Yes, we realize we’ve been giving you dieting tips all week spouting out ways to avoid packing on the pounds by eating in moderation, but here is some information that will make you feel a little less guilty when you start your holiday binge tomorrow.
Let’s start with the turkey.
Marissa Moore, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association assures us:
├óΓé¼┼ôTurkey is a lean, flavorful protein source. It’s also a source of trace minerals zinc and selenium, which helps with cell and tissue repair and growth.├óΓé¼┬¥
A 3-ounce serving of skinless white meat contains 25 grams of protein, barely 3 grams of fat, and less than 1 gram of saturated fat.
Worried about that turkey skin? Don’t be! There is more monounsaturated fat than saturated fat in poultry skin. The skin adds calories, but there is more healthful fat in it than unhealthful fat.
Cranberries served with a traditional turkey dinner are rich in antioxidants and Moore says, ├óΓé¼┼ôThey’ve been shown to help your heart health and they might even improve brain health.├óΓé¼┬¥
A tasty sweet potato is packed with all sorts of great nutrition! Vitamin A converted in your body from the beta-carotene is great for maintaining healthy eyes, while sweet potatoes are also one of the best sources of potassium. Moore explains:
“Potassium is important because it blunts the effect of salt and it also helps lower blood pressure.├óΓé¼┬¥
Green beans are a very low cal side dish (only 35 per cup) that typically show up during the feast in the form of a green bean casserole. To maintain the healthy, low calorie benefits of the dish, either skip the casserole or use a fat-free cream of mushroom soup while making it.
Pumpkin pie pops up for dessert in most households, which the main ingredient by itself is rich in vitamin A and C, but the pie’s hefty calorie count wipes out the nutritional value. When making the dessert, try using skim milk instead of whole, cutting the butter amount in half and reducing sugar by at least a third.
Once again, moderation is always the key to maximizing the healthy benefits when eating anything, but don’t be afraid to dig in tomorrow and enjoy the food!
[Image via AP Images.]
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