This Thanksgiving, you can have your pie and eat it, too. The trick is to stay active.

A time to be with loved ones, eat family favorite dishes and express our gratitude. That’s right! I’m talking about Thanksgiving! Along with all the wonderful things this holiday brings, it unfortunately can come with added stress, feeling sluggish, along with dreaded holiday weight gain. However, with a little planning and determination, you can stay on track and have a happy, healthy holiday.

In an effort to add a little exercise and stress relief to the calorie-laden Thanksgiving festivities, why not start some active family traditions as well? It’s a fun way to burn off extra calories and spend quality time together. Here are a few ideas, but the special part is making them your own.

Thanksgiving Morning: Take a family walk

In a perfect world, you’d go to the gym or run in a turkey trot. That can be too much to ask, though, especially if you’re cooking the big meal. This is the perfect time to go for an early morning walk with the family and talk about all you’re grateful for. It’s a great way to start the day and even better way to bond with the family.

Bonus Tip: Drink More Water

No surprise here. You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, but it’s one of the best and easiest things you can do. Start your day by polishing off two huge glasses of water, especially during a holiday laden with rich foods like Thanksgiving. You’ll end up eating less and you won’t feel as sluggish.

Thanksgiving Afternoon: It’s Football Time!

This is America! We watch football on Thanksgiving, so why not play football, too? Get all the siblings and neighbors together for a fun game of touch football in the back yard before dinner. You can add a little friendly competition by making it one side of the family versus the other, or girls versus boys. Losers can wash the dishes while the winners relax and watch the game!

Thanksgiving Evening: Take a Family Bike Ride

Before the pie is served is the perfect time to get some exercise with the family and let your food digest for a bit. Get the family all bundled up and go for a bike ride around the block. Your tummy will thank you when it has a little extra room for that second slice of grandma’s homemade apple pie.

What are your favorite family traditions?