The average American consumes 2000-3000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. That is the equivalent of eating 2 Big Macs, 2 large fries, and a large chocolate shake. The average person would have to walk 20-30 miles to burn off that many calories. If you are watching your weight, is there anything you can do? YES. Here are 5 tips that will help you shave 1000 calories off your Thanksgiving dinner without deprivation.

1. Slim your starters. Choose veggies and low fat dip over cheese and crackers = save 200 calories

2. Trim your turkey. Skip the skin and choose light meat over dark = save 200 calories

3. Limit sides like stuffing and sweet potatoes to ½ cup of each (looks like ½ baseball) or skip one and have a cup of your favorite = save 200 calories (or more)

4. Dilute your drinks. Whether having wine or juice, add sparkling water 1-2 parts sparkling water per part of wine or juice for a refreshing spritzer or sparkling juice drink = save 200 calories (2 glasses)

5. Choose pumpkin over pecan = save 200 calories

Total saved = 1000 calories = 1/3 pound NOT gained in ONE dinner!

In good health,

Dr. Melina

About Dr. Melina Jampolis
Dr. Melina Jampolis is a board certified internist and physician nutrition specialist (one of only approximately 200 in the country). She is a graduate of Tufts University as well as Tufts School of Medicine and specializes exclusively in nutrition for weight loss and disease prevention and treatment.