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Have a Happy (and Healthy) Thanksgiving

© Deanna Couras Goodson

It's November. In the United States, where I live, we're getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I can't believe it's going to be next week!

I love Thanksgiving.

I grew up in a large Italian/Portuguese/Latino family. Thanksgiving was one of the only times during the year (Christmas and Easter being the others) when the whole family got together.

Unfortunately, we also ate - a lot. It's true that most adults gain between 8 - 10 pounds during the holiday season; kids usually gain less.

The holidays don't have to be about over-eating. Here are some tips that will help you have a healthy, happy and balanced Thanksgiving.

1) Drink water. I know that most kids (and a lot of adults) would rather drink soda, apple cider and other sugary drinks. Water is good for you. It has ZERO calories and can help keep you feeling full so you'll eat less. Why not have an 8 - oz. glass of water (that's 4 oz. less than in a common can of soda) before you eat, during your meal and after?

2) Eat (at least some of) the healthier foods. I'm not saying you have to skip the pumpkin pie or the stuffing (I sure wouldn't), but make sure you eat some of the healthier foods on the table too - like turkey. Turkey is a very healthy food. It's high in protein and amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells.

Other good choices are: squash, cranberry sauce, green beans, salad and nuts.

3) Only eat until you feel full. Sometimes, when you see lots of food on the table, you want to eat more - even if you're not really hungry. It's okay to walk away from the food - and the table (after you excuse yourself, of course).

Even if someone tells you to eat more, you don't have to. Just be polite and remind them you ate all you need, but you may come back later if you're hungry again.

4) Play football or another fall sport as a family. One of my best friends and her family have an annual (that's every year) tradition. They choose two teams and play tag football before dinner.

After dinner, you can also take a walk, rake some leaves or do something else you can enjoy as a family.

Remember: The whole point of the holiday season is to enjoy being with those you love--not eating more than you need.

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