During Thanksgiving dinner the average American consumes a whopping 2,000 to 3,000 calories. In order to burn those calories, you would have to walk 20 to 30 miles. Rather than regret your meal, here's are some practical strategies to help keep calories within reason.

Family ThanksgivingThanksgivings have often been spent at my older sister's suburban Chicago home or my younger sister's central Illinois house where she took care of our mother, who passed away this year. I shudder to think of the winter storms one of us was always driving through.

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With senior family members gone and our kids doing their own things, we are having a sister reunion at my older sister's fabulous second home in Arizona to do something a little different. This may be our new holiday tradition: the three sisters -we can cook (but we don't have to) and hike in a canyon on Thanksgiving Day.

One thing we don't have to do is accommodate the schedules of four grown children, and my four grandchildren, one of whom potentially shuttles between her mom's and step-dad's three families, my daughter-in-law's family, and my divorced ex and me for holidays. Whew!

What can you do when your nest

About a month ago, a meme was making its way around Facebook. It was a picture of Dawson crying and a series of statements described as "first world problems." I quickly became obsessed with it.

What is a first world problem, you might ask? It's a complaint that only underscores how privileged and spoiled you are. But it should also be funny. An acknowledgment that you get it. And it should be a reminder that whatever you're complaining about is actually pretty silly.

This week is all about giving thanks and being grateful. First world problems are a great way to laugh at ourselves, get a little perspective and recognize how fortunate we are. And maybe remember all the people in the world for whom a cold latte or a long line at the store is not a tragedy.

Related: Top 10 worst parent "humblebrags"


It's just sad. Target is *supposed* to be the cool discount store but really it's just Walmart with cuter clothes.


Ugh, now my mouth tastes WEIRD.


Maybe I can just pretend I didn't see