1. Nothing good can come from eating that slice of pie.
False. A slice of pumpkin pie can give you half your daily requirement of vitamin A, as well as 3 to 5 grams of fiber, which can lower cholesterol, blood pressure and even your risk of diabetes. Sure, a slice of pecan pie is full of fat, but it’s heart-healthy unsaturated fat. The pecan pie also has 3 grams of fiber, and 20 percent of your daily requirement of selenium, a mineral that’s been shown to lower the risk of lung, colon and prostate cancer.
2. Stuffing can be part of a healthy holiday meal.
True. Stuffing is rich in antioxidants, especially if you make it with dark breads such as wheat or pumpernickel. Throw in some oysters, and you’ll be getting your daily allowances of B-12 and zinc, and most of your daily iron requirement, too.
3. You can get something healthy out of those scrumptious potatoes.
True. Even when drowning in marshmallows and sugary sauce, a medium-sized sweet potato can give you three times your daily requirement of vitamin A and almost half your daily requirement of vitamin C, as well as that all-important fiber. Mashed potatoes are also full of fiber, and the milk or cream used to make them so creamy and dreamy will give your calcium requirements a real boost.
4. Giving in to all that tempting food will destroy your diet.
False. You can indulge – but in moderation. Don’t deny yourself a small taste of your favorite holiday foods, and you’ll keep yourself from feeling deprived, thus preventing a binge later when your hunger and frustration catch up with you.
