Top 5 Holiday Foods That Are Bad For Your Health
Holidays are wonderful, but holiday food isn’t always good for you.
THE STORY: It’s the holiday season! That means time spent with family and friends, plus a plethora of holiday foods. Who else is excited?
However, for some, holidays can be a bit more difficult - at least when it comes to the food part. If you’re dealing with health issues such as diabetes or hypertension, there are several foods it’s better for you to avoid.
TOP 5 BAD HOLIDAY FOODS:
The top five foods you should avoid if you have hypertension or diabetes are:
1. Pumpkin pie - We know. Not having pumpkin pie (especially at Thanksgiving) is a bummer! But the pie’s crust, along with the levels of butter and sugar involved, makes it a danger to your blood sugar levels. And for those with hypertension, consider that the average slice of pumpkin pie contains approximately 450 mg of sodium! If you simply must have the pie, split a slice with someone.
2. Alcohol - Alcohol raises blood pressure, damages blood vessel walls, plus has high amounts of sugar. We recommend sticking to a single glass.
3. Mashed potatoes - Did you know potatoes have twice the glucose of plain table sugar? Yikes! Plus, add in butter, salt, and gravy, and mashed potatoes are just bad all around for your health. Instead, why not go with veggies with a dip that’s low in fat?
4. Canned veggies/soups - Foods that are canned, unfortunately, can contain an overabundance of sodium and sugar. It’s best to avoid these items entirely.
5. Cured meats - Thanksgiving makes us think turkey, but some families prefer ham. However, ham is often soaked in salt water and spices to lock in the flavor, which equals crazy amounts of sodium. And the same goes for other cured meats. If you have hypertension, it’s best to avoid ham and other cured meats altogether.
THE ROUND-UP: Holidays can be a lot of fun, but they can be a bit of a landmine for those with diabetes, hypertension, and similar health issues. Knowing what to avoid can help immensely. If you’re dealing with diabetes, this holiday eating plan can help a lot. Likewise, for those who want a heart-healthy holiday, these simple strategies can make things easier. Happy eating!