Preparing a healthful thanksgiving feast.

• Position: Your Life - Brief Article

To prepare a festive Thanksgiving meal which bolsters health and weight goals instead of undermining them, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends more plant-based than animal-based food at both the cooking and serving stages. In the pot and on the plate, a healthy, holiday proportion is two-thirds (or more) vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans to one-third (or less) animal protein.

According to Melanie Polk, Director of Nutrition Education, AICR, "With a few simple cooking techniques, traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be made more health protective, more moderate in fat and calories, and still great tasting. Instead of preparing a stuffing with sausage or turkey giblets, increase the proportion of plant-based foods by using dried fruits--apples or apricots, for instance--and chestnuts or other nuts. They provide great flavor and crunchy texture, plus antioxidants and other substances that protect against cancer and other chronic diseases."

Sweet potatoes are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, but their natural rich taste is frequently overwhelmed in traditional holiday dishes by excessive...