4 Least Healthy and 4 Most Healthy Foods For the Holidays

During the holidays, it is easy to make bad nutritional choices at a relative’s home or at a restaurant’s buffet. It is important to enjoy the holidays with the fantastic main or side dishes that are available, and you will also want to enjoy tasty desserts. However, it is easy to gain weight throughout the holidays, and if you have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus, then you must use caution while selecting foods. Here is a list of the least and most healthy foods that are served at holiday meals. 

Food 1: Baked Turkey Is Nutritious

Turkey is a nutritious food that is full of protein, and if you don’t cook it in oil, then it is also low in fat. This delicious poultry also contains phosphorus, potassium, iron, vitamin B and zinc. The best way to cook turkey is by baking or roasting methods rather than deep-frying it. 

Food 2: Pecan Pie Is High In Sugar

While pecan pie is full of nuts that have protein, it is one of the least healthy foods during the holidays. This is because this dessert has a lot of sugar in its ingredients that include honey, maple syrup, molasses or brown sugar. Pecan pie is also made with several eggs and large amounts of butter, making this dessert high in fat. 

Food 3: Green Bean Casserole Contains Nutrients

Green bean casserole is a favorite vegetable dish during the holidays, and it has several nutrients that your body requires for optimal health. This side dish contains delicious green beans along with mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce and breaded onion rings. 

Food 4: Gravy Is High In Fat

If you enjoy pouring gravy on your mashed potatoes and stuffing, then you should know that this food is high in fat and low in nutrients. Gravy is made using the fatty juices from meats such as turkey, and this liquid is mixed with cornstarch or flour. 

Food 5: Mashed Potatoes Contain Vitamins and Minerals

Potatoes contain minerals and vitamins, but it is possible to ruin this food with the wrong recipe. Some of the nutrients in potatoes include vitamin C and B along with calcium and iron. Use low-fat milk while making mashed potatoes to reduce the calories in this food. 

Food 6: Fudge Has a Lot Of Sugar and Fat

Fudge is delicious, but one small piece is filled with fat and sugar. This holiday dessert is made with butter, whole milk and sugar along with chocolate or peanut butter morsels. 

Food 7: Nutritious Brussels Sprouts

Many holiday buffets include Brussels sprouts that contain nutrients such as calcium along with vitamins C and A. These tiny cabbages are easy to prepare with a roasting or boiling method, and you can sprinkle herbs or seasonings on this vegetable.

Food 8: Turkey Stuffing 

Traditional holiday stuffing is often cooked inside a turkey’s cavity, and this is what makes this one of the least healthy foods. The dry pieces of bread in stuffing will absorb the fat from the turkey, making this side dish high in calories. 

4 Foods that Help Digestion

Before you reach for a laxative the next time you are feeling constipated or bloated, consider changing your diet to include these four foods that are known to improve overall digestion. The below food options are low in calories and allow your body to digest food more efficiently. Instead of taking a pill when you are having difficulty with digestion, you can make permanent changes to your diet that will support a healthier lifestyle.

Chia Seeds




While these small seeds may not have a full flavor, they do wonders for your help. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds a day can reduce inflammation and aid your bowel movements. Chia seeds are also an amazing source to fulfill your daily fiber needs. When you eat foods that are high in fiber, you end up feeling fuller longer, which helps you to get a grip on snacking throughout the day.


Coconut Oil


This is a great replacement for other cooking oils because it has been shown to speed up metabolism and is a very healthy fat. Its antimicrobial properties assist with digestion and can boost your energy levels in the process. Coconut oil can be ingested directly or used as a cooking substitute.


Salmon




This is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Salmon has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health. The healthy oils and fats in salmon can help your body remove harmful toxins.


Ghee



Ghee is a clarified version of butter that can be found in most organic food aisles. Instead of backing up the digestive process, it helps to facilitate the breakdown of food and eliminates bloat by stimulating stomach acids. It is also lower in calories and unhealthy fats and stays fresh at room temperature much longer than traditional butter can.