Healthy Secrets of Holiday Foods

Load up on vitamin A, fiber, and vitamin C with sweet potatoes. Their rich orange color, sweet taste, and creamy texture rank them among our favorite holiday foods.

Packed with disease-fighting vitamin A, a slice of pumpkin pie may be just what the doctor ordered.


If you go for a second helping of cranberry sauce, you'll receive a boost in fiber. A 1/2 cup serving contains 6 percent of your daily requirements.


No need to shy away from the spiced pecans bowl during the holidays. It may help you fend off a cold. One ounce provides 10 percent of your daily zinc recommendation, a disease-fighting antioxidant.

Fill up on a protein-rich food like turkey (sans skin) to keep you full and satiated. A three-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast has about 120 calories and one gram of fat.

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of trace minerals, chestnuts, unlike other nuts, are low in fat. One-half cup of brussels sprouts packs a whopping dose of vitamin C.

Oysters are a top source of both vitamin B12 and zinc, so don't leave them out of your holiday recipes. If you're looking for holiday ideas, serve oysters as an appetizer.

Boil, steam, or roast green beans for a quick and healthy preparation. Make sure to keep the added butter and cream-sauce to a minimum. Green beans provide loads of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, and iron.