5 easy ways to minimize weight gain on Thanksgiving

Ah, Thanksgiving. A holiday where we traditionally drown our best healthy intentions in stuffing and pumpkin pie; where our finger on the remote may be the only part of our body that gets any exercise.

It doesn't have to be that way. We polled health experts for quick, easy tips on how to minimize the damage that Thanksgiving (and the holidays that follow it) can do to our well-being.

Follow these tips and you may find that Turkey Day doesn't leave its leftovers weighing so heavily on your waistline.

• Don't starve before the feast. It can result in overeating. Eat a cup of nonfat yogurt or a piece of fruit to avoid feeling ravenous.

• Map out your plate. Fill half with vegetables and split the other half between meats and starches.

Be smart about what you choose to eat. Low-fat whipped cream is better than ice cream; olive oil is better than butter on things like potatoes, whole grain is better than white for the bread.

• Get moving. Go do something to take your mind off the food. Walking is a great way to burn calories, and if you do it together as a family, you can have a lovely chat. You might also try playing an active game with the kids on the Nintendo Wii or head outside for touch football.

• Divide and conquer those leftovers. Put leftovers in plastic bags and containers and freeze individual portions of favorite dishes so Thanksgiving can be enjoyed in moderation for a long time. • Send leftovers home with your guests. They will appreciate not cooking for a day and you'll appreciate not being tempted by leftover chorizo stuffing.

Sources: American Dietetic Association, Weight Watchers, Beaumont Weight Control Center in Royal Oak, Mich. and MHealthy Nutrition and Weight Management at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.