Healthy Thanksgiving Food Choices

A week from today, many of us will be enjoying a large turkey dinner.  And, as noted in Thanksgiving Tips, there are many ways to avoid overeating on this day.  However, there are certain dishes that will be served that are good for you.

Winter squash, such as butternut or acorn, is high in potassium.  Of course, if it is mixed with butter and brown sugar, the value of the potassium is negated by the calories and fat.  To keep it healthy, steam or bake it.  Then mash it, and add a little cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor.  The squash has enough natural sweetness that sugar shouldn’t be needed.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins and antioxidants.  According to The Cranberry Institute, proanthocyanidins “prevent the adhesion of certain of bacteria, including E. coli, associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall.”  Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals, which may cause heart disease and cancer, among other diseases.  Make your own cranberry sauce, using fresh cranberries and a small amount of sugar to produce a healthy and tasty relish.

Of course, we can’t forget the main entree- the turkey!  Eating white meat without skin is your best choice.  This low fat meat contains many important nutrients, including vitamin B6, niacin, and zinc.

While there are many “bad for you”, high in calorie and fat dishes served at Thanksgiving, remember there are plenty of “good for you” options also.