 Photo courtesy of D'Artagnan
260 million!
Of that 260 million, almost 50 million were eaten on Thanksgiving alone!
When the turkey comes to the table, do you reach for the white meat or a dark meat?
Turkey is low in fat (compared to other meats) and high in protein. Here are the nutritional differences in 3 ounces of roasted and skinless white and dark meat. Three ounces is the size and thickness of a deck of cards.
| | White Meat | Dark Meat | | Calories | 119
| 159 | Total Fat
| 1g | 6.1g | Saturated Fat
| .03g
| .03g
| Protein
| 26g
| 26g | Cholesterol
| 73mg
| 72m |
(Turkey doesn't contain carbohydrate, including fiber)
As you can see, the dark meat cuts of the turkey are higher in calories and fat, especially saturated fat. The healthiest cuts are the breast and tenderloin, which have the lowest fat and calories, but the same amount of protein as the dark meat cuts. Turkey meat is easier to digest than other types of meat for many people. Turkey also has other important vitamins and minerals such as zinc, potassium B-vitamins and iron, which makes it a pretty excellent protein source. Just remember that serving size!!!
What happens when you don't watch that serving size...like on Thanksgiving? Nap time, right? Well, don't rush to blame the turkey!
Turkey contains L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid which helps produce niacin, a B-vitmain which helps produce serotonin, a chemical in the brain which plays a role in sleep. (Are you with me so far?) The reality of L-tryptophan is that it doesn't act on the brain enough to cause this reaction unless you ingest it on an empty stomach in the absence of protein - something turkey contains lots of...and the empty stomach just doesn't happen on Thanksgiving!
The truth?
The more likely culprit of your afternoon nap on Thanksgiving is due to the carbohydrate overload, and basic over-consumption. What do you usually have for Thanksgiving?
Not JUST turkey, of course, but mashed potatoes, cranberries, yams, peas, carrots, bread, pumpkin pie with whipped cream (and maybe an adult beverage?). This may contain up to 7,100 calories!! That's about as much as most people would consume over 4 days. This big meal pulls the blood away from your brain as your stomach begins the arduous task of digesting, which can make you feel sleepy! The best thing to do isn't to lie down, but to go for a nice slow walk to help that digestion process…especially because there are leftovers to eat! About the Nutritionist Amyjo Johnson has a Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and is currently working on her Certification and Masters in Nutrition through the nationally accredited American Health Science University and the National Institute of Nutrition Education. For two years, Amyjo has been providing nutrition consulting to the on-site food service team and employees at Google, Inc. She provides information on assuring nutritionally balanced menus, excellent ingredients, and food choice nutritional education for ideal productivity and health. Through her company, Food for Change, Amyjo provides individuals and businesses counseling and consultation on a variety of nutritional situations and needs. Contact her at:
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