Holiday Foods on the Naughty List

Naughty: Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritious vegetables out there. They’ve got vitamins A and C, plus a dose of calcium and potassium. But they’re often served in a decidedly unhealthy fashion – casseroles made with marshmallows, butter, and loads of sugar.

Nice: How’s this for a compromise? Leave out the butter and cut the sugar in half, and keep the marshmallows. This will shave calories and fat, not taste.

Naughty: Turkey Skin

The skin of turkey and chicken is loaded with saturated fat. Per gram, saturated fats are higher in calories than protein or carbs, and they contribute to high cholesterol. Another no-no is the dark meat, which has more fat per bite than white meat.

Nice: Serve yourself turkey breast or other white meat without the skin.

Naughty: Pecan Pie

Although pecans are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, pecan pie is a minefield of sugar and calories. A typical slice of pecan pie has 500 to 800 calories. That’s because it’s usually made with oodles of corn syrup, butter, and sugar.

Nice: Nibble on a bowl of mixed nuts instead. If you can’t resist the pie, opt for a very small slice and don’t eat the crust.

Remember there's always a substitute for the different foods we would love to have, we just need to compromise.