Junk Food Nation, today is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday and its easy to guess why.  Because its a holiday dedicated to family, friends, and food!  Foood.  FOOOOOOD.  It’s a day that is IMO very difficult to commercialize (not a lot of Thanksgiving-based movies or sweaters out there), and as such there’s not a lot of BS to worry about around this holiday – no costumes, no tree, no roses, no fireworks.  There’s no expectation of who you’re supposed to be with, who you’re supposed to kiss, where you’re supposed to be — Today it’s all about family, food food food and a full schedule of professional and college football.  (Yeah…another reason I love this holiday…some picks for today’s three games after the jump.)

I am thankful for so much this year – the health of my family, the love of my friends, a new job, and numerous personal goals attempted and accomplished.  And of course, I’m thankful for all of you, the fans of this blog.  You comments, mails, tweets, likes, and suggestions have helped shape this blog from the beginning – keep it up!

To that end, I’d like to reprise some of my favorite snacks since the blog’s inception.  As you give thanks today with your family, at a friend’s house, or in front of the TV, take a second to check out some of these wonderful snacks!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ben & Jerry's Limited Batch Schweddy Balls

On October 3rd, I tracked down Ben & Jerry’s Schweddy Balls Ice Cream and discussed that moment when oooooooh we’re flirting? Is that what’s happening?

Nabisco Berry Burst Ice Cream Oreos

On July 24th, I celebrated my one-month anniversary of this blog with one of my favorite items, Berry Burst Ice Cream Oreos!

Nabisco Limited Edition Sweet Cinnamon Wheat Thins

Recently, on November 7, I discussed getting yelled at by the elderly and a great cracker, Wheat Thins Sweet Cinnamon.

Keebler Mint Creme Middles Chocolate Graham Cookies

On July 7, I discussed these Keebler Mint Creme Middles Chocolate Graham Cookies amidst theUS Women’s team World Cup run.

Muddy Buddies Chex Mix

On July 23, I talked about shopping at yard sales and my inability to stop stuffing these Chex Mix Muddy Buddies in my mouth.

Pepperidge Farms Baked Naturals Cheddar & Sour Cream Potato Cracker Chips

On September 13, I asked what was YOUR greatest LIVE sports moment and discussed these wonderful Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Cheddar and Sour Cream Potato Cracker Chips.

Blastin’ Buffalo Wing Pringles Xtreme

On August 1 was one of my first Awkward Monday posts: Awkwardness in grocery stores.  Plus, Blastin’ Buffalo Wing Pringles Xtreme!

Rold Gold Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Nuggets

On July 26, I discussed the power of the NFL lockout and these AMAZING Rold Gold Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Nuggets.

Rold Gold Peppermint Dipped Snowflakes Pretzels

On November 2, a new favorite was born as I talked about the two month holiday known as Christmas – Rold Gold Peppermint Dipped Snowflake Pretzels.

Ruffles Loaded Chili & Cheese

Finally, a midsummer favorite on August 9 as the NFL preseason got under way – Ruffles Loaded Chili and Cheese!  NOM NOM NOM!

So there you have it, Junk Food Nation.  A sample of some of my favorite snacks since this blog started.  Enjoy!  And Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

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Oh wait, that’s right – my football picks.  You thought I’d forgotten??  Silly JFN.

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions – tough game.  GREEN BAY is a juggernaut and that’s why I’m picking them, but there are a lot of reasons why Detroit could win even beyond the home field advantage. Ndamkong Suh promises to keep Aaron Rodgers honest – I can see Detroit putting pressure on GB’s offense all day long.  And it’s not like Detroit doesn’t have weapons of its own.  Still…tough to vote against the discount double check.

Miami Dolphins @ Dallas Cowboys.  Sure Miami has won three in a row (effectively playing themselves out of the Luck sweepstakes.  Nice work, Fins.  Have fun with Landry Jones next year…maybe). But Dallas promises to come out guns blazing…I see the COWBOYS taking it here.

San Francisco 49ers @ Baltimore Ravens – the toughest game to call of them all, as it features two Harbaugh brothers facing off.  Alex Smith vs. Joe Flacco, Frank Gore vs. Ray Rice, Boldin vs. Crabtree, BAL defense vs. SF defense.  The talent level is about the same, across the board with maybe Baltimore getting a little nod on offense and SF getting the hat tip on defense.  I’m taking SF here – I think their game management is better and I think Flacco will make some mistakes.

There you go, Nation.  Gobble Gobble! Thoughts?  Tell me in the comments below or hit me on Twitter @junkfoodguy or on my Facebook Page.

Sincerely, Junk Food Guy