Thanksgiving is already here, and right this very moment people are all busy grabbing a turkey, getting ingredients, and of course, looking for stretchable pants to wear for dinner. It's no secret that almost everyone indulges a little too far every year in this joyous holiday. But like a hangover, people live to regret the fact that they overate the next day.

It's widely accepted that people put on at least a pound during this holiday season, but what people don't know is that this one pound may never come off, increasing the chances of becoming overweight, according to study done by the National Institutes of Health. This weight gain during the holidays is due to less activity or a greater sense of being hungry.

According to dieticians from the University of Missouri, a few reminders can help people go about their festivities this Thanksgiving.

Donna Mehrle, dietician and extension associate in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, people should remind themselves of how they feel when they eat healthy foods and when they are physically active. That way, people can stay motivated throughout the lazy holiday.

Cindy Deblauw, a registered dietician and extension associate in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise and Physiology, also in the university, said that people should eat healthily throughout the day, having a small, high-protein snack so not to over eat during dinner. Deblauw added that steps like substituting something on the table with foods like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, or even yogurt can help.

Aside from these reminders, there are some other key choices that people can take to prevent putting on weight when facing the turkey. According to FitnessTipsForLife.com, simple things that people can do during Thanksgiving Day itself are:

- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated as well as keeping the body from feeling hungry

- Keep metabolism up by eating a small breakfast and a fairly small lunch

- Have a snack just before dinner

- Take a walk before and after dinner

- Eat everything on the table, but only in small portions