6 foolproof ways to cut calories this Thanksgiving (or any occasion)

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Dieting can be a lot harder once the holidays come around. Most people do in fact gain more weight during occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas because it is treated as a time to eat and be merry and chalk up diet accountability by New Year.

Commitment to health can be very challenging this season but if you're keen on following your weight loss strategy and determined to keep the extra weight off, here are six ways to still eat, enjoy and be merry without the guilt or added pounds:

1.) Eat breakfast

While we've been told that eating breakfast is a great way to start the day, they've always been right all along, says WebMD. Some people save their appetite for dinner but eating something in the morning can help you regulate your food cravings and make you less likely to binge eat on snacks and other delicious pastries that mom is baking in the kitchen. Eating another satisfying and well-portioned meal, something protein-rich, during lunch could help you not overeat during the main event as well.

2.) Get enough sleep before the occasion

Many studies have shown evidence that lack of sleep can increase a person's appetite that makes them more susceptible to overeating. According to Forbes, getting at least eight hours of sleep a day can help reduce chances of late-night snacking and overeating.

3.) Eat a full plate

While Thanksgiving is generally a time to be thankful for all the blessings in life, there's no need to overstuff yourself with too much calories to show you're grateful. One way to actually fill your plate and finishing it without packing on too calories is to put more green vegetables on there such as spinach, broccoli, green beans and other non-starchy ones, according to Fit Day. For the other half, you can put anything you want so make it count!

4.) Drink lots of water the whole day

If you're not a big water drinker but would like to avoid the pitfalls of overeating during Thanksgiving, keeping this tip in mind could help you keep the pounds off. According to Fox News, hunger can sometimes be mistaken as thirst, so drink water regularly and stay hydrated.

5.) Make and bring your own dish

If you're having potluck, the best way you can ensure that you're eating just right is to eat your own dish. Since you can never tell what others may be bringing to the gathering, making your own but sneakily healthy dish may be the best way to go about it. CNN recommends making a dish made out of classic sweet potatoes, they're healthy and rich and vitamins.

6.) Drink red wine instead

Thanksgiving would not be complete without alcohol; it is a time for reunions and celebration after all. If you must have alcoholic beverages to share with your family, stock up on red wine instead. Business Insider reports that it has fewer calories and has positive health benefits when taken in moderation.