The average Thanksgiving dinner can set you back a whopping 4,500 calories -- more than double the amount you need in an entire day, according to the Calorie Control Council. Not sure how to enjoy the day without wrecking havoc on your waistline? Keep calories in check without skipping your favorite festive eats with these tips from the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Pick your dishes -- in the right portion size -- and then mix and match until they add up to a complete meal (MD Anderson suggests 500 calories for women and 700 calories for men).

Salad

 

3 ounce serving = about the size of a deck of cards

Calories: about 132 for white meat

 

 

 

 

 

Gravy

 

1/4 cup serving = about the size of a golf ball

Calories: about 30-50

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Or Mashed Potatoes

 

1/2 cup serving = about the size of a tennis ball cut in half

Calories: about 145

 

 

 

 

 

Vegetables

 

1/2 cup serving = about the size of a rounded handful

Calories: varies

 

 

 

 

Stuffing

 

1/2 cup serving = about the standard size of an ice cream scoop

Calories: about 180

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cornbread

 

1 medium muffin or square = about the size of a personal bar of soap

Calories: about 175 (without butter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butter Or Margarine

 

1 teaspoon serving = about the size of 1 die

Calories: about 36

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cranberry Sauce

 

1/4 cup serving = about the size of a golf ball

Calories: about 105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pie

 

1/8 of a 9-inch pie = about the size of a standard light bulb

Calories: about 323 for pumpkin, 456 for pecan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article: "Thanksgiving Portion Size Cheat Sheet" by Huffington Post. Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/22/thanksgiving-serving-size_n_1106452.html?ref=health-and-fitness&ir=Health%20and%20Fitness#s490439&title=Pie

 

Best Teen Diets recommends a well balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information to teens, parents and teachers that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating in teens.