Exactly no one sits down at the Thanksgiving table expecting a light meal. But between drinks, dinner, seconds and a slice of pecan pie, you might unwittingly be downing more calories than most adults should in an entire day.
Think you can eyeball how much is really on your plate? We asked Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D., author of The Flexitarian Diet, to estimate how many calories were on a variety of different Thanksgiving plates. Test your skills below by guessing how many calories each photo has, then click on the text below for the answer. (And remember that these counts are estimates, not exact calculations.)
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PHOTO HAS (INCLUDING THE DRINKS!)
"Keep stuffing portions under one cup (the size of a baseball)," Blatner says. "Traditional recipes contain a stick or two of butter."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"Instead of filling your plate with every side option, pick your top three," she suggests.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"This dessert sampler contains more calories than a typical Thanksgiving meal," Blatner says. "Variety stimulates appetite." Try to choose one favorite instead of taking bites of everything.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THESE TWO PLATES HAVE
"I love how you can still see the plate," Blatner says. The biscuit alone adds up to close to half the calories, she points out.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"This is a visually balanced plate," Blatner says. "Lighten it up by steaming veggies and roasting potato wedges."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
Oil and bacon can turn a perfectly healthy food into an indulgent one. "Roast vegetables with cooking spray and season with herbs for added flavor," Blatner suggests.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
Blatner recommends serving yourself half a slice of your favorite pie and topping and pairing it with decaf coffee or herbal tea "to slow down and savor the experience." Want more pie? "Eat the filling and leave behind the buttery crust to save calories and fat," she says.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"This plate contains four starchy foods," she says. "Pick one potato (white or sweet) and add on an extra scoop of roasted veggies."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"Add more than four green beans!" says Blatner. Cutting back on sides such as potatoes or stuffing will free up more room for veggies.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
Side salads are a smart idea -- but these add-ons appear to outweigh the greens, Blatner points out. "Go for mostly greens with a touch of topping," she says. "This plate takes in all the flavors of the season -- in sensible portions."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"This plate is almost 50 percent turkey," she says. "Cut it in half and fill its spot with a salad or fruit."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
Move the whipped cream to the side of the plate, instead of on top of the pie. "Your eyes may tempt you to cover the top of pie with whipped cream," Blatner says. "Make a little go a long way by dabbing your fork into the whipped cream for each bit. This will save you 60 calories."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
Blatner recommends forgoing the roll with butter, since it's something you can have anytime of the year, not just Thanksgiving.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"Like leg meat? Remove the skin to save 40 calories per drumstick," she says.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
"Mac and cheese is available year-round," Blatner says. "If you're craving cheese, go for the rice."
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MANY CALORIES THIS PLATE HAS
This piece of pie has more calories than a Big Mac, according to Blatner. You can cut the calories almost in half by going for slice of pumpkin, which clocks in under 300.
Related
Before You Go
