Guilt Be Gone! Choose These Holiday Superfoods

When it comes to trying to eat healthy during the holidays, many people simply give up, thinking, "What's the use? It's all bad."  

Not so!  Some of the traditional holiday fare we are used to seeing grace the Christmas table are surprisingly healthy.  

Turkey  
It's really too bad many of us only eat turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  This delicious and affordable main dish is tremendously healthy.  

Dr. Michelle Braude, founder of the diet plan "The Food Effect," tells The Daily Mail, "Turkey breast is even leaner and lower in calories than chicken breast, and is a great source of high-quality protein, as well as being naturally low in fat, especially once the skin is removed," adding, "Turkey is also rich in B vitamins, (important for brain health and energy production), zinc and selenium (essential for the immune system).

Furthermore, the festive bird is high in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps to boost mood and improve sleep.'

Salmon  
This incredibly healthy fish is often served smoked or broiled.  It's arguably the healthiest of all seafood choices because it's rich in valuable Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is also a protein, so it helps build muscle and keeps us feeling full longer and helps stabilize blood sugar.  Salmon is loaded with Vitamin B-12, iron, potassium, selenium, phosphorus and niacin. 

Avocados  
This incredibly healthy food is often paired with salmon as a holiday party appetizer and can be found in guacamole dip and salads.  Avocados are classified as healthy fats, so they help keep you feeling satisfied.  Dr. Braude says, "Avocados have been shown to help lower blood pressure, and are extremely good for your heart. They have been shown to improve "bad" LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease in people who are overweight and obese. Avocados also help keep your skin, nails and hair healthy.'

Cranberries  
This amazing superfood is extremely high in cancer-fighting antioxidants.  Unfortunately, on their own, cranberries are very bitter tasting.  Therefore, we typically add sugar to them to create that amazing flavor we all love.  

Try to add as little sugar as possible to your cranberry dishes by starting with only half of the sugar your recipe calls for.  

Dr. Braude says,  "As well as being a good source of digestion-aiding fiber, they're loaded with immune-boosting vitamin C, and antioxidants linked with helping ward off cancer and heart disease."  She said the health benefits don't stop there, adding, " Several studies have identified links between consuming cranberries and reduced risks of heart disease and breast cancer.

Cranberries also contain compounds that are able to alter E. coli bacteria in ways that render them unable to cause infection."

Potatoes  
Sweet potatoes have long been linked with longevity and contain beta-carotene which supports eye health, helps prevent cancer and slows down cell aging.  But even the much maligned white potato contains valuable nutrients.

Dr. Braude says white potatoes have gotten a bad reputation for no reason, "Potatoes are actually very good for you – they're packed with vitamin B6, which promotes healthy hair and skin, as well as playing a key role in supporting countless body function systems, immune-boosting Vitamin C, and the essential electrolyte potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and maintains a healthy heart and nervous system." 

Potatoes are also naturally virtually fat-free (before they're roasted in oil or fat). If you roast your potatoes using olive oil instead of butter or goose fat, you'll be gaining further health benefits from the heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Furthermore, the skins are rich in phytonutrients such as flavonoids which can help to prevent heart disease.

"Mashed potatoes can be made with half fat crème fraiche instead of butter or cream, saving you a huge amount of fat and calories. A simple baked potato is also a delicious healthy option. Instead of slathering your potato in butter, try a spoonful or two of half-fat sour cream or crème fraiche mixed with chopped chives," he said.