Tis’ the season to be grateful. Thanksgiving is upon us, and all the gratitude is in the air. We have so much to be thankful for and this time of year always brings the best out in us. Whether it is your friends, family, kids, or pets, let them know you love them and are thankful for them.
Another thing we should be thankful for is our body. Without it, we would be nothing. So this Thanksgiving, think a little more about what you eat. Enjoy everything you want, but in moderation! Make sure to work these four healthy foods into your Thanksgiving feast this year.
Cranberries
Everyone loves a good cranberry sauce with their turkey and Thanksgiving stuffing, but traditional recipes are often loaded with sugar. However, cranberries are great for providing antioxidants and high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and Vitamin K. Not to mention, cranberries aid in digestion, and you’ll need all the help you can get after a day of eating. If part of your diet requires lower sugar intake, then opt for low or sugar-free recipes. You can even substitute sugar for vanilla extract, creating a fun flavor twist.
Lean Meat
Fortunately, the main dish for most Thanksgiving feasts—yep, we’re talking about turkey—is an excellent source of protein as it is low in fat and high in minerals like potassium and zinc. However, be wise about the way you cook and consume turkey for Thanksgiving. If a turkey is deep fried in vegetable oil, for example, then you’re not eating healthy. But, if you roast your turkey and forego (ok…maybe just eat a little less) gravy, then you’re enjoying a well-rounded meal.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet PotatoesSweet potatoes, or yams, are rich in fiber and a good source of vitamins and minerals. These include an assortment of B vitamins and vitamin C, along with iron, calcium, and selenium. Sweet potatoes also have a high concentration of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A when digested. The trick with eating sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving is not to candy them. Although all the brown sugar and marshmallows combined with the sweet flavor of sweet potatoes is delectable, sweet potatoes can be just as fulfilling when baked and topped with some cinnamon. If you don’t want to completely deprive yourself of some sugar, then add less brown sugar and skip the marshmallows.
Green Beans
One great thing about Thanksgiving is all the vegetable sides. Green bean casserole is among one of the most popular and most traditional of Thanksgiving side dishes—with good reason. Green beans are high in dietary fiber, potassium, folate, protein, iron, and zinc. Whether you prefer green beans by themselves, or you want to indulge in the green bean casserole, just make sure you don’t overcook them. Once veggies are overcooked, they lose a lot of nutrients.
Take the Healthy Route this Thanksgiving
Trust us, the holidays are only beginning at Thanksgiving. Taking the healthy route is a great way to keep your figure and make your surgical results last. If you have any other ideas for healthy foods this Thanksgiving, drop us a comment.
Tasty & Healthy Recipes From Hello Spoonful
For a few tasty and healthy Thanksgiving recipes, check out nutritionist and health coach, Elizabeth Moye’s blog, Hello Spoonful.
Sweet Potato Bites with Avocado Mash, Feta + Pomegranate Seeds
Salted Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Muffins
Healthy Guacamole Deviled Eggs
