition tips to help you explore a more peaceful, satisfying relationship with food. On my blog, Grateful Grazer, you’ll find support for eating with more trust, curiosity, and self-compassion.

Honey roasted carrots and parsnips with walnuts.
Featured Post

🎄 Hosting for the Holidays? This Menu Has You Covered

Hey there Reader, If you’re hosting this season (or contributing a dish to someone else’s table) I wanted to pull together a plant-forward holiday menu that feels festive, comforting, and totally doable. Whether your guests are vegetarian, mostly plant-based, or a mix of everything, this list has something for everyone. Think of it as your December hosting cheat sheet: cozy breakfasts, make-ahead-friendly mains, crowd-pleasing sides, and snack boards you can assemble in minutes. (You may want...

Round charcuterie board with meat, cheese, crackers, fruit, and veggies.

Hi Reader, If you’re hosting for the holidays and trying to make something that works for both vegetarians and omnivores, you’re going to love this. I put together a simple, flexible vegetarian-friendly charcuterie board tutorial that takes the guesswork out of holiday appetizers. Inside the post, I walk through my easy 3–3–3–3 rule so you can build a balanced, crowd-pleasing board without overthinking it: 3 cheeses 3 fruits or veggies 3 starchy elements (crackers, bread, crostini) 3 fun...

Peanut noodle bowl with edamame.

Hi Reader, If your fridge is cleared of leftovers, but you're still not feeling up for cooking, I can relate. The last thing you want in the days after Thanksgiving is another complicated recipe. So this week, I've rounded up a few simple vegetarian meals that come together fast, but still feel nourishing and satisfying. Think quick noodle bowls, fuss-free sandwiches, and no-cook staples that make weeknights and work lunches a little bit easier. Here are a few ideas: Quick and Easy Meal Prep...

"You Don't Have to Earn Food with Exercise or Restriction."

Hi there Reader, Thanksgiving is tomorrow! If you're signed up for a turkey trot or going on a morning walk before your meal, I hope you enjoy it for fun and connection, and not as a way to "earn" your holiday dinner. And if you're not moving tomorrow, that's perfectly fine too. Your body deserves nourishment and joy without any strings attached. Remember, your Thanksgiving meal isn't a reward and you don't need to "save up calories" to enjoy it. It's one part of honoring your body and...

Baked brie puff pastry bites with jam

Hi Reader, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and even if you think your menu is all set, these vegetarian starters, sides, and mains are so good, you might want to sneak them onto your table. From cozy, comforting classics to creative twists on holiday favorites, these recipes will add color and flavor to your spread, and make your holiday feel special. Starters: Pumpkin Lassi: A festive spiced drink to kick off the festivities. Bake Brie Puff Pastry Bites: An irresistible appetizer...

Freezer-friendly taco soup

Hi Reader, The week of a big holiday can be a whirlwind, with grocery lists, final menu prep, and everything else. One way to make things a little easier? Stock your freezer with a couple of nourishing, ready-to-go meals that taste just as good reheated as they do fresh. These five vegetarian recipes work great for freezing: Vegetarian Taco Soup: A hearty, protein-packed soup with rice, beans, and Mexican-inspired spices. Tofu & Cauliflower Tikka Masala: Creamy, comforting, and completely...

vegetable pot pie

Hi there Reader, This time of year calls for cozy, comforting meals, and this Chickpea Vegetable Pot Pie is the answer. Protein-packed chickpeas, tender vegetables, and a golden, flaky crust make a satisfying dinner for any night of the week. If you're craving that warm, homey feeling, this veggie pot pie hits all the right notes. You can make it on a weeknight for the family, or add it to your holiday spread for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian Thanksgiving main dish. Check out the full recipe...

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Hi there Reader, Does your family always seem to bring up diet talk at holiday gatherings? Comments about food or weight can feel stressful, especially if you're new to intuitive eating and the non-diet approach. The good news? You can navigate these moments confidently by preparing a few short responses you can use. Here are some examples: "I'm listening to my body and eating what feels good for me today." "Thanks for your concern, but I'd prefer not to talk about my body right now." "I'm...

Collage of vegetarian main dishes for Thanksgiving.

Hi there Reader, Whether you're planning a completely vegetarian Thanksgiving or just adding a meatless option alongside turkey, these main dishes will fit right in. I gathered up 15 crowd-pleasing vegetarian main dishes that are hearty, festive, and guaranteed to satisfy. You'll find everything from seasonal pasta to savory pies, hearty stews, and lentil loaf. Each recipe feels special enough for the holidays, yet simple enough for a cozy weekend dinner, too. Browse: 15 Vegetarian...

lentil loaf

Hi there Reader, This new Vegetarian Lentil Loaf recipe has all the classic comfort of traditional meatloaf, with savory herbs, sautéed veggies, and sweet-savory glaze, and it's totally meatless. It's hearty, nourishing, and great for fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep dinners. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorite vegetarian comfort foods. Get the full recipe here: Easy Vegetarian Meatloaf If you're already planning your Thanksgiving menu, this works great as a...