Death By Turkey: How Our Holidays are Killing Us
I could have named the line-up by the time I was a teenager: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and gravy, pumpkin pie, and that one dish that Grandma refused to share the recipe for. Every year, we’d eat until our bellies were full, and settle into cozy spots on the couch for a lazy afternoon. Of course we were unable to eat everything we’d made, so we’d store it away and enjoy turkey sandwiches and other leftover meals for the rest of the week. Once again, the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, and we are frantically preparing to make our meals.
The American holiday of Thanksgiving began as an appreciation of bounty, and as a celebration of all the pilgrims had enjoyed during their time of hardship. They invited the natives who had taught them so much about farming in the new land. We still celebrate the tradition of feasting during the Thanksgiving holiday, but is it excessive? Are our meals causing us, or our parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and children, undue health hazards?
Undoubtedly, most Americans (myself included) will be sharing their meal with someone in the family who suffers from diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or one of many other health conditions. For once, let’s join their side and help them in their battle by refusing to prepare meals that contain twice the daily recommended levels of fat, sodium, or calories! Choose healthy substitutions without loosing flavor by cooking with natural sugar substitutes (Sweet N Low, Sun Crystals, or Truvia), using low-fat butter, and skipping the marshmallows on the yams.
Your family’s hearts will thank you.