Holiday Dinner Superfoods

There’s nothing that we love more than sharing a delicious holiday meal with family and friends. Between classic family recipes and holiday dessert staples, it can be easy to lose sight of our health goals though. That being said, there are actually incredibly nutritious foods on your holiday dinner table that you shouldn’t overlook. Check out these delicious holiday dinners.

Superfoods that are sure to keep you feeling full, happy, and healthy.

Turkey

Turkey is a holiday classic. Not only is this bird big enough to feed the whole family, but it is also one of the most nutritious dishes that you will find at a holiday dinner party. Not only is skinless, roasted, white turkey low calorie, but it is also low in saturated fats and total fat content. Turkey, which is high in vitamins B6, B12, and zinc, has less cholesterol than the alternatives to ham or beef. Additionally, a serving of turkey can make up fifty percent of the recommended daily average for folic acid. If you’re looking for a dish that is low in calories but high in protein, then you really can’t overlook a classic holiday turkey.

Cranberries

Cranberries are a staple of the holiday season. From fall through winter, cranberries are a must-have at your holiday dinner table. Cranberries are native to North America and these sour berries make the perfect addition to every plate you fix. They are packed full of fiber and they are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E as well as vitamin K1 which plays an instrumental role in your cardiovascular system. Additionally, cranberries are a great source of fiber which will help you digest your holiday meal. A quarter-cup of raw cranberries only contains 11 calories, so go ahead and eat up!

Pumpkin

Another excellent holiday superfood that you shouldn’t overlook is pumpkin. Pumpkins aren’t just a seasonal food to be enjoyed through Thanksgiving, this winter squash can be enjoyed all winter long. Pumpkins are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene which can help reduce the risk of cancer-causing free radicals. Additionally, pumpkins are packed full of fiber, which is great for weight loss. Not only will the fiber keep you full, but it will also help you digest your food and promote weight loss.

Pumpkins are also a great source of vitamins A and C! So much so that a cup of cooked pumpkin accounts for over 200% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

Sweet Potato

Regardless of how they are prepared, whether it be boiled, oven-roasted, or turned into delicious yams. Sweet potatoes are a holiday superfood staple! Much like the other orange vegetable on this list, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene which is known to help reduce free radicals in the body. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of fiber while still being low-calorie!

Sweet potatoes are also a great source of vitamin A and anthocyanin. Which is beneficial to anyone looking to improve their eyesight!

These sweet orange root vegetables have also been found to help lower blood pressure. Which can if unchecked can lead to type 2 diabetes.