November 26, 2009

UNDATED (AP) -- Except for the tendency to overeat, Thanksgiving dinner may not be as bad for people as they think.

The Associated Press asked Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab to analyze Thanksgiving recipes from Better Homes and Gardens. The researchers compared dishes from the 1950's to 21st century versions and guess what -- calorie counts for five of the eight recipes actually dropped by almost a third. Even mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie are slimmer today.

Cornell researchers say much of the calorie reduction is due to healthier ingredients like low-fat milk instead of cream.

Of course, having second or third helpings means that lower calorie count may not amount to much.

Please pass the gravy.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)