WEDNESDAY, Nov. 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- For many Americans, Thanksgiving kicks off a season of high-calorie eating. The trick this time of year is to enjoy the goodies without packing on extra pounds.
It's important to eat in moderation rather than denying yourself any goodies, said food expert Shreela Sharma.
If you try to ignore a craving, it only gets worse, explained Sharma, a faculty member with the School of Public Health at University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston.
"Denying ourselves food groups never works," Sharma said in a university news release. "Food is not the enemy -- it's such an important part of who we are and our social lives. It's portioning that's the big trick."
If you eat in moderation, you don't need to feel guilty about having anything, from an appetizer to a dessert.
Sharma also offered tips for preparing healthier holiday fare:
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips for a healthy holiday season.