BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Across America tomorrow, families will sit down to enjoy a meal of turkey and all the fixings -- including high calorie foods such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

But you don't have to abandon your favorite Thanksgiving treats to eat healthier. Just pick and choose.

A good tip is to fill up on vegetables first -- start with a green salad or serve raw vegetables as an appetizer. Likewise at dinner, don't leave the veggies behind -- make sure they take up at least a third of your plate.

Make tradeoffs when it comes to the starches. If you are having potatoes and stuffing, you can pass on the buttered roll. Also, consider skipping or minimizing alcohol, which is often a hidden source of calories.

Choose one dessert rather than sampling both pumpkin and pecan pies. And finally -- get up from the table. Lingering in front of food makes us more likely to overeat. Instead, get the family together to take a walk or play a game. ------------------ Source: Expert advice from diet and nutrition specialists consulted by ABC News.