Keeping Thanksgiving Dinner Healthy

With the changing seasons, and the fall colors starting to appear, thoughts naturally begin to turn toward Thanksgiving.  This one meal often packs thousands of calories, and adds a number of pounds to the waist lines of millions of people each year.  Even though the holiday is one of the most fattening, so many people really love it.  So, is it possible to enjoy Thanksgiving, but keep it healthy at the same time?  The simple answer is yes!

Believe it or not, turkey is actually one of the healthiest meats around.  It is packed with lean protein, and is high in vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, and selenium.  Best of all, turkey is extremely low in carbs.  A three ounce serving of white meat contains just three grams of carbs, fifteen grams of protein, and only eighty seven calories.

Another key to keeping Thanksgiving dinner healthy is to watch the amount of sides you consume.  For example, go easy on the stuffing.  Stuffing is stuffed with calories and carbs, as it is nothing more than butter and broth drenched bread.  In many cases people add extras such as sausage or shellfish which only compounds the calories and fat.  If you simply cannot skip this tasty side, make sure you keep your serving small and reasonable, to about a half cup.

Finally, make Thanksgiving healthier by beginning a new tradition.  After dinner is over, suggest a fun activity that everyone can take part in.  A simple walk around the neighborhood or a game of touch football out in the yard can get your blood pumping, and help burn off some of those delicious dinner calories.

The post Keeping Thanksgiving Dinner Healthy appeared first on Nashua Nutrition Blog.

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