Hot take: Thanksgiving leftovers are better than the feast itself. That said, if you're trying to get back to focusing on your health goals before Cyber Monday, it's helpful to know how common holiday leftovers affect your health."Traditional Thanksgiving food can be very calorie-dense, which is usually fine for a day of celebration, but not the best to make a habit of it," shares Dr. Michael Richardson, MD, a family physician. "When it comes to leftovers, you don't need to recreate the Thanksgiving feast. Instead, try to use the components to make healthier dishes."One specific Thanksgiving leftover can actually boost your health—and it may surprise you. Scroll on for how this cherished Thanksgiving food is something to celebrate on Black Friday and beyond, plus how to keep it on the healthy side. ?SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self?
The Thanksgiving Leftover That’s Good for Your Health
Protein is having a macro-moment, but it's important. Turkey is an excellent source, with a 3-oz. serving of whole turkey breast without the skin containing more than 25 grams of protein.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis, notes that choosing skinless white meat is the lowest-fat option for turkey. He shares that going this route is a great way to support your heart health when enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers.
Skinless roasted turkey contains fewer than one gram of saturated fat per 3-oz. serving, while dark meat with skin has more (2.49 grams of saturated fat per 3-oz. serving).
2. You'll manage blood sugar
Additionally, Dr. Dasgupta notes that the protein in turkey can support muscle mass growth and maintenance. Our muscles can help support healthy blood sugar levels and aid in preventing or managing Type 2 diabetes. Plus, Dr. Dasgupta notes that protein keeps you fuller for longer, so you're less likely to chow down on sugar-loaded snacks that could spike your glucose.
"Turkey is also a great source of tryptophan, which is necessary for the body to make serotonin and melatonin, which are important for mood and sleep, respectively," May shares.
Now, turkey isn't a magic food for depression, anxiety or sleep troubles, for that matter—despite the longstanding rumors on the third one. The American Heart Association notes that it's unlikely that a 3-oz. serving of turkey is responsible for your need for a post-dinner nap.
3. You'll support your whole body
Tryptophan can also convert into niacin compounds (vitamin B3).
Thanksgiving inconveniently falls toward the beginning of cold and flu season, but turkey might give you a natural assist.
5. You'll break out of a diet rut
If variety is the spice of life, turkey sure does deliver, regardless of what you season it with.
Related: The One Food Nutritionists Say Can Help Shorten a Cold
Related: Wait—What Happens if You Eat Expired Food?
How To Keep Leftover Turkey Healthy
Mind the sauce. Dr. Richardson encourages being mindful of all the extra sauces (such as cranberry sauce) used when eating leftover turkey, as they can add calories, added sugar and fat.Pair it with veggies. "Just" leftover turkey may feel bland. "Add vegetables, like tomatoes, greens and peppers, for more flavor and health benefits," Dr. Richardson shares.Opt for whole grains. Instead of mashed potatoes, Dr. Dasgupta suggests opting for whole-wheat bread or brown rice for fiber and nutrients.
Related: This Is Hands-Down the Best High-Protein Snack for Weight Loss, According to Registered Dietitians
If you're making actual turkey salad: "When turning it into a turkey salad with mayonnaise, use something like avocado mayonnaise and eat over a salad or with vegetable crudites instead of traditional," Tom says.
Up Next:
Related: Cardiologists Say These 7 Fall Comfort Foods Are Surprisingly Good for Your Heart
Sources:
Dr. Michael Richardson, MD, a family physicianMay Tom, RD, a functional medicine dietitian Medicine DieticianDr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for SleepopolisTurkey, whole, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted. FoodData Central.Saturated Fat. American Heart Association.Turkey, whole, dark meat, meat and skin, cooked, roasted. FoodData CentralImpact of muscle mass on blood glucose level. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology.Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis. Nutrients.The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Nutrition Reviews.The Immunomodulatory Effects of Selenium: A Journey from the Environment to the Human Immune System. Nutrients.Hence then, the article about the leftover that can actually boost your health after thanksgiving was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The Leftover That Can Actually Boost Your Health After Thanksgiving )
Also on site :