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"There&amp;#039;s nothing like a good old American holiday to give you an excuse to eat till it hurts. In fact, according to the American Council on Exercise, the average American will consume 3,000 calories and 229 grams of fat this Thanksgiving. Yikes!  However, you don&amp;#039;t have to be a complete lame duck (or turkey!) and skip all the good stuff to avoid massive consumption. The ACE suggests some helpful tips for ways you can subtly change your holiday routine to keep off the pounds (my own comments follow each one)\u2026.  #1 Trim the turkey: Remove visible fat, skip the skin and dark part of the meat, and mind portion size to save big on calories and fat. One portion should be no bigger than a fist or deck of cards and have about 41 calories. Abby says: The lean, light part of turkey is the best part anyways!  #2 Move to digest: Take a long, hard walk or run about an hour before eating. This will elevate the metabolism to help digest your food more effectively. You can also participate in a Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk, which many cities offer. Abby says: In my hometown, it&amp;#039;s called the Turkey Trot and its always a great time. Nice way to catch up with old friends and neighbors as well as burn some calories. Bonus: they usually give out free t-shirts!  #3 Fill up first: Have a salad, light soup or some fruit and veggies prior to your meal. This way you will feel fuller and are less likely to overeat. Skipping breakfast and lunch are a sure recipe for overeating at the Thanksgiving table. Abby says: Very true. I used to starve myself until my family&amp;#039;s late afternoon meal, stuff myself, then feel like simultaneously vomiting and passing out. Believe me, the most delicious stuffing and pie is never worth that awful feeling. #4 Just play: Plan a family event that involves physical activity \u2013 a pickup game of basketball, a long brisk walk outdoors or a family bike ride \u2013 before or after the big meal. This way the entire family can enjoy an active break from eating before indulging in a huge dinner or sugary dessert. Abby says: Come on, when&amp;#039;s the last time you all spent time together doing something active? Get off the couch and have some fun!  Any other strategies for staying trim over the holidays?  Happy almost Turkey Day!  \u2013 Abby Cuffey, Assistant Health Editor "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/a42079/how-to-not-gain-weight-on-thursday-3793/>