Ever feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach after eating Thanksgiving dinner?  Overeating is bound to happen if you don’t pay close attention to what you’re ingesting.

Here are some helpful tips to combat a real pain in your gut this Thanksgiving.

• Remember Thanksgiving is NOT a Contest to see how much you can consume. If you are hosting the meal, remind yourself there will be plenty of leftovers, this will let you to relax enjoy your meal and not over stuff yourself. A guest this Thanksgiving? Ask the hostess for leftovers, most people are more than happy to have their guests take home leftovers.
• Use a salad plate. Studies have shown that if you use a smaller plate, you eat less food without even noticing.
• Clear your plate when you’re done. Hostesses welcome a helpful hand by their guests. By bringing your plate to the sink this will prevent you from mindless munching. It’s those last bites of food that have you feeling like you’ve been punched in the stomach.
• Put you fork down between bites. Put down your silverware between each bite and chew your food before stuffing another bite of food in your mouth. Slow down…Thanksgiving meal is not a competition to see if you can race the person sitting next to you in an eating contest. Focus on what Thanksgiving is really about: spending time with friends and family and listening to other people talk.

This Thanksgiving practice mindful eating. Happy Thanksgiving!