The holiday season means lots of holiday gatherings which equates to ample opportunities to veer from your diet and health plans. Especially Thanksgiving - think delicious turkey, creamy mashed potatoes covered in gravy, carb-heavy stuffing, and sugary pumpkin pie.

Despite Thanksgiving bringing family and friends together and providing time to relax and reflect on all that you have, many people trying to lose weight or adhere to healthy lifestyles become anxious around this indulgent holiday.

5 Coach Tips to Avoid Overindulgence this Thanksgiving

1. Don’t skip your first meal before dinner. Plan for a nutrient-dense meal to keep you from arriving at a Thanksgiving dinner ravenous and at risk to binge eat. The more satiated you are going into dinner, the less tempted you’ll be to overindulge.
2. Bring your own healthy dish. Virtually all traditional Thanksgiving recipes can be made into a healthier alternative. For example, make a batch of mashed cauliflower so all Thanksgiving guests can try both the traditional and healthier alternative!
3. Eliminate sugar from any alcoholic drinks. If you plan to drink alcohol, stay away from drinks with added sugars. Sugary cocktails can add copious calories - not to mention the dreaded hangover they typically bring. Instead, stick with just liquor (with lemon or lime) or enjoy a nice glass of wine. Tip, drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
4. Take a 15 minute walk after your meal. This will aid in digestion and reduce insulin response.
5. Take a food photo. This will help with mindfulness of what you’re eating and hold you accountable. Even if you overindulge this Thanksgiving, the most important thing is to not beat yourself up as it’s just one day! Just like you’ll never get healthy from one “good” day of eating, you’ll never get unhealthy from one “bad” day.

This Thanksgiving, continue to prioritize the seemingly small habits - drinking water, moving, and sleeping enough – and count your blessings, not your calories!