Avoid some of the unnecessary extras

Do you see tons of bread and rolls all over the table? Don't touch them. They are loaded with carbs and calories and will just stuff you so you won't enjoy the other food as much. Drinks are another source of unnecessary calories. It's okay to maybe have a glass of wine with your meal, or maybe a beer while you watch the football game beforehand, but don't overdo it. Drinking a lot of alcohol can increase your appetite, causing you to want more food. Not to mention, if you get too much of a buzz going you may completely forget your plan for dietary discipline.

Delay dessert

Just because everyone else at the table jumps into some pumpkin pie or other dessert favorites does not mean you have to as well. Since you are likely quite full after eating an entire meal, eating dessert without some time in between may be more of a chore than it is pleasure. Simply say that you are full and you will have some dessert later. Give your body a chance to digest dinner first. If you do eat dessert later on, make it a small serving. Better yet, skip it altogether if you can.

Finished eating? Get active!

One of the worst things you can do after your meal, other than eating more, is to take a nap. It's the sport of choice for many after a hearty Thanksgiving meal, but you should avoid it and get active instead. Get a group together and talk a social walk outside to help the food digest. Turkey may make you sleepy, but stay on your feet to avoid the urge to doze off. Play some football with the guys, or get a card game going. You don't have to run a 10k marathon, but staying awake and somewhat active is better than sleeping on a very full stomach. If you really want to earn some points, help clean up the dishes. Doing this will undoubtedly help in securing yourself a seat at the table during next year's Thanksgiving get-together.