Overeating on Thanksgiving has become an American tradition. And when you consider that the average Thanksgiving meal contains a whopping 4,500 calories, it’s easy to see why Thanksgiving signals the beginning of holiday weight gain.
Offset some of those Turkey Day calories with these 5 fun and simple activities the whole family can enjoy, and keep weight gain at bay this holiday season.

1. Take a brisk walk around the neighborhood before or after the meal. To up your calorie burn, sprint to a stop sign or other landmark occasionally.
2. Many families will be gathered around the television to watch their favorite football teams. Why not have your own football game in the backyard during halftime? You can even create a yearly tradition, with family members making teams and having the “losers” do kitchen clean up!
3. Don’t take your TV watching lying down. During commercials, do push ups, sit ups or lift weights. Planks are simple and great ab toners -- see if you can hold a plank during a whole commercial.
4. Outdoor games can become a family Thanksgiving tradition. Hula hoop competitions, frisbee matches or races can be part of a Turkey Day “Olympics.”
5. Put a little more fun into food preparation and clean up by putting on some fun tunes and dancing around the house. Washing dishes to the oldies, anyone?