As tempting as it is to load up your plate on Thanksgiving Day, you'll be thankful that you didn't, especially if you're dieting. But that's easier said than done. Registered Dietitian Laura Jeffers with Cleveland Clinic has some advice to make sure that the turkey is the only thing that is stuffed on Thanksgiving: Put the food in another room.
"The first thing you want to remember is to not have the food buffet style, at the table, sitting in front of you. It needs to be in the kitchen on the counter all set out, or in another area," Jeffers suggested.
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She says says if the food is sitting in front of you, it's easier to help yourself to seconds or thirds. Another trick you can try is smaller plates. This will help to keep your portion sizes under control. Remember, your meat portions should be no bigger than a deck of cards and your mashed potatoes should be about the size of a tennis ball.
And if you're hosting the party, Jeffers says to bank on having leftovers.
"Don't feel that pressure to have to finish all of the food on Thanksgiving," Jeffers said. "Plan for leftovers, have your guests take some with them, but then plan for having a soup, or some other meals that you can even freeze for later."
Jeffers says you can also limit what you eat to things you can only get at Thanksgiving. Rolls and corn are everyday options, so pass on those and go with the turkey and cranberry sauce on this special day instead.