When the weather turns chilly and the holiday season approaches, there are more occasions than any other time of year for celebration. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, there is nothing better than the gathering of friends and family to enjoy a classic Thanksgiving meal. However, danger lies ahead in the form of temptation. It can be a challenge to stay clear of the delicious pressures when this holiday is focused so much on food.

It’s important to avoid overindulgence while still enjoying the festivities. However, with all that food, alcohol and sitting around watching movies and football games, moderation will most likely be the last thing on your mind. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep down the seasonal weight gain while still allowing you to experience the joys of the holiday season.

Perfect Portions:

  • Try to fit your entire meal on only one, normal sized, plate.
  • Take small amounts of the foods you don’t normally eat to make the meal seem special without sampling the entire menu.
  • When filling at least a quarter of your plate with vegetables, aim for getting all the colors of the rainbow; different colored vegetables equals a variety of vitamins, which in turn, causes you to feel fuller and more satisfied.

Slow and Steady:

  • Thoroughly chew your food in order to feel more satisfied with every bite.
  • Make sure you are not rushing by taking frequent sips of water throughout the meal; water, however, is also another excellent way to help you feel full.
  • Vegetables, whole grains and proteins are a few full-feeling foods that will stop you from reaching for another unnecessary helping.

Beer, Booze and Bubbles:

  • Despite the fact that it’s a time for celebration, go easy on the alcohol. Due to its high sugar content, alcohol contains seven calories a gram, almost as much as fats (nine calories a gram).
  • If you do plan on drinking, alternate your drink with water to slow your pace and keep you hydrated, which also help control your bloat.

Cheating Rules:

  • “Cheat” by switching out some unhealthy ingredients with healthy ones. Instead of butter on mashed potatoes, use herbs or roasted garlic for flavor
  • Use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour creams; the consistency of Greek yogurt is the same and the taste may actually be better, as well as there being less fat and more protein
  • Dee Sandquist from The American Dietetic Association recommends opting for a cranberry salad as opposed to cranberry sauce
  • As the debate of white vs. dark meat still goes on, scientists have found that white meat has less fat and fewer calories, but dark meat has higher nutritional contents in vitamins such as iron and vitamin B. Either way, remove the skin and cut down on the gravy; the true perpetrators of fat and a lot of calories

Up and At 'Em:

  • Diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but you won’t be nearly as successful without its partner: exercise.
  • Give thanks to the crisp, fall weather by taking a walk with whomever you spend Thanksgiving with.
  • Don’t just watch football, get off the couch and play a game of touch football during halftime. Make it interesting with teams of girls vs. guys or adults vs. kids. The rush of endorphins and the satisfaction of knowing you ate a healthy meal will make this Thanksgiving your best one yet.