Every now and then, we have to laugh:

You can eat more than ever this Thanksgiving. We asked some competitive eaters to teach us how to get the most out of the big meal (and still have room for a second slice of pie). – David Tamarkin

Stretch out your stomach – A few days before Turkey Day, prepare the way cranberry-sauce-eating champ Juliet Lee does: Have one big meal and nothing else. “A lot of people eat six meals a day,” Lee says “I only eat once.” That way, she trains her stomach to take in loads of food at a time.

Stay away from the booze – It’s tempting to reach for a big glass of wine during the feast, but turkey-eating champion Patrick Bertoletti says to resist; the calories will keep you from being able to consume more food. “Wine just takes upextra space in your stomach,” he says.

Start with dessert – You’ll get funny looks when you begin your meal with pie, but tiramisu-eating champion Eater X says this is the best strategy. “The sugar burns off real quick,” he says, so by the time you’re done with turkey and stuffing, you’ll be ready for round two of pumpkin pie.”

“Woman’s Health” magazine recently reported research from San Diego State University that found that dried plums help you feel full longer.

They theorize that the high fiber and sorbitol (a sugar alcohol that the body metabolizes slowly) keep blood sugar and insulin levels in check, which keeps hunger at bay.

5 dried plums have only 100 calories.

Give it a try.

Jim