Heart healthy Thanksgiving Top tips from the American Heart Association The holiday season is here, and with it come all the usual temptations–rich desserts, creamy casseroles and buttery rolls. From holiday parties to family dinners, sweet and savory treats are everywhere, making it hard not to indulge. The American Heart Association can help you choose more heart healthy selections. Try the following tips to ensure a healthy and delicious Thanksgiving meal: 1. Start small: When it comes to Thanksgiving, the biggest concern is not just what you are eating but how much of it you are eating. Aim to have small portions of those foods that are high in calories. 2. Talk turkey: Turkey is a great source of lean protein and is healthiest if you skip the skin and go for the white meat. 3. Avoid greasy gravy: Use a fat separator or refrigerate the pan juices and skim the fat off before making the gravy. 4. Kick the canned cranberry: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that can help keep you healthy. Unfortunately, canned cranberry sauce is often also packed with sugar and calories. Try making your own by mashing fresh cranberries with a generous splash of balsamic vinegar or apple juice concentrate.GRAND NOVEMBERhttp://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000