On the occasion of Thanksgiving Day, the average American eats 2000-4500 calories, which is a good meal, if you consume the majority of people usually from 1.600 to 2.400 calories a day to be used.
But, as you might suspect, a few more calories to eat the day of Turkey, you will be surprised to know, what else is lurking on the table at Thanksgiving. From bad (harmful chemical additives for trans fats) good (antioxidants, vitamins)Here's a rundown of what really into the pot. Turkey
Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinner, and popular to this. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as national bird (instead of the eagle) and favorite holiday this side of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first meal on the moon.
Touchdowns: Besides being a great source of lean protein, including Turkey, two anti-cancer nutrients, selenium andVitamins niacin, B for more energy.
Misses: Typical store-bought turkeys may contain antibiotics. Variety of organic, humanely raised and without these additions are in natural food stores. Cooking method makes a difference in the value of health in Turkey. While the fried turkey is a healthy choice is Turkey, not fried, especially if you eat the skin. Filling
The reason for the filling of the name seems obvious, but traditionallyStuffed Turkey, after all. In the Middle Ages, however, was filling a "farce", from the Latin "stuff", which means things. Victorian English was replaced with the term "dressing". Traditionally, the filling was a mixture of vegetables, spices, nuts, barley and herbs, meats, and often include liver, brain and organ. Today is to fill a bread made with various vegetables and other ingredients.
Touchdowns:Filling often contains vegetables (celery, onions), dried fruits, nuts, herbs and spices (garlic, parsley, sage, thyme). All of these contain vitamins and phytochemicals that are good for your health.
Misses: It is usually filled with white bread, refined carbohydrates, that can disrupt blood sugar levels. Also, add sausage a lot of people, a processed meat, which almost always contains nitrite, a potential carcinogen. Cranberry sauce
DuringCranberries on the back of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 were consumed, there was cranberry sauce. Sugar was not available at this time, nor the term of the fruit was cooking with him to make a sauce.
Touchdowns: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants to fight cancer and protect your heart and teeth. For more information about the excellent nutritional value of cranberries, blueberries and three recipes, check out our recent article "The remarkableAntioxidant power of blueberries. "
Misses: cranberry sauce, the kind bought in stores and home-made recipes, is generally moderate to high acidity of the sugar on the berries. You can use this with no added sugar, cranberry sauce recipe for truly healthy and tasty alternative to try. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes, one of the oldest vegetables around, I have not eaten since prehistoric times 10,000 years ago. They are also a mainstay in most ThanksgivingDinner.
Touchdowns: food sweet potatoes are much more than normal potatoes, including vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron. They are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, and as an anti-diabetic foods classified as animal studies have found them to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance.
Misses: plain sweet potatoes are an excellent choice, but heaps of sugar,brown sugar, marshmallow topping and maple syrup, and suddenly your ordinary sweet potatoes sugar as much as a healthy chocolate bar. Mashed potatoes (Russet Potatoes)
Potatoes were not introduced to New England in time for the first Thanksgiving, but they are regularly in most Thanksgiving tables of the 21 Century.
Touchdowns: Potatoes have become a bad reputation with low-carb craze, but in general are perfectly acceptablePart of the meal. Potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese, fiber and phytochemicals that have antioxidant activity.
Misses: good potatoes go bad when mixed with healthy ingredients not to crush, such as margarine (many contain trans fats) or an excess of salt. And instant mashed potatoes, the ones that come out of a box can be loaded with artificial flavors and sodium. Even mashed potatoes are usually homemadeStrength, so they are best eaten in moderation. Veggies
Thanksgiving would not be possible without a "pick" fall full of seasonal vegetables. From a nutritional point of view you can not go wrong with any vegetables - as long as it is a bit 'and not loaded with cooked sauces.
Green Bean Casserole: green beans are rich in vitamin K for bone health and anti-inflammatory nutrients that may reduce the severity of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis andArthritis. They also contain nutrients that have been found to protect the heart, prevent cancer, and support the immune system, skin and memory.
Green bean stew usually contains cream of mushroom soup. If you opt for a typical variety may contain loads of sodium, preservatives and flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate. You can make it healthy, choosing a natural variety of cream of mushroom soup, made with no additives.
Broccoli / BrusselsSprouts: They belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables, which are known for their anti-toxins, anti-cancer abilities. Garnished with a little 'of lemon juice, olive oil or butter, are part of the exceptionally healthy meal. However, attention to the increase of these vegetables with cheese sauces. While some 'real cheese is sprinkled OK, cheese sauces usually contain preservatives, artificial colors and flavors and cancontain trans fats.
Asparagus: Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which fights birth defects and protects the heart. There are also a good source of inulin, a carbohydrate special good bacteria can thrive in the intestines e. How eaten with other vegetables, there is clearly a great choice - just watch out for are added to hollandaise sauce or other treaties, calories, bad fats and additives.
Winter Squash: Winter squash varieties includeButternut, acorn, Hubbard and turban. They are rich in secondary anti-cancer phytochemicals, vitamin A, which protects against emphysema and folic acid. Resist the temptation to add more brown sugar or maple syrup, squash them - if they are cooked, most already naturally sweet. Pumpkin and pecan pies pecans can help lower cholesterol levels, but go easy on the sugar filled favorite pecan pie.
Like cranberry sauce, was probably not part of the pumpkin piethe first Thanksgiving. You may have feasted on a pumpkin pudding, but that would be similar to pumpkin pie filling to have. Dice were probably part of the first Thanksgiving, but a pecan pie, as we know them today were not.
Touchdowns: Both cakes are healthy aspects. Pumpkin has cited the health benefits of pumpkin and pecan up are one of the healthiest nuts around. Pecans are an excellent source of vitamins and over 19Minerals including vitamins E and A, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, several B vitamins and zinc. In addition, a study of New Mexico State University found that taking daily cup pecans 04:03 was significantly lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and help to find the arteries clear.
Misses: As with any desert, this dessert should be eaten in moderation, as they contain large amounts of sugar. Also, if possible, you shouldBe prepared. Store-bought cakes are loaded with trans fats in general, preservatives, corn syrup and oil, of low quality. If you are alone, you know exactly what can go in and choose a higher quality, more nutritious ingredients.
With some changes to traditional recipes, Thanksgiving dinner is possible to go quite well. Treat yourself to a bit 'of everything, just watch your portion sizes, and if the food (and short), ismade a couple of friends and family gather for a short walk outside. A bit 'of fresh air, exercise and conversation are the perfect way to end the meal.
