The Holiday Season can be quite cumbersome for those individuals on diets. How can one truly enjoy the Season without homemade cookies, pies and all of the other traditional favorites? It seems all of the best memories are often made in the kitchen while someone is basting, cooking, or baking all of the yummy treats we wait all year for.

Well, I have some good news for the “low-fat” dieters out there! Recent studies have shown that cooking turkey with the skin on seals in the natural juices while keeping the natural fat from seeping into the meat. So, dieters can avoid dried-out skinless cuts. Just be sure to remove the skin before consuming, as the majority of the fat from turkey is located in the skin.

Turkey is naturally low in fat without the skin, containing only about .6 grams of fat per ounce of flesh. A 5-ounce serving provides almost half of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid, and is a good source of vitamins B, B1,B6, zinc and potassium. These nutrients have been found to keep blood cholesterol down, protect against birth defects, cancer and heart disease, aid in nerve function and growth, boost the immune system, regulate blood pressure, and assist in healing processes.

For those individuals watching their fat intake this Holiday Season, stick to white turkey meat which is lower in both calorie and fat intake per ounce. The fibers in white meat are also easier to digest than other types of meat, which makes it the better choice for those individuals who suffer from digestive problems as well.

Bake, broil, or sauté your turkey in as little oil as possible, using broth, lemon, or orange juice as a basting sauce. Keep away from frying your bird, as this takes away almost all of the health benefits of the turkey, while adding additional fat and calories.

So, this Holiday Season, you too can enjoy the moist and delectable benefits of a roasted turkey with your family and friends without the feeling of dieter’s guilt.