Healthy Thanksgiving Foods: 5 Items To Be Thankful For
By the Registered Dietitians at 2 Your Health Do you have specific concerns such as renal function, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease to manage this holiday season? When addressing kidney health it is important to monitor sodium, potassium, and phosphorous intake, eliminate unnecessary additives or preservatives, and control portion sizes. Whether you are addressing a health condition or trying to cut back on calories, the tips below will help make it easier to incorporate health and enjoyment this holiday season. Healthy Thanksgiving Foods Turkey- Enhance the flavor, shake off the salt. If you are opting to gobble up turkey this thanksgiving it is important to choose products with minimal processing or heavy preservatives. This will naturally lower the sodium and preservative content that may be less than healthy. For example, some brands such as Perdue Fresh Whole Turkey® claim to have just 50 mg (2%) of salt per 3 oz. serving, a great low-sodium option. Be sure to read the nutrition facts label as well as the ingredient list. Low-sodium is considered 140 mg or less per serving.1 Use natural seasonings and spices or fresh herbs like rosemary, garlic, or thyme to add flavor without the sodium. Green Beans- The staple for a timeless casserole. Did you know Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is the most sought after recipe from Campbell’s, bringing enjoyment to meal time for over 57 years? Try fresh or frozen green beans to avoid added salt and seal in the good-for-you benefits. Maximizing the goodness of the vitamin-rich green beans, this recipe is a new take on an old standby to reduce sodium, phosphorous content while keeping the delicious texture and flavor. Click here for a delicious 2YH-Certified Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Cranberries- One of nature’s ruby’s. What meal would be complete without cranberry sauce? Cranberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C that fight free radical damage and oxidative stress. Cranberries have also been touted to prevent urinary tract infections and have antifungal properties. Instead of choosing that shelf-stable grocery store can of cranberry sauce revel in the delight of this easy relish recipe. Click here for a scrumptuous 2YH-Certified Cranberry Relish Recipe Vegetables- A cornucopia of choices. Some lower phosphorous and potassium foods that can also be great additives to stuffing, side salads, or easily stand-alone include celery, snap peas, cucumber, cauliflower, and sweet peppers.2 The high water and fiber...
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