Afraid you will gobble up your diet progress today? Here are some tried and true tips to make sure you don't chow down on your weight loss progress.

-- Eat a small snack before you head to the meal. It will help you control the urge to snack on chips and dip.

-- Put the meal in perspective. Remember, it is ONE MEAL, not the meal of the century, so you don't need to eat as if there is no tomorrow. The real significance of the holiday is sharing it with your friends and family and being thankful for what God has blessed you with.

-- Try some portion control. Remember, 4 ounces of meat is about the size of a pack of cards. For complete portion control, check out the Serving Size Card provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

-- Stick to your favorites and skip the rest. Limiting what you can have can keep you from losing control.

-- Stay away from the buffet. Standing around the food makes for more mindless eating and more grazing. The closer you are, the higher the danger.

-- If you absolutely have to have some high-calorie food, just take a taste. A spoonful or two will satisfy your tastebuds without blowing all your calories.

-- Limit the alcohol. It can offer empty calories and hinder your efforts to eat healthy.

Now that you are armed, go forth and enjoy the holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com