The typical Thanksgiving meal, consisting of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie, is relatively healthy. Turkey is not only a healthy food, but it’s also popular too. K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Specialist Sandy Procter says in 2019, we consumed about 16 pounds of turkey per person.
 

As with many healthy foods, we often find ways to make them less healthy. Turkey is no exception. Procter says roasting, rather than cooking the turkey in a fryer, is the best way to maintain its healthful qualities. She also cautions against using too much butter under the skin of the turkey.