With temptations of pumpkin pie, gingerbread, turkey with gravy and more, it's easy to make bad decisions when eating during the holidays.
Students often make poor choices because they do not know what the right choices are, said Susan Jeck, a nutritionist and owner of B-Fit Body Boutique in Jupiter.
"A lot of people think that Thanksgiving means to stuff yourself," she said, "but that is not a good idea."
Jeck said to focus on vegetables as much as possible, limit desserts and sugar intake and be careful to eat items in moderation.
Liz Lagasse, a registered dietitian for GatorWell, said eating balanced meals and stopping when feeling full help control overeating and increase enjoyment of food.
But Dominique Richardson, a UF freshman, said she usually watches what she eats and feels Thanksgiving is the only day she can splurge by eating the foods she wants.
Richardson looks at Thanksgiving as the one day to ease up on dieting and enjoy food with her family, she said.
Jeck agrees but said it's important to keep self-control.
"Look at Thanksgiving as a nice meal," Jeck said. "It doesn't have to be a huge feast."
