How To Not Gain 3-5 Pounds During Thanksgiving

Here's some ideas.
They might not all apply to you, but these tips have really helped me in the past few years at Thanksgiving time. Feeling so full that your stomach is gonna explode doesn't feel that great and its kinda easy to do at this dinner with so many foods that all seem to go together...

1. Don't eat cheese if this is an hor dourve. 
2. If there are more than 5 items of food to put onto your dinner plate, take SUPER small amounts of each -- like SAMPLE sizes. 
3. Eat slowly. It takes10-20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it is full. 
4. Limit the gravy to about 1 tablespoon.
5. If the host is serving bread, don't eat it unless its some of the best bread EVER. 
6. Don't eat anything on the table that is super high in fat and calories unless you LOVE it. This is where you choose your foods that are worth the fat and calories.
7. Pile up your plate with vegetables only if they aren't caked in oil and butter. You can see the glisten if they are ;)
8. Try limiting your alcohol intake to 2 glasses of wine. 
9. At dessert time, take a SLIVER of a piece of pie and a tablespoon of ice cream instead of a plateful or opt out!
10. Don't eat any candies or chocolate in addition to dessert. 
11. Try not to take home leftovers. Especially the pies ;)
12. Try to exercise at least on Thursday and Friday (Saturday and Sunday too if possible) You will feel so good about yourself!!
13. Don't use the holiday as an excuse to say F it to your whole healthy lifestyle. Get back into the routine of eating healthy and exercising the next day and on Monday. 

This is a great time to enjoy family, food, time off from work and relaxation. It doesn't have to mean ultimate indulgence. 

Happy Thanksgiving!