Exercise caution not to gobble up too much dinner

Gobble, gobble.

Did you know that the average American will eat three days worth of calories during the course of one Thanks-giving dinner?

Can you imagine? One meal, three days? I know it sounds absurd.

Most people have no idea how many calories they are consuming, that is exactly why your pants are too tight and why we have an obesity epidemic.

Every recipe can be altered so it is healthier for you and your family. Not ready to inhale 225 grams of fat next week?

Change the ingredients in your favorite family recipes.

It is really very simple, when you know where to start.

Regardless of whether it is a holiday, birthday or a family gathering, you have the opportunity with each bite of food that you take, to make a change.

The power and responsibility lies in your hands, or should I say fork. When you change how you are eating and what you are eating you will see the ripple effect in your own health as well as those you prepare food for.

If you still find yourself consuming an entire plate full of food and going back for seconds, take a little time and incorporate some physical movement toward that much needed caloric deficit. Take a brisk pace walk, rake the leaves in your front yard (and your neighbors), climb up and down stairs, do some jumping jacks or play tag with the kids.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner without gaining a pound.

Natalie Litzell Dreger is a certified fitness trainer. She can be reached at nataliedreger1@gmail.com.