Okay To Indulge On Thanksgiving

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Are you getting ready to feast? Each year I have several patients ask me "what do you think? Should I relax and have a big meal with the family for Thanksgiving?"

The answer I give is you might as well.

In the past, I have said give yourself a reward and enjoy a big meal with family but I have had more than one nutritionist tell me that food is not a reward...rather I should say that eating lots of carbs and a piece of pie every now and then is ok...especially if it is part of a celebration.

One thing the nutritionists agree with me about is that this should be a once in a while occurrence. Not the first day of many big meals through the holiday season.