The Healthy Secrets of Thanksgiving Foods

Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie?

Winner: Pumpkin

While heart-healthy pecans are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin E, the typical pecan pie is made with a lot of sugar (in the form of pure corn syrup). A sweet slice of it will raise your blood sugar levels, making it more likely you will store calories from the pie as fat and your stomach will empty faster, leading to a crash (a.k.a., your traditional Thanksgiving nap). Your better choice is pumpkin pie, made with beta-carotene– and fiber-rich pumpkin puree combined with spices and milk. Swap in regular or low-fat milk for condensed, and you can lower the caloric content. And milk offers a little protein finish to the meal, which will help you feel fuller longer (so you won’t make a midnight snack out of leftovers) and help keep your blood sugar from spiking.