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Today’s Healthy Monday tip: Enjoy yourself, but don’t overdo it.

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, but with all the great food it involves, it’s easy to get carried away. But as always, it’s a good idea to pay attention to how much food your are consuming and be mindful of portion control. Here are some helpful tips to avoid overeating on turkey day:

1. Eat a good breakfast. That way, you won’t be starving when it’s time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner. Homemade oatmeal will provide you with a good amount of fiber that will fill you up until dinner time. In my family, we sit down and give thanks mid-afternoon (with some munchies before hand, such as organic cheese and whole wheat crackers to hold us over).

2. Stay hydrated. Getting the proper amount of H20 will help you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. Aim for two to three glasses.

3. Exercise! Go for a long run on Thanksgiving morning to feel less guilty about the inevitable consumption of pumpkin pie. Other activities that don’t involve the couch, like a quick bike ride or a brisk walk around the neighborhood, are good too. Or play with the little ones — that’s more fun than watching football, anyway.

4. Fill up your plate with fresh veggies and turkey. Now is the time to indulge in seasonal local vegetables. Support a family farmer and fill up on brussel sprouts, winter squash, cabbage, beets, turnips, cauliflower, carrots, the possibilities are endless. Turkey is a lean protein which will fuel your body. An organic or heritage turkey will be even richer tasting and better for your body with the guarantee of no hormones and antibiotics.

5. Have small portions of the good stuff. Mashed potatoes are often made with a lot of cream and butter so try to only take a spoonful. The sweet potatoes my grandma makes (incredibly delicious) are baked in the oven and topped with with lots of brown sugar and butter so I usually limit myself to having a half.

6. Eat slowly. When you savor each bite and concentrate on what you are eating, you will feel more fulfilled and most likely stop eating when you are full.

7. Avoid second helpings. Then you will even have room for dessert and scrumptious leftovers for the next day.

8.Treat yourself, in moderation. Alright, it’s a holiday after all and I have to admit, dessert is my favorite part. I will never be able to pass up pumpkin pie or my mom’s infamous homemade apple pie. The best way to handle the irresistables is to have a sliver of each and stop when you are full.

Use these tips and you will feel fulfilled, but not guilty on the big day. If you do end up overeating, you can always brew some ginger or fennel tea to settle the stomach. Happy Thanksgiving!