Let’s Talk Turkey: Healthy Holiday Foods You Can Gobble Up Without Guilt

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Well, it’s that time of year where we take time out from our busy schedules to do something we most likely should be doing every day: GIVING THANKS.

But, for many this time of reflection is accompanied by an eating experience of excess. And this means more than potentially losing sight of the originally intended celebration, it can also mean losing sight of your diet.

But with dishing out some holiday delicacies doesn’t mean you have to hit a fork in the road of dieting and healthy eating.

Let’s Talk Turkey: How much turkey do you think you can eat? Not much? Well, it’s estimated that nearly 80 million turkeys will be eaten throughout the holiday season, and that means one per family or group of four. And calorie wise, experts say turkey is smartest choices. With only 160 calories in a 31/2 ounce portion of breast (sans skin) and fortified with 30 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins, you can pile some on your plate without worrying about piling on the pounds.

The Spud Bowl: You can bake em, shake em’, even put them in pies, but no matter how you slice them, dice them or prepare them, sweet potatoes are a nutrition nosh for more than the holidays. With only 140 calories per medium-sized spud, this low-cal, highly nutritious veggie is fortified with enough vitamin A and C to make other side dishes and salads green with envy.

Bean There Ate That: And, as far a green’s go, greens beans are a great, tasty, nutritious, yet low-calorie holiday treat. And, with only 45 calories per cup (depending on how they are prepared) you can feel free to indulge. Green beans offer a healthy source of vitamins A, K, and C, plus fiber and potassium.

Spicy Cider: Offer the apples of your eye some hot-mulled cider instead of calorie-packed eggnog. Keep in mind that while every cup of eggnog is full of 340 calories, spicy cider, trims them down to only 115 (per cup)…and the house will smell great too.

Tuti-Fruiti: While your guests may want to dip into some chips and dip for some pre or post meal munchies, why not tickle their sense, their fancy and their health with some fancy citrus fruits. Consider offering guests a potpourri of produce including clementines, pomelos, or ugli fruit for a smart snack or as a delicious dessert.