Why is this cranberry sauce being labeled backwards?
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(CNN) -
When you sit down at the table for 'Thanksgiving' dinner, everything will be against your diet.
Those traditional dishes are so high in calories and there are simply so many that it might seem impossible not to try them all, and possibly overdo it.
However, with the right planning and a bit of willpower, you can have a healthy (or healthier) Thanksgiving Day.
How to serve a healthier meal
"My advice is to do everything in moderation. Usually people serve themselves large portions of food on their plates, and that's where it becomes a problem. But if you can handle small portions, then that's fine," said Sara Haas, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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Just because you're spoiling yourself during that particular meal of the day doesn't mean you have to spoil the others.
"Balance healthy meals for breakfast and lunch and some exercise ... think about how much better you'll feel by the time Thanksgiving dinner arrives," Haas said.
When it's time to feast, there are steps you can take to avoid overeating, or at least limit yourself.
Haas recommends putting down your fork and taking sips of water between bites to avoid spooning and stuffing food into your mouth.
Wait at least twenty minutes before serving a second (or third) time ... it takes that long for your body to realize it's full, she said.
Of course, if you are the one in charge of the kitchen, there are many steps you can take to make your Thanksgiving dinner healthier.
Using low-fat meats and dairy is an easy way to cut your calorie load ... and in foods like filling and pies, you probably won't even notice the difference.
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Haas recommends sources like Cooking Light and Eat Right, the website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for beloved recipes made healthier and for turning those mountains of 'Thanksgiving' leftovers into creative and possibly healthier dishes.
Thanksgiving dinner will be more expensive this 2021 0:30
How to burn Thanksgiving calories
Even if you choose the healthiest side dishes at the table, eat just one slice of pie and keep your leftover plans in control;
You may still need some kind of activity to achieve balance on Thanksgiving.
Consider finding a race you can compete in on the holiday or just go for a run around your neighborhood - 60 minutes of jogging burns about 477 calories - around a slice of almond cake.
Sixty minutes of Zumba burns about 540 calories ... that pretty much takes care of your sweet potato casserole and your cranberry sauce.
Why is this cranberry sauce being labeled backwards?
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An hour of throwing the soccer ball with your family burns about 160 calories.
That takes care of the turkey!
However, there are many ways to cut calories without having to tie your athletic shoes.
If you spend an hour cleaning and washing dishes, you can burn almost 100 calories.
Another hour to mop after a big meal can burn more than 100 calories.
Cleaning could be the cure for the green bean casserole you ate.
There is also good news if you are hanging out at the children's table.
If you spend an hour carrying young children you could burn about 136 calories.
Running around with them for 60 minutes could burn more than 200. See you later, fill.
Are you scheduled to line up for the 'Black Friday' sales?
Thirty minutes of shopping can burn 76 calories ... if you're moving fast enough to get several good deals and if you spend enough time there to cover everyone on your list, you could easily take care of the mashed potatoes and rolls from the Dinner.
Editor's Note:
This story was originally published in November 2018 and updated in November 2021.
Calories Thanksgiving Day Meals
