Five Dishes at Thanksgiving to Give "Thanks" For....

1 – Butternut Squash

The longer a squash grows, the sweeter it becomes. It is rich in Complex Carbohydrates—the slow-release kind—so your blood sugar doesn’t spike. It’s high in Beta Carotene, Vitamin C and is so very kind to help hydrate your skin during the winter months!

2 – Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a LOW calorie food with a high level of vitamins and essential minerals (aka they’re nutrient dense!).  The different varieties contain varying amounts of: Calcium, Magnesium, B Vitamins, Potassium, Selenium and Copper.

3 – Cranberries

Loaded with antioxidants (*second to the blueberry!), high in Vitamin C and Fiber, this superfood is only 45 calories per cup! In fact, its antioxidant-fighting capacity beats out spinach, broccoli, raspberries and cherries.  So much from so little!

4 – Fish & Shellfish

Wait, the Feast of the Seven Fishes isn’t until Christmas! Well, New England’s Thanksgiving Day celebration only started incorporating turkey in 1857. Before that, it was comprised of a large assortment of all New England has to offer—including seafood! Most fish and shellfish have a wide variety of nutrients: the B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Potassium, Selenium (a mineral and major antioxidant) Iron and Zinc.

5 – Turkey

When you fall asleep Thanksgiving night, your body will be psyched about all the low-fat, high-quality protein you just ate… not to mention all the Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus, Potassium and B Vitamins. In fact, all you have to eat is a 2-3 ounce portion (about the size of a half a deck of cards). But, let’s be serious, who eats that little turkey? NO ONE! (Nicely done!)

Imagine… ALL of these fabulous, body-nurturing benefits… offered up in just one meal! Now doesn’t that give you something to be Thankful for?