Before you belly up to the Thanksgiving table, you should know that there are ways to keep the meal healthy.

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First off, don't starve yourself all day thinking you'll save your calories for the big meal. Eat a wholesome breakfast and lunch Thurday.

Remember, Thanksgiving dinner is not an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean meat with no skin and the last quarter can be filled with whatever starch is being served, such as bread or corn.

As for side dishes, watch your portion sizes.

Lay off the alcohol and drink plenty of water. It will fill your stomach and keep you hydrated.

To make your Thanksgiving feast healthier, add loads of those colorful veggies. They're major cancer-fighters. Cranberries, carrots and squash all have antioxidants and beta carotene.

Serve tea or red wine to tap into their beneficial compounds.