For those new to my blog, I have lost and kept off 130 lbs. I have tried many diets and most work as long as you end up in a calorie deficit. I wish I knew of some type of voodoo that helps you lose weight otherwise.

Here are a few tips I use to be less fat around the holidays.

SAVE SOME CALORIES

I start banking calories prior to Thanksgiving. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week I will eat approximately 500-700 less calories each day. The goal is to save up an extra 2,000 by Thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving I still count my calories, but I don't deprive myself. If I go over, I go over. But at least I mitigate some damage by saving up earlier in the week.

MOVE

I take a hike on Thanksgiving. Yes, I know we are busy. Get up earlier. You'll be tired anyway from saving up those calories earlier in the week.

You have a family, great, take them with you. Stop finding excuses.

I also take a few small walks before and after meals. Again, stop the excuses, a little walk for everyone is good. Instill some good habits in family and friends.

CHUG SOME WATER

Chug down 16 ounces of water between each course. It's such an easy hack. If your belly is full of water, you'll eat less.

DON'T RELENT TO PEER PRESSURE

All too often friends and family will say "It's just one day." Would they say that to someone with substance abuse issues? It's ok, a little fix of heroin never hurt anyone.

A great comment to use is "I am here for the company, that is what is most important to me."

When all else fails while someone is busting my balls I often say "I have not commented on you eating your sixth piece of cake, so please leave me the f@ck alone." Yes, I have said that. That usually ends a conversation with someone I don't want to talk to anymore anyway. It's fun.

THE #1 RULE, IF A FOOD IS NOT A 10, IT'S A 0

Don't pick on crap food during the day. Use those valuable calories on the good stuff. If a food does not rate a 10 on the taste scale it's a 0. Don't eat it. If you started eating it, stop.

GET BACK TO IT ON FRIDAY

Don't turn one day of fun eating into an entire long weekend. Worse yet, don't roll into the holiday and tell yourself you'll start back up in January. Too much damage can be done.

Remember, the more you overeat, the more you have to make up for it at some other time.

IN CLOSING

Enjoy yourself. Do your own thing. These are just some helpful tips that have helped me do something most have not, loose and more importantly weight off.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.