The fall certainly crept upon us quickly this year. All but two weeks ago, it was warm enough to comfortably be outside enjoying the great outdoors! Not only do the incoming frigid temperatures keep many of us from keeping active, they also provide us with more opportunity to eat "comfort (AKA high fat and calorie) foods." Thanksgiving is right around the corner and, if not careful, one can really wreak havoc on the ol' waistline, setting you up for a long winter ahead!

Hey, don't get me wrong. No one loves Thanksgiving more than I; after all, it combines no gift buying with tasty food and good company. If I told you I was a will-power queen at this meal, my family would tumble over in laughter upon reading this article. However, there are a few tools you can bring with you to the table in order to enjoy the meal without packing on the pounds.

The typical Thanksgiving meal has been estimated at 4,000 or more calories! That is the equivalent of the daily caloric needs of an active 150-pound person for TWO days in ONE meal. Let me put in perspective from an activity angle. To burn that number of calories, one would have to do one of the following:

• Run a 7-minute mile for 5 hours (about 42 miles)
• Swim briskly for 6 hours
• Hike 30 miles

I do not know too many people prepared to (or who would want to) do any of the above. Certainly, there is no need to carb load to watch holiday football! So, how do we enjoy this meal and not feel the guilt later? Follow these tips:

• Make sure you have a non-starchy, low sugar breakfast that morning. This will stabilize your blood sugar and control your appetite for later in the day.
• If you set out snacks, be sure to add some fresh veggies with low fat (or no) dip.

Yes, it is possible to cut some of the calories and fat without sacrificing taste. Some ideas include:

• Try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
• Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.
• Use fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods.
• Try to resist going back for second helpings (hmmm. . . this is a hard one for me!).
• Be reasonable about your portion sizes. Like I said before, a light yet satisfying breakfast will help in this department.
• Lastly, and of course my personal favorite, try to get some exercise during the day. Going on a jog/hike/bike ride is a great way to add some calorie burn while spending time with family. You will find the time shared more enjoyable than having a food coma on the couch!

The Running Company holds a Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day and each year it gains in popularity. The event is at 9:00am and begins at Broad Ripple Station 1079 Broad Ripple Avenue (in front of The Running Company). I know I will be there. . . will you?