TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Thanksgiving is almost here and local health experts say if you are trying to watch your health you need to prepare now.

Health experts say Thanksgiving can be a dangerous holiday if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Many people like to spend the holiday eating large amounts of tasty foods. Experts say changing your diet suddenly can be hurtful. They say those with heart conditions and diabetes should take extra care of themselves. A local nutrition specialist says many people will try to eat less on the days leading up to the holiday so they will feel better about eating one large meal. He says fasting before the big meal is actually more dangerous and to eat regularly before Thanksgiving.

"So when you go into the meal, you are not ravenous, you are not so hungry that you will devour the whole table. So once you are not hungry you don't focus on how much am I going to eat, what am I going to eat, you are more sensible in what you will choose" Rao Ivaturi says.

Ivaturi says there are healthier options for most popular Thanksgiving foods. He says steamed vegetables are a good substitute for favorites like stuffing.

Ivaturi also says eating in moderation is important for any meal, not just the holiday.