The abundance of food and drink at Thanksgiving makes it nearly impossible to push yourself away from the table. Before you know it, you're more stuffed than the turkey! Here are a few strategies that will help you keep over indulgence in check while still enjoying the bounty of great eats this time of year.

• Breakfast is a Must: Eating a solid breakfast on T-Day that includes some protein and fiber (like oatmeal, nuts and yogurt) will keep you feeling satisfied. Skipping meals—especially breakfast—may lead to overeating later in the day with faulty rationalization that you "deserve" to indulge.

• Pass on Apps: Snacking on appetizers before the big meal only adds to the calorie load for the day. Instead, pass on pre-meal snacks, which most likely are nothing special (cheese and crackers, nuts, dip and chips).

• Size Matters: Eating from a smaller dinner plate will help control portion sizes. If available, opt for a smaller plate and serve yourself smaller portions of your favorite sides, turkey and gravy. You'll just have less of all, but still enough to enjoy the great tastes.

• Be Picky: Select special T-Day foods you know you can't get any other time, like Aunt Betty's sweet potato casserole. Take smaller portions or skip altogether the more common items such as bread and butter or mashed potatoes.

• Take a Break: Before dessert, get up from the table and take a break from eating. Help clear dishes, store leftovers or just plain socialize. Taking a breather from eating will help let the food "settle" and you may discover you have no room for dessert. You can also take a walk in the neighborhood, burn a few calories and head back for dessert.