Buttery mashed potatoes, gravy drenched turkey and succulent sweets. Yum.

While it may be fun when you're chowing down, soon after reality sets in, and the belt buckle needs to be loosened a couple of notches -- something we've all dealt with around the holidays. A dietician with Southern Health Sante Sud says overeating, and indulging in calorie-packed foods tends to go hand-in-hand with holidays like Thanksgiving. But it doesn't have too. Angela Tucker says there are ways to approach food preparation and mindful thought around holiday meals to make them more healthy and enjoyable.

For those looking to skip on the extra sticks of butter and prepare a healthier meal, Tucker suggests trying to use more plant based options. She says using pulses, or legumes, like chickpeas, lentils, black beans, lima beans and white navy beans make for great recipes packed with nutrients and flavour.

"The great thing with pulses and legumes are that they're a great source of fibre, a great source of protein, and they have many other health benefits," Tucker says. "They really help keep us satisfied without feeling stuffed and they're also a great option for people who might have vegetarians in the family, or for those who just want to have lighter options."

Tucker adds pulses are versatile, and there are many great recipes that can be prepared that will surely satisfy at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

"Some ideas for that could be a savoury pot pie, with veggies and navy beans," she says. "Or you could try a meatloaf with canaleni beans and whole grains, or adding lentils to stuffing. There's a lot you can do."

For those not looking to part from the traditional fluffy white mash, Tucker says it's important to be mindful during your meal and try to consider restricting portions.

"Slow down, enjoy your food and eat mindfully," she says. "Really listen to your body. Think about how you want to feel after the meal. Ask yourself: 'do I want to feel uncomfortable and stuffed? Or do I want to feel comfortable and content.'"

"While you're eating, really focus on the food that you're eating and enjoy it," Tucker continues. "Eat slow, savour each bite, and be mindful and thankful of what that food came from."

Tucker adds food is a great connector and really helps bring people together, but it shouldn't take away from what really matters at Thanksgiving: spending time with family.

"Part of Thanksgiving is coming together as a family and spending time with one another," Tucker says. "And that can be hard to do sometimes if we're not feeling comfortable."