Thanksgiving and Your Heart Health: Health Tip

Though Thanksgiving dinner is treasured by many Americans, the meal typically isn't heart-healthy.

Including holiday staples such as mashed potatoes and stuffing, the traditional feast is full of fatty, high-cholesterol foods, says the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

For a healthier holiday meal, the school suggests:

• Devote most of your plate to vegetables, such as green beans, carrots and squash.
• Don't drench everything in gravy. Use as little as you can.
• Limit turkey skin and dark meat.
• Have a small slice of pie for dessert. Resist a second helping.

The school says after all is said and done, one meal won't ruin your heart and arteries. It urges you to eat healthy during the holiday season overall.