A healthy look at Thanksgiving
To the Editor:
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and many Americans are rushing to pull together the perfect meal.
As a dietitian, I want to offer tips for how to create a memorable -- and healthful -- feast.
The secret is forgoing the turkey -- and instead filling your table with a lentil roast, stuffed with winter squash, or perhaps a soy- or wheat-based "turkey," and the usual vegetable sides.
Studies show that people who eat more plant-based foods are healthier and feel better all around.
Vegetarians have significantly lower blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, blood sugar and triglycerides, compared with non-vegetarians, according to a recent study published in Diabetes Care.
You'll be surprised by how open your guests will be to a table filled with fresh vegetables and creative, healthful twists on the worn-out Thanksgiving foods that left everyone feeling ill.
Give your family members an extra reason to be thankful this year -- a meal that satisfies the taste buds without leaving them feeling overloaded and sick.
Sincerely,
Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.,
Director of Nutrition Education,
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,
Washington, D.C.