Breaking down your Thanksgiving dinner: By the numbers

last updated 8 January 2015

Put your stretchy pants on — Thanksgiving is finally here. It's estimated that the average American consumes over three times the daily number of recommended calories on the unofficial kick-off to the glutinous holiday season (depending on your weight, you can pack on as many as five pounds by the time New Year's Day rolls around). So, what's the best way to avoid overeating on Turkey Day and control your calorie count? Don't skip breakfast, says Kathleen M. Zelman at WebMD. Although many people avoid eating to "save room" for the big feast, eating something small in the morning means you won't be starving by the time the turkey is carved. It also helps to be aware of the foods that pack the most calories, and modify your portion size accordingly. If this is the year you're finally going to keep your winter waistline in check, take a look at how your dinner plate breaks down nutritionally:

Turkey (dark meat with skin)