Get active. Plan ahead and schedule a time to move using a calendar appointment or alarm on your mobile device. A scheduled reminder means you'll be more likely to go for a walk with the dog, run with friends or play a friendly game of family pickleball. Make a physical activity a new family tradition.

Revamp the recipes. Side dishes and desserts pack a lot of hidden sodium and sugar and calories. Use low-sodium broth, low-fat or fat-free milk and low-fat cream, and cut the amount of salt and sugar in half, all without sacrificing flavor. Looking for a way to make that pumpkin pie healthier? Use pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling.

Let the vegetables shine in a starring role, sans heavy sauces and marshmallows. See sidebar for some taste-tested ideas.

Be moderate, be picky. Select the healthiest choices available, watch the portion size and remember the calories in alcohol add up fast too.

Focus on family and friends, not the food. Slow down and savor the time together.