Did you know you can tell how vision-friendly your Thanksgiving meal is by how many bright colors are on your plate? Talk about a feast for the eyes!
It’s true: The same nutrients that give your holiday favorites their festive hues are the very nutrients that keep your eyes healthy and working properly. The trick to getting the most out of them is to use less oil and sugar in the preparation, and to stick to small portions.
Stick to those guidelines and you’ll be doing your vision a huge favor over the holidays with these eye-healthy (and crowd-pleasing) Thanksgiving eats.
Appetizer. Roasted nuts, pumpkin seeds and bright berries are not just festive, they’re vision superfoods. Load up the pre-dinner nosh tray with these holiday favorites and you’ll start the evening with lots of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. These nutrients reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and other eye conditions.
Main course. Even if turkey wasn’t already a Thanksgiving Day staple, we’d recommend it for your holiday feasts. It’s one of the leanest protein sources you can find and is loaded with calcium, zinc and vitamin B, which help keep the eye well-lubricated and the muscles in working order.
Sides. Another traditional holiday food that deserves a place at the table is cranberries. Whether you’re smearing the turkey with that tangy sauce or incorporating the berries into a festive stuffing, cranberries will give you a vitamin C boost you need for a healthy vascular system in the eye. Two other popular sides, mix green salad and green bean casserole, contain lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidants that fight inflammation and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Dessert. Of course, we’re talking about pumpkin pie! The beta-carotene that gives this autumn dessert its signature orange hue is also responsible for promoting healthy eyes and better vision. All the better to spot that delicious treat before all the other dinner guests.
After-dinner drinks. While we’d never recommend alcohol consumption as part of a diet for healthier eyes, there are choices that are better than others, particularly when consumed in moderation. For example, juice-based cocktails contain eye-healthy antioxidants: Think a mimosa or Bellini. Or get a sippable hit of beta-carotene with a bloody mary.
Remember, there’s room for all your favorites at the holiday table. Just pace yourself, savor every bite and enjoy the magic of the evening.
Lake Lazer Eye Center offers convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the ZEISS SMILE procedure, and Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts. In the event that you’re not a candidate for vision correction, we’ll assist you with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
