Some foods may surprise you!
Cranberry Sauce (Unsweetened)
Cranberries spell trouble for bacteria that cause most urinary tract infections. If you like sweet cranberries, add a minimal amount of sugar or artificial sweetener.
Applesauce and Apples
Heart-healthy fiber does indeed keep the doctor away. Look for unsweetened applesauce to get the fiber without the sugar. Bake apples with the skin to get a potent flavonoid called quercitin, which helps prevent heart disease.
Cheese
You get the most bone-building calcium and protein from hard cheeses
Dark Chocolate
Seventy percent dark chocolate contains the most flavonols—helpful plant substances that help decrease cholesterol.
Green Beans
Naturally low in calories, string beans are loaded with vitamin K, which helps protect your bones. Also, a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. But skip heavy sauces with this veggie. Try beans lightly tossed with olive oil and lemon.
Nuts
Nuts are chock-full of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Pumpkin Pie
This rich orange vegetable contains carotenoids for making vitamin A in the body and fighting free radicals. Pumpkin is also a good source of potassium and fiber. Beware: Most pies are loaded with sugar. Use artificial sweetener instead of sugar for a lower calorie dessert.
Yams/Sweet Potatoes
Yams offer carotenoids, potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Candied yams are high in sugar. Bake with a bit of brown sugar, or with artificial sweetener, for the taste without the calories.
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Knowing the calorie counts of holiday foods may stop you from reaching for another ladle of gravy, a second piece of cheesecake or another cup of egg nog.
Egg nog with alcohol, 1 cup = 360 calories
Gravy, 1/4 cup = 47 calories
Pecan pie, 1/8 of 9-inch pie = 503 calories
Pumpkin pie, 1/8 of 9-inch pie = 204 calories
Cheesecake, 1/6 of cake = 257 calories
Cheddar cheese, 1 ounce = 114 calories
Snack chips, 1 ounce = 138 calories
Sugar cookies, 2 small = 132 calories
Hershey Kisses, 9 pieces = 230 calories
Fudge, 1 ounce = 140 calories
Potato latke, 1 medium = 257 calories
Stuffing, 1/2 cup = 179 calories
Mixed nuts, 1 ounce = 175 calories
Mashed potatoes (made with milk and butter), 1 cup = 238 calories
CREDIT:
From the amazing oprah.com.
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