The season of decadence is back. Last year, you were empowered to make a few small decisions that add up in a big way when it comes to your health. This year let these tips — new and old — guide your overall well-being.

Thanksgiving 102
Unless you are related to a vegan chef, there’s a likelihood of you being served traditional Thanksgiving food. While this isn’t all bad news, especially if you enjoy grandma’s pumpkin pie, there are choices you can make in an effort to forgo maxing out your daily calorie count.

Eat:

  • Skinless, light turkey meat. Dark meats have a higher fat content.
  • Sweet potatoes over white potatoes. Sweet potatoes have fewer calories and carbs and more Vitamin A & C.
  • Use whipped butter instead of regular. The whipped has more air, thus less fat.
  • Fresh cranberries instead of canned due to high fructose corn syrup filler.
  • Gravy made from turkey drippings not canned or in a jar made with a high sodium and fat content.
  • Bread with grain vs white bread rolls.
  • Sit-up straight as posture increases natural air flow supporting digestion.
  • And finally, enjoy grandma’s pumpkin pie, again.

While all pie contains sugar, pumpkin pie has the lowest calorie content per slice (133 gm). Not per ¼ of the pie—know the difference. It should be noted that all of these decisions are moot without portion control.

  • Another small effort for your waistline is a short walk.

30 minutes to be exact. By walking briskly for 30 minutes you can burn around 90 calories. For those of you who say yes to a slice of Grandma’s pie, that equals roughly a two-hour walk if you included whipped cream. So maybe while you shop on Friday, you’ll park farther from stores in an effort to bank steps.

And remember the only liquid that’s your friend is water. It helps the liver metabolize fat, and makes you feel full—your skin and energy level will thank you.

But if you must enjoy an adult beverage, remember red and white wine similarly will set you back around 140 calories for a six-ounce glass and depending on your company that could add up. There isn’t a healthy alternative here, but if calories are your biggest worry, know that an ounce of plain vodka is 64 calories—you might want to cut that with water or club soda as not to scare Grandma. And as always drink responsibly, the point here is to be happy by being healthy.