Getting through the Thanksgiving holiday without gaining weight and staying healthy… is not as hard as you might think.  Whether you are hosting the big Thanksgiving meal yourself or you are visiting family, these simple tips will get you through Thanksgiving (and the rest of the holiday season) without any extra pounds!

1. If you are making the Thanksgiving meal yourself, go for the whole grains and fresh vegetables.  There is absolutely no reason to not pick up the whole grain rolls, sticky buns and stuffing rather than the other stuff.  Whole grains are loads better for your body than the other stuff and you can feel better about consuming it too.  Bringing a fresh vegetable platter or fruit salad is  a great addition to any Thanksgiving and would be a great alternative to the deviled eggs and pasta salad.
2. Skip the sweet tea and cranberry juice and go for the water instead.  Fruit drinks and teas are packed  to the brim with sugar and unhealthy ingredients.  If you must have tea, try unsweetened (GASP!)
3. There is no need to pile mountains of broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes and creamed corn onto your plate.  Instead, take a small portion of your favorite sides and eat them slowly, putting your fork down in between bites.  This will fill you up and help you fight the urge for seconds…thirds and even fourths!
4. Before you get up for seconds, give yourself at least 20 minutes to let your first helping settle.  It takes about 20 minutes for you to feel satisfied and no longer craving food.  Have a chat with your long lost aunt, clean the gravy off of your shirt or take a stroll down the block.
5. Stock up on the vegetables!  Opt for the green beans instead of the casserole or the steamed broccoli instead of the marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes.  You would be amazed at the number of calories you dodge by choosing plain vegetables instead of vegetables that have been marinating in cream of mushroom all day.
6. Finally, go take a walk.  It might be chilly outside but throw on your favorite hoodie and leash up the family dog.  Invite your sister to go with you and catch up while getting some exercise.  You can burn off the pumpkin pie…or at least part of it!

With these tips and some common sense, you will make it through Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season without gaining weight and you’ll feel great doing it!