Health
When you think of all the foods you consume over the holidays, chances are you tend to fret and focus on the foods that put on the pounds or clog the arteries. With help from our British friends at BBC Foods, here are 10 foods that you can feel good about this holiday season.
Turkey
The big bird is high in protein and low in fat, especially the white meat—as long as you avoid the skin. Turkey is also a rich source of niacin.
Cranberries
Cranberries are high in vitamin C and a potent source of disease-fighting antioxidants. Plus, research indicates drinking cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections.
Smoked salmon
If this is on the holiday buffet, dig in. Smoked salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your heart, and it’s relatively low in calories. It’s also a good source of protein, and contains niacin, which helps turn food into energy.
Roasted potatoes
Roasting potatoes in oil adds calories, of course, but this popular vegetable is still low in saturated fat and a good source many nutrients, including potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamin B6 and folate.
Carrots
The darker the orange color, the more beta-carotene this vegetable contains. Your body turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, good for healthy skin and eyesight. They’re also high in potassium. Cooked carrots contain antioxidants that are believed to help fight diseases, including cancer.
Red cabbage
Here’s a veggie that’s high in calcium, so it helps build strong bones and teeth. It’s also a good source of folate and carotenes.
Parsnips
Parsnips contain about twice as much fiber as carrots (and twice the calories). But, as with most vegetables, they still can be considered low in calories, relatively speaking.
Brussels sprouts
The little round guys are rich in vitamin C and folate. They also contain vitamin B6 which aids in the metabolism of amino acids, the formation of red blood cells and a healthy nervous system. Sprouts also contain lutein which helps prevent clogged blood vessels that can lead to strokes and heart disease.
Mincemeat pie
Try to eat more of the fruit, and less of the pastry crust. The dried fruit in mincemeat pies contains potassium.
Christmas pudding
The dried fruit in many Christmas puddings will likely be high in potassium, and a decent source of iron and fiber.
Fudge
No, we’re kidding on this one. Go ahead and feel guilty if you eat a lot of fudge. But, hey, if it has nuts in it, those have certain health benefits!
United Way of Forsyth County works to improve lives in Forsyth and Dawson Counties by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of our citizens. They are a 20-year organization, committed to providing support and expanding programs which raise awareness of local needs and services, continually measure need priorities, facilitate the formation of partnerships and collaborations, and cultivate greater support of local providers through volunteer coordination efforts. We all know that in these tough times, some of the most basic needs go unmet. To help, United Way of Forsyth County has partnered with the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card program.
5 basic steps to remember for sprains, pulled muscles, and minor aches and pains
Avoiding injury and staying in the game