Turkey

Luckily, the main course of this holiday is actually one of the healthiest! Compared to other meats, like steak and ham, turkey is lean and rich in protein. Turkey also provides other important vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and potassium. Both light and dark meat are good choices, though dark meat contains a bit more calories.

If you want to cook a healthy turkey dinner, skip out on preparing it with bacon, butter, and other ingredients loaded with sodium and fat. Instead, add fresh herbs, like olive oil and salt and pepper. You can also mix in other unique flavors with lemon, onions, garlic, sage, or rosemary.

Sweet Potatoes

While candied yams tend to be unhealthy, sweet potatoes offer tons of nutritional benefits for the body. Sweet potatoes contain lots of vitamin A (great for bone health), vitamin C (to fight off the winter flu), iron, potassium, and magnesium. When preparing sweet potatoes, use a minimal amount of butter and sweeteners. Roast them with a bit of maple syrup and spice it up with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These ingredients bring out the natural sweetness without the use of excessive sugar.

Green Beans and Brussels Sprouts

Generally, any green vegetable is going to be on the healthiest foods list. Green beans are a low-calorie vegetable packed with tons of flavor, fiber, and nutrients. A half-cup serving includes the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. 

Brussels sprouts are also rich in fiber and vitamin C, and they also have nutrients that help fight cancer. These crunchy vegetables taste best whether they are roasted, sautéed, or baked, and work as a great side dish to compliment the main course.

Cranberries

Fresh cranberry sauce is a classic topping that many families enjoy during the holidays, but did you know that it is incredibly beneficial for your health? Cranberries include many different antioxidants that are linked with cancer prevention. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and are known for preventing urinary tract infections.

Many recipes call for sugar to tone down the tartness of the cranberries, so try using juice instead as a healthier alternative. Many “no sugar added” cranberry sauce recipes use dates and apple cider to keep it sweet.

Pumpkin Pie

Compared to other types of pie (especially pecan pie), pumpkin pie is actually one of the healthiest options out there. If you’re baking it yourself, use cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to add sweetness without the sugar or calories. If you’re planning on buying it, many stores offer sugar-free pies and pastries. Be sure to pass on the ice cream and whipped cream topping to cut out unnecessary calories.