Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and there have been countless online discussions and recommendations on what to eat, how to eat, and how to stay healthy. We can’t help but weigh in with our list as well.

1. No Guilt. Folks, holidays are no time to start a diet or feel bad about poor eating habits. It’s all about family, tradition, and having a good time together. That said, a few simple adjustments, barely noticeable, but highly effective, can help you lower your stress levels this holiday.

2. Prepare a home cooked meal. It may be rich and full of calories, but at least it’s low on preservatives, additives, colorings, and other artificial stuff your body does not need. Prepare the meal together with your spouse and children, and get the added benefit of quality time together, before all the guests arrive.

3. Serve on small plates. Countless studies have shown that when plates are smaller, less food is placed on them, and less is eaten. Resist the urge to show off the entire China set, and use just the appetizer plates and soup bowls.

4. Color your table. The turkey, stuffing, gravy, and potatoes are all shades of beige-brown. Thank goodness for the cranberry sauce. But what about some hearty salads as sides too? Corn on the cob, Broccoli, beans, carrots and peas, beets, leafy greens, as well as peppers, eggplants, and so many other veggies can be an integral and healthy part of the meal.

5. Hors d’oeuvres. Make them small. Tiny. Bite size. What great French Chefs call amuse bouche. This is important because  people consume 300 calories BEFORE the meal begins, just snacking.

6. Drink water. And fine wine. But not soft drinks, juices, and other useless calories.

7. Wait before dessert. Take 20-30 minutes after finishing off the main course to let your body feel full. You’ll then be happy with a small portion.

8. Plan the days after. You’ve got a long weekend, 3 full days, ahead of you. Some of us will exercise by sprinting during Black Friday’s big sales at the shopping malls. But for the rest, how about planning some physical activity outdoors. Hike, jog, walk around the neighborhood. And have plenty of fruit and vegetables stocked up for preparing and eating together with leftovers from the holiday meal.

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