The average American will consume about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day when the pre-meal party, the actual dinner and dessert, then evening leftovers are all taken into account. That is enough to gain a pound or two alone, which can be remedied, but how many more days like this will there be?

Actually, there is the potential for quite a few as the holidays approach: Thanksgiving weekend, family holiday parties, work holiday parties, neighborhood/church holiday parties, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Christmas week, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. In addition to extra meals and calories is the fact that activity levels generally taper off during the holidays. The combination of overeating and not much exercise has the potential to provide weight gain that is often not lost, and year after year, a few more pounds continue to be added to the tally.

However, it is possible to get through the holidays without gaining weight or being mad at yourself in January. To do that, consider these ten tips for healthy holiday eating:

1. Eat what you love and leave what you like

You don't have to eat everything that is put in front of you. Make careful choices and stick with the foods you enjoy most. Don't select foods that aren't your favorite just because they are there.

2. Go to gatherings to gather, not to eat

Focus on enjoying those you are with, not the food.

3. Choose wisely

Fill your plate with 80 percent healthy foods, and save the other 20 percent for dessert or treats.

4. Skip the punch and eat the cake

You'll likely enjoy eating your calories more than drinking them.

5. Don't save up for later

It doesn't make sense to starve all day because you have a party that night. You will likely end up consuming more because you are so hungry. Eat light, but don't skip meals.

6. And especially, don't skip breakfast

It really is the most important meal of the day since it fuels your body as you start the day.

7. Pack the snacks

Keep healthy snack choices available when you're on the run so you don't overeat at mealtimes.

8. Follow the three-bite rule

People seem to mostly enjoy the first and last bites of what they eat, so put a bite in between and call it good after three.

9. Don't skimp on sleep

Being tired and cranky won't be good for anyone during the holidays.

10. Drink water

Staying hydrated during the hustle and bustle will help you feel your best and will also help you not feel so hungry when you get to the table.

The post 10 tips for healthy holiday eating appeared first on FamilyToday.

It can't hurt to spend a little extra during the holidays because, "tis the season," right? Wrong...it can and does hurt. No matter how festive you are feeling, not paying attention to these 25 money wasters will spell trouble when January rolls around:

1. Shopping without a budget

Before you make any purchases, figure out how much you can afford to spend, stick to your budget and track your spending. Don't make purchases you haven't budgeted for.

2. Not sharing the cost of entertaining

While it is tempting to just cover all the costs yourself, share your entertaining costs with guests by assigning out food, paper products and game supplies.

3. Putting purchases on a credit card

Most of us tend to overspend when using a credit card. We are also less likely to compare prices when you can just get it now, and pay for it later. We rationalize away a few dollars that quickly add up.

4. Using out-of-network ATMs when shopping

Those fees can add up, so plan carefully.

5. Last minute shopping

This is a tricky one. Sometimes in a rush, we buy and spend too much...but sometimes there are great sales that are only available right before Christmas. The trouble is, supplies are generally pretty picked over and the frustration of not finding your item sometimes isn't worth the potential savings.

6. Buying "little" gifts for too many people

Consider an alternative to gift exchanges. Determine a set amount that you donate to a charity, then tell all those would-be-recipients of your gift what you have done.

7. Buying party supplies at grocery stores

Try discount stores and dollar stores for your party supply needs.

8. Not comparing prices

Having the internet at your fingertips means being able to check prices...so do it! Free websites and apps include fatwallet, pricehistories, and consumerworld.

9. Buying new decorations every year

Cut back on the decorations this year, and use last year's decorations as much as possible. Get creative and put some time and effort into DIY decorations.

10. Getting new holiday clothes

We don't need new clothes for a family photo, gathering or night out. Learn how to dress up the basics. Wear a basic black dress than can be dressed up a dozen different ways just by adding less expensive accessories.

11. Not taking advantage of free activities

The holidays are full of free concerts, neighborhood parties and other free events. Go to these rather than spending money on pricey dinners and galas.

