Eat the turkey, but skimp on sides

While we're not remotely suggesting that you diet on turkey day, wouldn't it be nice if, just once, this tradition-blessed binge didn't send your resolve spiraling down -- and your weight soaring -- for the rest of the holidays?

Some suggestions:

Instead of noshing your way through the sour-cream dip before dinner, pick the walnuts out of the nut bowl. Eating 12 halves, 30 minutes before a meal, will convince your brain that you're not all that hungry.

Yes, including the pumpkin pie and -- if you're really into it -- your sister-in-law's Jell-O salad. Just don't eat a lot of it. Take less, and savor it more. The fifth (or 15th) forkful never has the "wow" of the first few bites, anyway. After those, move on.

Turkey breast is super lean: just 44 calories, 1 gram of fat and no saturated fat per skinless ounce.

Cranberries contain powerful anti-agers. But skip the canned sauces, which are jammed with added sugar and 170 calories per inch-thick slice.

Make the healthier side dishes (the salad, the asparagus, the baked pearl onions) the stars, along with your turkey. Flip the double-stuffed potatoes into a small side dish. When everyone else is waddling out, you'll be feeling great.