Your Health

Healthy festive foods

Cranberries

Cranberries are full of vitamin C and fibre. They also contain the antioxidant proanthocyanidins, which can prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract sometimes causing urinary tract infections.

Green Beans

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin C and are no doubt one of the healthiest holiday foods around. They are a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, folate, vitamin A and iron. The traditional green bean casserole is rather high in calories from the butter, cream of mushroom soup and cheese it's made with. A healthier way of making this dish would be to use lower-fat cream of mushroom soup and less butter and cheese.

Turkey

It's not a holiday meal without the turkey! Turkey is an excellent source of protein. Compared to other meats, turkey has the least amount of fat per serving - if you pass on the skin. Roasted turkey with the skin has 10 grams of fat per 3-ounce serving, while removing the skin saves you half the fat (and calories).

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are nutritional all-stars that have a natural sweetness that intensifies during cooking. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and are an excellent source of potassium. If you eat the skin (unlike the turkey skin) you will increase the fibre.

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	About Wave Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books. Read the Nov. / Dec. 2009 issue of Wave