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Healthy Secrets of Holiday Foods

Healthy Secrets of Holiday Foods

Updated December 14, 2007

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John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Your average pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole are loaded with nutrition benefits. Here's why you should dig in.

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Butter-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Butter-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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.

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Spiced Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Spiced Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Recipe

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

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Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish

Credit: Ellen Silverman; Styling: Toni Brogan

Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish Recipe

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.

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Asian-Spiced Pecans

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Leigh Ann Ross

Asian-Spiced Pecans Recipe

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.

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Dry-Cured Rosemary Turkey

Credit: Monica Buck

Dry-Cured Rosemary Turkey Recipe

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.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots Recipe

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.

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Oysters Chesapeake

Credit: Randy Mayor

Oysters Chesapeake Recipe

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.

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Green Beans with Toasted Garlic

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Green Beans with Toasted Garlic Recipe

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.

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Healthy Secrets of Holiday Foods