4,500.

That’s how many calories the average American consumes during a Thanksgiving get-together, according to the Calorie Control Council. While the majority of this is consumed at the main meal, a significant portion also comes from various appetizers and drinks. Depending on your estimated daily calorie needs, this may be up to 2-3 times more than what you should be consuming over the course of the entire day! 

Not to worry! Having a few simple strategies up your sleeve can help prevent you from going overboard this Thanksgiving. Check out the easy five step guide below for tips on creating a more well-balanced plate, without giving up the foods that you love!

Depending on your family’s traditions, you may not have a large variety of healthy foods to choose from. If this is the case, here are a few simple tips to help you balance out our meal:

• Sneak a few vegetables from an appetizer tray to add to your plate if there are limited choices offered with the main meal, or; 
• Try to include more of your daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings in smaller meals throughout the day if you know there won’t be too many options available at the main meal.
• Offer to make and bring your own side dish. You can then put a healthier, yet still delicious, spin on traditional Thanksgiving food and the host would love the help!
• Consider simple strategies to cut back on excess fat and calories, like enjoying the turkey without the skin, skipping the butter on your bread, or keeping sauces or gravies on the side instead of adding liberally to your plate.

Just like that, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods, without the guilt! Now isn’t that something to be thankful for!