How to work off a Thanksgiving meal

(CNN) – It’s the time of year when we tend to indulge ourselves.

One doctor says there are things you can do before, during and after a Thanksgiving meal to help with the holiday bloat.

Today’s Health Minute discusses how you can work off that Thanksgiving meal.

Dr. Sarah Sams with American Academy of Family Physicians, says, “We often use food as a celebration and, and overeating is a typical thing that people might do that day.”

Sams says preparing for a heavy holiday meal starts with breakfast by eating something small and not skipping this meal.

We tend to overeat with an empty stomach.

Next, Sams says to eat slowly, to space out different parts of the meal over a period of time so you’re not eating as much all at once and to stay hydrated.

Sams says, “Make sure that you put your fork down between bites so that you’re actually taking time to digest and, and to let your body catch up and your brain to catch up with that sense of feeling full.”

Sams says it helps our metabolism and digestive system as you go into a meal.

She also says not to give into temptation to take a nap.

Sams says, “Especially after eating a big meal, if you lay down, you’re more likely to have acid reflux and have difficulty digesting.”

Instead, Sam suggests taking a light walk or doing some modest exercise but avoiding strenuous activities.

Sams says, “Your digestive system is taking a lot of the blood flow to help with digesting the food. So if you divert that blood flow to muscles to do a big activity like a run or a strenuous exercise after eating, then you won’t digest your food as well and may cause more digestive problems.”

Sams says you can always consult with you family physician if you have questions.