Hungry Girl Goes... in Search of Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks

1. Eat normally up until the big meal
Have a smart breakfast (oatmeal with a spoonful of canned pumpkin or an egg white/Egg Beaters scramble) and a light, protein-packed lunch to keep your body balanced. If you starve yourself, you’re more likely to reach for the wrong things (and eat too much of them!).

2. It’s all about the white meat
Lean turkey breast is where you get the most bang for your buck, calorie-wise, since dark meat has 30 percent to 40 percent more fat and about 15 percent more calories. Also, most of the fat is close to the skin, so as golden and crisp as it looks, get rid of it.

3. Drink lots of water all day, especially with dinner
If you’re well-hydrated, you'll be thinking clearly and less likely to make bad food choices. And water will help you feel fuller, faster.

4. Eat your favorite dish
Got a favorite Thanksgiving dish? One you dream of all year? Have some! Serve yourself a reasonable portion with the rest of your meal and you’ll be less likely to recklessly raid the fridge for the leftovers. It’s a special occasion, so treat yourself. Just be smart about it.

5. Start with a salad and/or soup
Next go for lean turkey and some healthy sides. By the time you’re done with that, you may be too full to do any serious damage with dessert.

6. Stick to your exercise plan
You’ll be so bummed when you’re feasting later on if you take the day off. Can’t squeeze in a whole workout? Go for a walk (your dog can come too!), take the stairs, wrestle in the living room with your rowdy nieces and nephews, anything. (Note: Anyone spending the day cooking a whole feast is off the hook.)

7. Impress your relatives and contribute to the meal
Bring a guilt-free dish of your own, so you know at least one side that’s safe to splurge on. Don’t feel like cooking? Throw together a fresh fruit salad and drizzle it with sugar-free Torani coconut syrup. Yum!

8. Wear form-fitting clothes during dinner
Wear something comfortable, just not elastic-waistband comfortable. Know that unbuttoning your pants at the table may be funny when your Uncle Morty does it (well, sorta), but it's not for everyone. And not for you!

Where will Hungry Girl go next? Check back Monday to find out.

More About Hungry Girl

Learn how Hungry Girl came to be - and more!

Hungry Girl, aka Lisa Lillien, distributes her tips, tricks and takes on new food products through her daily emails and Web site. Check out www.Hungry-Girl.com.