For many of us Thanksgiving
begins a season of special meals and once-a-year indulgences. We all look
forward to turkey, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and other goodies. And because
it's that time of year, we may not be too shy about taking an extra helping of
our favorite side dish or dessert.
Don't feel too guilty about
that. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, most people
gain only a pound between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, which is of little
consequence as long as you drop it in the New Year. So make sure you stick to that
New Year’s resolution to eat better and exercise more.
But whether you add an
extra pound or maintain your weight through the season, the ingredients in
traditional holiday fare offer nutritional gifts along with good flavor.
Tryptophan, the amino acid
in turkey falsely accused of making revelers sleepy, may help regulate the
body's immune function. Cranberries are full of antioxidants that may confer a
number of health benefits, such as preventing tooth decay.
Beta-carotene-rich produce
like sweet potatoes and pumpkin may slow age-related decline in lung function,
according to the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Nuts are packed
with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. You can even prepare stuffing with
quinoa, a high-protein grain. And fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains are rich
in fiber.
The holiday table can offer
plenty of good tasting and healthful indulgences--especially if your recipes
balance great taste with sensible amounts of calories and fat.
Do you have a healthy
holiday recipe of your own? Don’t forget to share it with us on Ignite. You could
win one of two $250 gift cards. For more information on how to enter go to the Your holiday recipe could be worth
$250 in the Ignite Healthy Holiday Recipe Contest forum under the
Health Buddies Channel.
Jason - a Lumen
