weight loss tips

While Thanksgiving is really about counting your blessings and being grateful, somehow this holiday has turned into a day all about the turkey. Imagine a Thanksgiving dinner where you didn't leave feeling sick, stuffed, or exhausted. If you're ready to indulge mindfully, these healthy tips will help you prevent that notorious food coma.

Don't arrive on empty: It's tempting to fast all morning in preparation for a big Thanksgiving feast, but just say no. Your body will be ravenous when you sit down to eat, and you'll be far less likely to eat slowly or with care. And whether you're prepping the meal in your kitchen or you're traveling to a relative's home, having food in your system will keep your mood up and any crankiness at bay. Everyone will appreciate you taking the time to eat a little something.

Practice portion control: Your eyes might be big when you get a glimpse of the foodie scene, but don't overload your plate too early. Even though a little indulgence is necessary, be sure to keep how much of certain types of food you should be eating daily for a balanced, healthy diet. If piling your plate high is part of your tradition, ask your host for a smaller plate. This way you can practice healthy portion sizes without feeling left out.

Pace yourself wisely: All that food isn't going anywhere! Studies have shown that eating slowly curbs your appetite, but if you've been a lifelong member of the clean-plate club, consider taking a break during dinner. When everyone else is rolling home from their dinner, you'll be perfectly satiated and feeling great.

If you've always been a member of the clean-plate club, it's time to retrain your brain. With portion sizes bigger than ever, it's far too easy to chow down, overeat, and leave yourself in a serious food coma. Now is the time to cut back and drop your fork to match up with your body's true needs.

Get aware: In Marianne Williamson's book A Course in Weight Loss, one of my favorite quotes is: "When you're eating excessively, you're expressing fear." Do you feel nervous when you think about food? Are you always bored when you go to snack? Being aware of how you feel before you eat will help you discover what issues you may have when it comes to your relationship with food.

Choose right: Even if you're craving something crazy, getting proper knowledge and choosing healthy foods that fill you up like baked potatoes or eggs will leave you feeling far better for longer than high-calorie junk will.

Take pleasure: If you've always fallen victim to sugar- and salt-laden treats, it's time to redefine your feelings with mealtime and enjoying healthful food. Even the sheer shift of sitting down and admiring your meal may be all the help you need to drop the fork sooner.

Keep reading for more tools to drop your fork sooner.

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

Learn which summertime treats are the biggest calorie culprits and enjoy every outing with treats that won't go to your gut.

By Diana Kelly, Prevention

It's hard to enjoy a Summer excursion without being bombarded by high-cal, fatty foods and humongous portions at every turn. Making matters worse, if you find yourself catching a whiff of funnel cakes on an empty stomach, the temptation to get a plateful might be more than your weight-loss resolve can handle.

We asked nutrition experts to share their know-how and take the guesswork out of the calorie counts of common foods you'll find at popular Summer events. Find out what they suggested you steer clear of — and better-for-you options — to maximize fun without hurting your waistline.

1. The Ballpark

Bathing Suit Bomber: Jumbo Dogs and Large Beers

You don't have to get the supersized, foot-long jumbo dog or the largest cup of beer, says David Grotto, RD, a former spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and founder of Nutrition Housecall, a nutrition-consulting firm.

"A jumbo beef hot dog (larger than a foot-long) can contain about a half pound of meat per dog!" says Grotto. That clocks in at around 750 calories and 68 grams of fat depending on the brand — and that doesn't even include the roll! Washing that dog down with a tall 16-ounce regular beer will set you back about 200 more calories.

Worst Foods to Eat During Summer Fun

Better Pick: Regular Hot Dogs and Light Beer

Grotto says enjoying a regular-sized hot dog (five to six inches) and a small beer are fine. A regular dog on the bun with ketchup, relish, and mustard comes in at around 280 calories. Pair it with a 12-ounce light brew for another 100 to 120 calories.

Just make sure you don't overload the dog with high-cal toppings. "It's the chili and cheese layered on top," says David Kessler, MD, author of The End of Overeating (Rodale, 2009). "That's when 300 or 400 calories turns into 1,500. The best trick is to have a plan. Know what you're going to eat and when you're going to eat."

Keep reading for more tips on avoiding calorie bombs.

When we think of weight loss, we can't help but daydream about the adorable clothes we'll be able to wear once we reach our goal weight. For the time being, you can use your present wardrobe to inspire those pounds to drop off. Here's how.

Bangle bracelets: Drinking water instead of soda, sugary juices, and high-calorie coffee drinks is a surefire way to cut calories. Getting your fill of nature's beverage also makes you feel full, which prevents unnecessary snacking, so try to drink a glass of water at least every hour or so. To help you remember to drink water throughout the day, here's a fashionable tip: buy a set of eight or so bangle bracelets. Wear them on your right hand and every time you finish a glass of water, move a bracelet over to your left wrist. It'll help you keep track of your water intake, and you'll look stylish doing it.

Comfy walking shoes or sneakers: If your office is in a tall building, you'll be more likely to save your feet and slip into the elevator if you're wearing heels. Comfy shoes, on the other hand, will inspire you to get up on your feet more, taking walks up and down the stairs, strolls to your co-worker's desk to chat (instead of sending an email), for a walk-and-talk meeting, or even a midday jog.

Fitted clothes: Elastic waistbands and big shirts are comfy, but they cover up your body and allow you to forget what you look like, which might work against you in terms of motivation. These types of clothes also encourage lounging around on the couch for hours. Instead, opt for clothes that have a more fitted silhouette. Fitted shirts and pants made out of stretchy material can help give you a sense of your body image and may also inspire you to do something active. Since wearing tights or leggings is in, it won't seem odd if you sport your yoga pants at work.

See more tips after the break!