Build a Healthy Thanksgiving Plate

After our Thanksgiving meal, many of us end up loosening that belt buckle and lazing on the couch feeling more stuffed than the turkey. In fact, an average Thanksgiving meal runs well over 3,000 calories. It doesn't have to be that way. It all starts with how you build your plate.There are many healthy options at the table for Thanksgiving. Here's how you can enjoy the holiday without getting more stuffed than the Turkey.

1
Fill Half Your Plate with Veggies
Load on non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, carrots, brussel sprouts, string beans and salad. If you are hosting the dinner, prepare several healthy vegetable choices without added sauces and butter.
2
Add The Turkey
Turkey is relatively low in calories and fat. Skinless white meat is your best bet, just go easy on the gravy.
3
Add The Stuffing and Starches
When there is not much space left on the plate, we can add starches such as stuffing or mashed potatoes. They should fill up less than a quarter of your plate.
4
Limit The Sweets
The favorite part of the meal for many people, sweets and baked good can sabotage all your efforts to have a healthy Thanksgiving meal. Just have a taste or small slice but keep it under control
5
Skip The Extra
Do your best to limit appetizers, bread, sauces and gravies...anything above and beyond the main course.
6
Don't Waste Your Calories
Eat foods that you love and that aren't available at other times of the year, like homemade cranberry sauce, specialty sides, and pumpkin pie, and forgo everyday foods like chips, rolls, and mashed potatoes.
7
Limit The Alcohol
Hard liquor, beer or wine can all add up to extra calories. Have a glass of water between drinks and limit alcohol to no more than two drinks.
8
Eat Slowly, Drink Slowly
Savor every bite and sip. Enjoy your food by chewing slowly and put down your fork between bites. Go ahead, load up your plate, but forego the seconds.