On Thanksgiving Day, a majority of Americans, including those on dieting programs, overindulge in eating and drinking. In fact, a survey by Rice University suggests that Thanksgiving should be termed the national “cheat day” following the unhealthy eating habits that happen on this holiday. The bad news is that unhealthy foods like fast foods may cause health effects such as, indigestion, excessive weight gain, and in the long run, cardiovascular diseases, as reported by the American Heart Association (AHA). To be on the safe side during Thanksgiving, check these healthy Thanksgiving recipes with nutrition facts and try them out.
1. Slow-Cooked Green Beans with Harissa and Cumin
If you are on a weight loss regimen, consider adding green beans to your Thanksgiving menu. This is because green beans are low-calorie legumes, with one cup of raw green beans having about 30 calories, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, green beans contain high amounts of vitamins C and K, silicon, folate, and fiber, which aids in digestion. Equally important, harissa and cumin are rich in antioxidants, reducing your risk of heart disease and enhancing weight loss.
2. Rosemary Roasted Vegetables
Generally, you can never go wrong with rosemary-spiced vegetables on your Thanksgiving table, more so if you’re vegan. More specifically, rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are perfect for enhancing blood circulation, as reported by Medical News Today. Apart from the sweet aroma that comes from this herb, rosemary also helps to prevent indigestion, allowing you to enjoy your Thanksgiving meals. On the other hand, this recipe gives you the freedom to mix all the vegetables you wish, including, among others, shallots, carrots, and potatoes.
3. Seedy Oat Crackers
There’s probably nothing more enjoyable than a plate of different types of crunchy seeds. To give you an idea, oats and seeds are a great source of fiber, which is a key nutrient in aiding digestion. Besides, fiber makes you feel full longer, lowering the chances of overeating on Thanksgiving Day, as per the U.S. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To prepare this, you can use seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and poppy seeds. Mixed with some Marple syrup and a cup of oats, this will make a healthy yet tasty Thanksgiving dessert.
4. Braised Turkey Legs
Virtually every household in the U.S. eats turkey on Thanksgiving Day. To give you an idea, Americans consume about 46 million turkeys every Thanksgiving, as per the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association. That said, this recipe is perfect for a healthy turkey dinner for a small family as it only involves cooking turkey legs in a little oil and some white wine.
Use these healthy Thanksgiving recipes to prepare healthy and delicious Thanksgiving meals, allowing you to remain healthy long after Thanksgiving. Are you looking for assistance with your insurance ahead of this coming Thanksgiving? If so, then contact the experts at Duane Weber Insurance, Inc. in Kent, Washington. Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your coverage needs today.