Healthy foods in small portions:

Turkey breast (without skin!) – 161 calories

Green bean casserole – 55 calories

Sweet potatoes – 70 calories

Stuffing made with broth, pie crusts and rolls made with whole grains, and fresh vegetables will make for a more nutritious Thanksgiving meal.

Pumpkin pie will be your healthiest dessert choice this year – where one slice of pecan pie has close to 500 calories and a slice of apple has around 400, pumpkin pie holds a comparatively slim 315 (and even less if you forego the crust!) and is packed with nutrients.

Many people starve themselves all day in anticipation of a gargantuan Thanksgiving meal, but over-hunger will spur over-indulgence.  At least eat breakfast or have a snack in the afternoon to avoid falling into a turkey coma.

Drink water and try to avoid picking over the leftovers as the afternoon wears on.

Fit in a pre-dinner game of family football or around-the-block power walk to get a little physical activity in and rev up your metabolism.

Try to stick to healthy portions:  Downsize your mashed potato heap from mountain to molehill.  Try to keep your turkey stack just a bit smaller than Daddy’s checkbook.