This Thanksgiving don't be a turkey, get off the couch and have fun

November 24, 1:13 PMNutrition ExaminerCarol Bardelli

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You don't have stuff yourself just because the turkey was stuffed.

Thanksgiving is a great day for fun and fitness. We usually associate Thanksgiving with food and football. This year, instead of camping out on the couch watching football, get everyone outside for a game of touch football. While the average Thanksgiving feast runs upwards of 1600 calories, a fun hour of touch football burns roughly 595 calories. Not a big football fan? A family game of soccer burns 475 calories an hour. If you use a few of the calorie cutting tips below in conjunction with an hour of activity you can prevent holiday weight gain.

Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving runs/walks are increasingly becoming a tradition for not only athletes, but families as a way to keep off the pounds and spend time together during the holidays. Mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, kids, cousins, friends, and active grandparents, Turkey Trots are events that bring out everyone, including family members who have never run before. Jogging for 60 minutes burns up to 700 calories an hour, brisk walking at 4 miles an hour burns about 350 calories per hour.

If you are planning a fun holiday fitness activity or a Thanksgiving run this week, you'll be interested to know that Active.com  - Your Guide To An Active Planet - is featuring a special Turkey Trot section that can be found at http://www.active.com/running/turkeytrot. Visitors can search for Turkey Trots and holiday races in their community. It's not too late to get onboard. Active also helps you learn strategies for preventing the holiday bulge.

Active.com is the largest site dedicated to participatory activities and events. If you ever need stats on the number of races in your region, want to use one of their training programs, or are interested in following an athlete training for his/her first race, Active.com is a resource for you.

Calorie saving tips:

Pumpkin pie has less calories than apple or pecan. Choose a small slice and forgo the whipped cream and you'll save about 150 calories.

Cool Whip has lower calorie toppings that save about 50 calories.

Skip the turkey skin fill up on lean white meat. This delicious protein source satisfies your appetite.

Many store bought jar gravies are low in fat and calories. Give yourself and your waistline a break and go for this convenient option.

Alcohol is a calorie deal breaker. Aim for one or two glasses, and drink water, black coffee, or tea the rest of the time.

Fill your plate with green vegetables, fruits like cranberries, green salad light on the dressing, and limit potatoes, breads, stuffing, and other starches.

Eat less of everything and eat slowly. You'll fill up on less food.

Remember you don't have stuff yourself just because the turkey was stuffed.