Excuse me, there is a myth in my gravy.
Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, the same rumors and myths circulate about the holiday. From turkey making you tired to cranberry sauce being healthy, it can be hard to know what to believe. This year, set the record straight with your friends and family by busting these myths wide open.
Turkey Makes You Tired
It's a common belief that turkey makes you tired because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is known to induce sleepiness. However, the truth is that turkey contains only small amounts of tryptophan compared to other foods like chicken or cheese. So if you find yourself nodding off after your Thanksgiving feast, it's more likely due to overeating or drinking alcohol than it is the tryptophan in the turkey.
Cranberry Sauce is Healthy
Cranberry sauce is often lauded as a healthy Thanksgiving food because it contains antioxidants and is low in calories. However, most commercially-produced cranberry sauces are loaded with sugar, which negates any health benefits the cranberries might provide. If you're looking for a healthier cranberry sauce option, try making your own at home with fresh or frozen cranberries, water, and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Fresh Pumpkin is Healthier Than Canned
Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich food that contains vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. However, there's no difference in nutrition whether you use fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin in your recipes. Canned pumpkin is actually more convenient because it's already peeled and cut into pieces, so all you have to do is open the can and add it to your recipe. Plus, canned pumpkin has a longer shelf life than fresh pumpkin, so you can always have some on hand for baking emergencies.
Thanksgiving Will Ruin Your Diet
Thanksgiving is often seen as a diet-buster of a holiday because of all the rich food that's typically served. However, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without completely blowing your diet. Start by filling your plate with mostly vegetables instead of heavy dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing. And if you do indulge in a slice of pie or two, balance it out by eating lighter meals earlier in the day or spending extra time at the gym the next day.
This Thanksgiving, don't let common myths ruin your holiday feast. Turkey won't make you tired, cranberry sauce isn't necessarily healthy, fresh pumpkin isn't any better than canned pumpkin, and Thanksgiving won't ruin your diet if you're smart about what you eat. Enjoy your holiday!
