Reported by: Sean O'Reilly, WFTS
Americans often overeat during the holiday season. Overindulging seems to be a national pass time in November and December.
If you feel the need to stuff your stomach, it's probably better to do it with foods that are healthier for you. The following is a list of ten of the healthiest and unhealthiest foods and drinks you may see over the next couple of weeks.
The Healthiest
Green Beans and Turkey
Roasted Red Potatoes and Shrimp Cocktail
Nuts and Champagne
Pumpkin Pie and Dark Chocolate
Hot Chocolate and Red Wine
The Unhealthiest
Prime Rib and Candied Sweet Potatoes
Peanut Brittle and Spinach Dip
Egg Nog and Pigs in a Blanket
Mashed Potatoes and Pecan Pie
White Russian and Peppermint White Mocha
The Top 10 Healthiest Foods & Drinks
(1) Green beans
Green beans are one of the healthiest foods you can eat during the holidays. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, manganese, dietary fiber, potassium, folate and iron.
One cup of fresh green beans provides 25% of the daily value a person needs of vitamin K - which is essential to prevent calcium loss in bones.
The best way to prepare beans for a holiday dinner is to boil or steam them and not cover them in butter which only adds fat and calories.
If you must make your favorite green bean casserole, prepare the dish using fat-free cream of mushroom soup, light butter and low-fat cheese. You will enjoy the same great taste without all the guilt.
(2) Turkey
The traditional food of Thanksgiving, turkey, is a food you should enjoy - with a caveat.
The health benefits of turkey cannot be denied. Just four ounces contains 32 grams of protein - 65% of the recommended daily value. Turkey also is a good source of selenium, niacin and vitamin B6.
When you do eat turkey, stick to skinless meat only. Half of the fat in turkey is located in the skin. Also, dark meat is higher in fat than light meat. And try not to drown it in gravy.
CONTINUED: Roasted red potatoes and shrimp cocktail
