[This post is written by Doretta Gaudrea – Nutritional Consultant at Athletic Lab]

Thanksgiving is just a few days away we are all looking forward to enjoying that nice big turkey and sweet desserts. Most people accept the fact that the holidays tend to bring along a few extra pounds, but the truth is they don’t have to. You can still enjoy all the great food without having to worry about gaining weight, feeling guilty, or “undoing” any of your training.

Here’s How:

This year, when making holiday meals and sweet treats, use low fat or fat free dairy products, and if a recipe calls for sugar, use 1/4 less than what it calls for. Using just a little less sugar doesn’t affect the taste and its healthier to have less than more. Make sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, serve whole grain dinner rolls instead of the usual white bread dinner rolls, and put out raw veggies as an appetizer.

Keep in mind that moderation is key. Fill at least half your plate with veggies and wait to get seconds until you are absolutely sure you are still hungry. It is ok to indulge every now and again, but listen to your body and stop when you are full. Try to limit unhealthy desserts to only one serving, once a day. If there are several pies for dessert and you want to try them all, eat very small portions of each. In other words, if there are two pies, eat only 1/2 of a slice of each, three pies, 1/3 of a slice of each, etc.

Don’t drink too much. Alcohol is filled with empty calories. The daily recommended allowance for women is one drink per day and for men is two drinks per day. If you are going to consume alcohol avoid fancy novelty drinks such as a chocolate martini. Yes, it tastes good, but it may also contain almost half (if not more!) your caloric requirement for the day. Stick to wine, a light beer or liquor with soda water or tonic water. If you need to spruce up a drink add a lemon or lime to it.

Get out and play! Most areas have “Turkey Trots” and other Thanksgiving festivities you and your family can participate in. They are fun, free (usually), and great exercise. If you don’t have any Thanksgiving activities sponsored by your community, then play a game of football in your yard. Getting out and participating in physical activity will help burn off some of the extra calories you eat, and provides time for family bonding.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Happy Turkey Day!