Brooke Stafford: Guest Blogger

It's almost 2012 so why not start the year off eating healthy foods? Love your mind body and soul equally. Enjoy this week's guest blog from Brooke Stafford.

10 Holiday Foods That are Good for You
by Brooke Stafford

As you know, there are many topics to be tackled both on this blog and abroad. In that spirit, we thought we would share some timely tips for the holiday season. Which means it’s that time again. Time to attend the numerous holiday feasts, pack on the pounds, and then swear you’ll lose it all on New Year. However, did you know that not all holiday foods are calorie killers? To help, we have gathered a list of just ten holiday foods that can be good for you.

1. Turkey – The staple of any holiday feast, that holiday turkey is not the diet faux pas it is made to be. It is essentially poultry that is often baked. It contains lots of protein, little fat, and good old tryptophan for better sleep. Avoid gravy, stuffing, or fried turkey.

2. Sweet potato – Did you know that in some parts of the world, tribesman eat sweet potato to help with fertility issues? Although it might not be a scientific cure for infertility, sweet potatoes or yams are high in beta-carotene, an essential vitamin. They also have loads of other nutrients and are best when prepared simply.

3. Cranberry sauce – Not all condiments are bad. It is low in fat, has tons of Vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants. Although preparing your own fresh is better, the canned non-fructose kind is still a good choice.

4. Hot chocolate – That favorite, comforting winter beverage doesn’t have to be denied. A hot chocolate that is made with natural chocolate and organically can actually be good for you. Chocolate in its natural form has antioxidants and other essential nutrients. If it is made with hot water instead of whole milk or cream, it is also low in calories.

5. Hard cheeses – The cheese platter is often a holiday staple. However, there are many kinds of cheeses that are high in calcium, low in fat, and are outright delicious. A good tip is to stick to the harder cheeses and avoid the spreadable ones.

6. Green beans – Is someone brining a green bean casserole to the next holiday dinner? It isn’t a bad idea to have some. Green beans are low in calories, high in numerous vitamins, and can help protect bones. Avoid casseroles with heavy cream sauces and/or loads of breading.

7. Chestnuts – Whether roasted or the old fashioned way, chestnuts are an excellent source of manganese, copper, and a good source of magnesium. They are also lower in fat than many other nuts.

8. Pumpkin – If you have to eat a dessert on the holidays, try this one. Pumpkins are high in carotenoids, potassium, and fiber. Try and stick to pies made with sugar alternatives, and eat as little of the crust as possible.

9. Cinnamon – The spice is often associated with the holidays. However, it has also been known as a super spice. It has been said to lower blood sugar, improve diabetes, and even help combat bacterial infections. Try sweetening your coffee, tea, or other treat with cinnamon instead of sugar for the holidays.

10. Red wine – Because holidays and drinking go hand in hand, try this healthy alternative to egg nog. A glass of red wine has only 80 calories, compared to 360 for egg nog. Red wine can also be good for the heart.

Brooke Stafford is a nursing practitioner student and also writes for Family Nurse Practitioner Degrees. The site helps students find the right nurse practitioner degree to fit their needs.