With Thanksgiving just around the corner (on November 24th) many of you are right in the middle of menu-planning. There’s lots of temptation to go over-board with food and of course, it’s important to eat and enjoy fabulous seasonal ingredients. However, if you (or your guests) are weight-watching or paying attention to cholesterol then it’s important to take into account what food you’re preparing for good health. Rather than limiting yourself to just one small slice of white turkey meat and a single sweet potato you can indulge. Just be as aware of the pitfalls of Thanksgiving food as well as the health benefits (there are many). Thanksgiving food is good for you in moderation; it’s also good for skin health. Let’s investigate!
Turkey
It’s hard to resist turkey especially when it’s roasted to perfection! Turkey is a protein so it’s excellent for your muscles and it keeps you fuller for longer. It also has the minerals zinc and selenium so it’s equally good for skin because both of these aid in cell renewal. Avoid the crispy skin and fat and go for lean pieces of white meat if you are weight-watching or lowering cholesterol.
Sweet Potatoes
Choose these over roast potatoes because they are lower in calories and packed with wonderful vitamins. Naturally sweet, they contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is good for boosting a youthful, clear, complexion. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain potassium which is excellent for lowering blood pressure. Load up!
Beans
Green beans are most definitely guilt-free because they contain few calories and they are full of nutrients and goodness. Perhaps prepare a green bean soup or make a light version of green bean casserole. Alternatively why not serve green beans alone sautéed in low-calorie olive oil with pecan nuts (see below)?
Apples
If you are watching your weight, try your apples baked with a little cinnamon rather than indulging in a luxurious apple pie. Whichever you choose, apples are an excellent source of vitamins containing A and C so good for skin cell renewal and fighting the aging process. Don’t skimp on the peel because it’s full of nutrients; just go easy on the whipped cream!
Cranberries
As with green beans, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy your cranberries because they are intensely good for you. Packed full of antioxidants they fight against free radicals which attack skin cells. Not only are they good for your skin, they are excellent for heart health and there are studies showing they are beneficial for brain health. Cranberries are excellent for the urinary tract – flushing out toxins and impurities so have cranberry juice available. Try making a homemade cranberry sauce with low-sugar ingredients; it’s far healthier than store-bought jars.
Pumpkin
The vibrant orange color of pumpkin is a clue as to what’s inside it – carotene. Carotene is an excellent nutrient, good for eye and skin health because it’s loaded with vitamins A and C, both are wrinkle-busters! Low in calories; combine it with healthy ingredients such as fat-free milk or evaporated milk to make a delicious, sweet pumpkin soup.
Pecans
You can’t celebrate Thanksgiving without the humble pecan nut! Feel good about eating these too because they are excellent for your heart and there are various studies to show that pecans can lower bad cholesterol levels. Full of fibre, they act as an appetite suppressant and keep you feeling satisfied however perhaps lay off the pie if you’re dieting or have half a slice. A regular slice of pecan pie contains 500 calories but if you can’t live without it at your Thanksgiving Table (and it’s hard not to have it) choose healthier ingredients when you bake yours.
Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t only about the food on the table, it’s about being together with family and friends and giving thanks for the beautiful land we live in. There are so many psychological benefits to holding a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, the delicious smells that invite loved ones into our homes, the sounds of laughter and chatter filling the room and the pleasant ritual that we all look forward to year after year. It’s a time to relax, kick back and be grateful for what we have, so Happy Thanksgiving 2016!
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