Ahh, Thanksgiving. Who doesn't love the holiday? It's a day where we put all differences aside to be with our family and enjoy each other's company. And it's also one day in the year where you are expected to overeat, and it doesn't bode well for those of us on diets. But whether you're on a diet or just trying to keep trim this holiday season, there's no reason you can't enjoy the festivities of Thanksgiving. You can still eat with your family and not feel guilty with these simple tricks to help keep the weight off.

Don't skip breakfast

It's traditional in many households to skip breakfast, since you know there's a big meal to be had that day. This actually will make things worse for you if you're trying to keep the weight off this holiday season. Studies show that people who skip breakfast actually tend to retain more weight and overeat at other meals throughout the day. If you want to avoid overeating at your Thanksgiving dinner, make sure to have a solid breakfast in the morning. Things like oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, skim milk, and real fruit juice are great choices that will start your day energized and keep you from binging later.

Meal planning

If you're in control of making the meal, why not use some substitutions? Simple things like using more vegetables in your dishes, using skim milk instead of whole, using fresh yams instead of candied, and substituting soft margarine instead of a stick of butter.

Not having the meal at your place? Why not bring your own dish instead? Not only will you be helping to host and/or hostess out, but you can be assured that there will be something healthful to eat that day. Since it's your choice, you can bring anything from low fat side dishes to veggie platters.

Controlling what you eat

The simplest thing you can do for yourself on this day is to limit portions. It seems like common sense, but it's easy to get carried away on a day like Thanksgiving. But I wouldn't recommend denying yourself of anything, especially if you're good about making healthful choices the rest of the year. It's OK to have whatever you want on Thanksgiving, but it's best to keep it under control. Your best bet would be to take a small sample of everything, so that you don't feel denied of anything, but are still keeping your portions small.

White meat versus dark meat

If you're a turkey fiend, load up on the white meat as opposed to the dark meat. White meat tends to be less fattening and also fills you up faster. Also, as much as it hurts - make sure to skip the skin. It has very little nutritional value and is often loaded with fat.

Skipping the gravy

I know, I know...this one's especially tough, but think about how much it would save you in weight trouble. Gravy is usually very high in fat, so skipping the gravy will save you alot of calories and fat intake, which leaves more room for other fixings.

Hitting the veggies

One key diet trick that works for many people is to load up on vegetables. Unless the vegetables have been smothered in cheese, butter, or any other kind of sauce, you just can't go wrong. Make sure the veggies you take in are either raw or just steamed, with nothing else added. That way, you're in control of what you put on them. Some great vegetable toppers that are guilt-free: olive oil, a little celery salt, or light ranch dressing. You can never have enough vegetables!

Eat slowly

There have been studies that have actually looked at why French women tend to be thinner than many other women in the world. The main reason? They take their time during the meals. For the French culture, meals tend to be a time to relax, enjoy your company, and more importantly, take your time. We could learn alot from this way of eating, especially on a day like Thanksgiving where we're enjoying our family's company to begin with. The slower you eat, the more you enjoy your food and the sooner you feel full.

Wait it out

Finished your plate but still feeling like you could pack away some more? Give it 20 minutes, say alot of fitness experts. Studies have shown that it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to report to your brain that it's full. If you still feel hungry after 20 minutes, than by all means, don't deny yourself. But if you've forgotten you're hungry after that time, it's a win.

Water's your friend

Don't forget to drink plenty of water all day, and avoid sodas. Water helps to make you feel fuller, while the caffeine in soda will suppress the receptors in your brain that tell you you're full (which is why restaurants like to push on the soda!). Also, it's been often stated by doctors that there are times when we think we're hungry, but we're actually thirsty, and that it's hard for our stomachs to tell the difference.

Dessert

I believe that on a day like Thanksgiving, you shouldn't skip dessert (if you've got the room). That being said, there are ways to make sure you don't overdo it with all the treats available out there. First off, you could split a piece of cake or pie easily enough with someone. Also, skip toppings like whipped cream or ice cream to save yourself some calories. Or, you could grab just a couple of tablespoons of each kind of dessert for a 'sample plate' for yourself. One key thing to remember as well is that sometimes, all you really need is a few bites so you can get a taste, and that's satisfying enough.

Another idea for dessert is to have a tea or hot chocolate instead. Because both drinks are warm, they tend to sit in your belly and make it feel fuller. You can also sweeten these drinks with sugar, whipped cream, cinnamon, and honey, so you don't feel like you're skipping dessert but you're cutting your calorie intake by a significant amount. Just make sure not to overdo it on the additives to your drink.

More family time

Considering Thanksgiving is a holiday that's often painted as a time to be with family, why not take advantage of that? Go on a brisk family walk after eating and just catch up on the prior year's passings. It will help you digest and it can alleviate any guilt from what you eat that day. If it's much too cold to be outside, play some board or card games together, or play charades. Even hooking up a Wii and sneaking in some light physical activity that way will keep everyone engaged and get everyone moving. The point is to enjoy each other's company, but also keep each other busy enough that you're not just standing around picking at food. Boredom is a fitness enemy, so be wary and take advantage of having company around you to distract you.

Thanksgiving should be an enjoyable and relaxing holiday for you, and if you keep these easy-to-follow tips in mind, it can be guilt-free, too!

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2372548/how_to_avoid_thanksgivi...