Top 5 Healthy Holiday Foods

1. Everyone eats turkey for Thanksgiving and even Christmas. The good news is that turkey is very healthy. It's high in protein but contains almost no fat (except for the skin) so it's low in calories. Thanksgiving turkey sometimes gets a bad reputation because of all the food we eat with it. Stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes can increase the number of calories making the meal unhealthy. Turkey by itself is no problem.

2. There are so many vegetables served during the holidays. Corn, green beans and potatoes are just a few. All vegetables are good for something. They can be high in vitamins, minerals and fiber so eat up. Some vegetables that are starchy (mainly potatoes) can have a lot of calories so watch out if you're trying to avoid weight gain.

3. Olive and canola oils are probably the two healthiest kinds. If you need oil for a recipe or to put on a pan for cooking, use canola or olive oil. The are loaded with unsaturated fats which have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease.

4. Herbs and spices can go a long way in adding flavor to your dishes. Try holding off the salt and adding flavor with these salt free alternatives.

5. Fruit are healthy all year round but during the holidays can play an important role. Try making the desert selection a bit healthier this year. If you serve ice cream, fruit can add color and taste making the plate more exciting. Bake pies that are made from fresh fruit rather than the canned kind. A fruit salad served with whipped cream will also please a lot of people.

For more healthy holiday foods, visit the Guide to a Healthy Holiday. You can also post questions and share your own holiday food experiences at the diet and nutrition forums.

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