Time to talk turkey!
Nothing quite compares to the traditional Thanksgiving meal: a large roasted turkey surrounded by mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more delicious side dishes. While we want to taste everything, sometimes these sides pack on the calories, so just a few bites should suffice. However, if there is one thing you shouldn’t feel guilty about piling on, it’s the turkey! While the bird may appear a little on the fatty side, a huge advantage of turkey is that you can trim most of that fat right off. And if you decide to skip the skin and stick to white meat, you are eating a low-fat source of protein. Turkey is also an excellent source of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Our bodies cannot synthesize tryptophan on their own, but it is required for many important biological pathways. Therefore we must get it from our diet – so eat that turkey! Research shows that turkey can help keep sugar levels steady following a meal. Unlike mashed potatoes or stuffing, turkey keeps your blood sugar from skyrocketing! So, if there is one thing to have seconds of this Thanksgiving, make it the turkey! And now for dessert…
Pumpkin Pie Anyone??
Who can resist the spice and sweetness of a big slice of pumpkin pie following your turkey feast? I bet you would think twice if you knew that one slice of pumpkin pie can set you back 465 calories and 25g of fat! Don’t toss your cans of pumpkin just yet. Pumpkin is loaded with carotenoids and beta-carotene that help prevent heart disease, prostate cancer and protect your eyesight! Choosing a Keebler Graham Ready Crust instead of a Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust saves you 16g fat! Try this low calorie version of a holiday favorite:
Ingredients:
- 1 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 1.5-ounce box of Jell-O Instant Vanilla Sugar Free Pudding Mix
- 3 cups cold non-fat milk
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 pre-made graham cracker piecrust
Directions:
In a medium-mixing bowl add Jell-O Pudding mix and milk. Whisk to mix well and then add the can of pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Whisk again until smooth and mixed well. Immediately pour into pre-made graham cracker pie crust, and refrigerate until chilled and set. Top with cool whip lite just before serving.
Number of servings: 13
Nutritional Info in 1 serving:
Calories: 110 Fat: 3g Carbs: 16g
