By Jasmine Perez |Staff Writer|

Overindulging in food is one of the toughest struggles when trying to remain healthy during the holidays.

According to healthyeating.sfgate.com, “overeating, particularly high-fat, high-calorie foods, can increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”

Although you can be tempted to continue eating because the food is in sight, stop eating once you are full.

A helpful tip to not overindulge is to make sure you eat designated meals before your dinner.

Not eating all day so you can save room for your awaited dinner is not a good mindset to have.

Have a decent breakfast and light lunch before dinner.

If your families thanksgiving feast will take place around lunch time, make sure to have breakfast beforehand and dinner after.

Kinesiology Professor Jacqueline Sullivan recommends taking a 30-45 minute walk before your dinner to increase your metabolism.

“An hour after your food has digested, take another walk,” said Sullivan.

“It doesn’t have to be a fast walk, it can just be moving around and that should help with the burning of calories,” continued Sullivan.

Sullivan also advises filling up on vegetables and protein.

“Turkey is a super food, pumpkin is a super food and many of the foods are very good for us if you try to limit the carbohydrates,” said Sullivan.

“And of course drink lots of water to wash it all through and fill you up,” added Sullivan.

Mary Shammas has been vegan for four months and is going to experiment with a healthier, vegan thanksgiving dinner this year.

“I am planning on making a vegan cheese sauce for Mac and Cheese, with a base of cashews, carrots and potatoes,” said Shammas.

“I’ve never tried it but it looks really good and of course much healthier,” added Shammas.

She will also make vegan desserts such as vegan pecan pie and vegan mini pumpkin cheesecakes.

The cheesecakes are made with whole foods like cashews, coconut milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla and lemon instead of cream cheese, for that sour taste that cheesecake has.

Substituting a couple of your dishes with a vegan dish can help with portioning.

Consider the suggestions listed above when preparing your Thanksgiving feast.