12. Buying specialty foods or drinks

Carefully plan menus for simple and economical meals for the majority of your holiday dining. Remember to shop the sales to save on food.

13. Not shopping a year in advance

Do you Christmas shopping the day after the holiday, when things are considerably reduced at the end of each season.

14. Not using coupons

This time of year there are some really good deals and promotions...so if there are discounts on items on your list, don't pass them up. Look at coupons online and in any newspapers or magazines you subscribe to.

15. Buying overpriced wrapping paper just to make your gifts look "extra special."

16. Splurging on meals away from home

, or tipping too much when you do go out.

17. Paying for warranties on appliances and electronics

You probably won't need the extra coverage because most major appliances don't break down during the extended-warranty period. Or you might already be covered. The four major credit card networks (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express) provide up to a year of extended warranty protection for some cardholders.

18. Not clearly planning your charitable contributions

We all want to help out those in need during the holidays, but it's easy to go over budget if we don't set aside a specific amount.

19. Paying full price for gift cards

It is possible to find gift cards at a discount using websites like this and this.

20. Buying gag gifts

Though it might be funny to surprise someone with a gag gift, you'll end up spending twice when you give them their real present.

21. Going overboard on your kids

It's an easy thing to do, but be careful. Stay within your budget and have a financially stress free holiday season.

22. Running too many errands through poor planning

23. Paying too much for shipping

Look for shipping coupons and shop early to get free shipping before "this date" for your online purchases.

24. Spending too much on greeting cards

Use an e-card or design your own card and send it electronically to save on postage and cards.

25. Buying for yourself

While you are worth it, no matter how good the deal, pass it up. On average we spend about $130 on ourselves during the holidays. So be careful...that is a lot of money that could go elsewhere.

If you do it right this holiday season, you'll have the money to shop for yourself later this year - if you have the money.

The post 25 holiday money wasters appeared first on FamilyToday.

In today's world, children are exposed to vast amounts of technology. An estimated 75% of teenagers own a cell phone, and, not surprisingly, social media sites are their favorite places to visit. In fact, one study showed that 22 percent of teenagers log onto their favorite social media sites more than 10 times a day.

With that amount of time logged into technology, consider these tips to keep your child engaged in activities other than that electronic device:

1. Parents set the example

Parents should first set an example by monitoring their own technology use and putting technology away when they interact with their children. Children need parents who are physically, emotionally and mentally available to them, so a solid parent-child relationship bond can be formed.

2. Establish phone-free zones

It is important to establish phone-free zones and times throughout the day where kids cannot have their devices with them. These times could be during mealtimes, while doing homework, during family activities or right before bed since technology can be especially distracting during these times.

Some parents even have children turn in their technology to them during these activities so they can focus or interact without interruptions.

3. Encourage activities that do not involve technology

Parents can limit technology use and encourage physical exercise and social activities that do not involve technology. There are numerous apps parents can use to monitor children's technology time and limit its use. With time limitations on some apps, children can learn to regulate their own use if they know how much time they have been on their device. Parents can also require that all forms of technology be turned in at night.

4. Encourage some technology use

Our children's worlds will continue to be filled with various types of technology, which isn't necessarily a negative thing. Parents can find ways to connect with their children through technology or join them in ways that show they are interested in and aware of their children's technology use.

Children are exposed to many forms of technology each day. Parents can take a leading role in setting an example and help them develop healthy technology habits, starting when they are young.

Parents should monitor children's devices, know the passcodes for each device and let their children know they will review what is being said or done on the devices. Parents can also make sure the privacy settings on the Internet and social media sites, like Facebook, are set to appropriate levels.

Technology should be a privilege that is earned and respected. It is best to discuss rules, expectations and consequences of their technology use. Also, be open with your children for what they view on the website, including images that are not appropriate.

The post 4 ways to help your kids unplug appeared first on FamilyToday.