It's the busy holiday season and important to remember to treat yourself, family and friends with kindness and good will. One of the ways you can share the sentiment is to prepare wholesome meals that offer the promise of good health for the coming year.
The notion that Indians and Pilgrims gave any thought to how many grams of fiber were in their acorn squash is highly doubtful. Today's cooks, however, can include plenty of high fiber foods and not change tradition one bite. Your dinner guests would be amazed to learn how their filled plates are significantly high in fiber. Much of the meal defines great sources of fiber-rich foods. No reason to look upon holiday meals as the enemy of your diet.
Just by keeping in mind the new food pyramid guidelines, the important role of dietary fiber is easily maximized. Portion the meal into thirds. Vegetables and fruits can cover at least a third of your plate, whole grain breads (even the stuffing can be grain-based) and starches take up the next third, followed by some lean cuts of lowfat turkey. Cannot forget dessert, can you? Pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie are surprisingly rich in fiber.
Serve fresh fruits such as apples and pears which are a great source of pectin, a type of fiber which helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Cranberries, typically included in the holiday meal, also contain a high amount of pectin as do carrots and grapes. These high fiber foods help regulate proper bowel function and may protect against colon cancer.
Celebrate the season by making mother nature's bountiful harvest the star of your holiday meals. If you must make a resolution for the new year, try including more fiber in your dietary goals. After all, it's not so much counting grams of fiber, but counting on fiber for everyday health benefits.
by Stephanie Shank
High-Fiber-Health
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