The Best and Worst of Thanksgiving: Part 2!

Here are a few more bests and worsts of the holidays!

Best: Cranberries
Cranberries have always been a crowd pleaser around my house at the holidays! And luckily, they are one of the healthiest options for you! These tart berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium, and are low in calories. In addition, these pretty little berries contain unique compounds with antibacterial properties that may help prevent urinary tract infections. There are so many different variations that you can do with cranberries when it comes times for the holidays! Get creative! You can try anything from cranberry scones to cranberry relishes! But if you’re looking for a great, home-made cranberry sauce, look no further! Click here for a great recipe for a traditional cranberry sauce that is a family favorite! (And it’s easy too!)

Worst: Mashed Potatoes
This holiday favorite can go either way, so don’t worry, there is hope! In their natural state, potatoes offer plenty of nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, and have relatively few calories. But beware of potatoes prepared with too much butter, whole milk, heavy cream, or other fatty ingredients. The very ingredients that can make them creamy can wreck a perfectly nutritious choice by adding hundreds of calories and many grams of saturated fat. So instead of diving into that standard potato recipe of yours, try something new this year! Or attempt to make that favorite recipe of yours a little healthier by leaving out a few of the unhealthy ingredients. If you are adventurous enough to try something new, I recommend this lightened up version of a delicious mashed potato! I promise you wont be disappointed!

Best: Turkey
Eating any high-quality protein helps to trigger satiety so you’re less likely to over-indluge on less healthy foods. And turkey – dark meat or white meat – is one fo the lowest-calories protein sources you can eat. A three-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast has about 120 calories and only one gram of fat! But beware of that skin! Be sure to trim off the skin before eating. That’s where most of the fat and calories lurk!

Worst: Pecan Pie
A typical slice of this nutty dessert can cost you over 600 calories! Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you may be pushing 750 calories and 8g saturated fat! Of course I of all people understand that sometimes you just have to indulge, so I’m not saying never have pecan pie, but save this for a special occasion and use moderation as your guide. If you can stray away from the pecan pie, choose a pumpkin pie or a sweet potato pie for a lower-calorie option. Or try to lighten up your recipe for pecan pie. If all else fails, try this lightened version of pecan pie that has only 311 calories plus the benefits of a whole grain: oats! Sure beats that 600 calorie slice!