Tips For Healthy Thanksgiving

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is a challenge every year: how do you enjoy the family dinner gathering at Thanksgiving without overdoing it?

There are some steps that you can take. Most important: don't go to the Thanksgiving dinner hungry.

You also need to exhibit control: fill your plate half with vegetables, one-quarter with turkey and the rest with a starch of your choice.

The next step is to eat slowly.

You also need to be aware of those sneaky, tasty foods that can be problems. For instance, mashed potatoes are usually made with butter and milk; candied yams are loaded with cream, sugar and marshmallows. You get the idea.

The other option — which is a reasonable one if you don't have other health issues --  is to allow yourself to indulge for one day, which is fine as long as it is one day.