Good gravy.
The average American will consume nearly a day’s worth of calories in one sitting this Thanksgiving, according to a new report deboning. Nutritional Truth About Turkey Day,
on researchers shallowness spoke to over 1,000 curious eaters in an attempt to peek under the proverbial holiday tablecloth – to see what’s stirring and cooking.
What they found: The average intake at dinner on Thursday would be 2,092 calories.
But for about 20% of us, that number is just for starters — 14% were planning on at least 3,000 calories, while 4% claimed they were budgeting for more than 5,000.
According to current guidelines issued jointly by the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, adults over the age of 21 need 1,600 to 3,000 calories per day.
However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, age, weight, gender, height and activity level all matter when determining the right amount for each individual.
There are about 125 calories in a three-ounce turkey breast. The same portion of dark meat will give you about 150 calories, with the fat content of breast more than double.
And Thursday won’t be the last day of indulgence, according to the study’s authors, who found that the average respondent would be eating about 2,270 calories worth of leftovers.
Nearly 40% said they would eat much more than that – 27% said 3,000 this time, while 9% said 5,000.
To figure out how we’d amassed these impressive numbers, the researchers also asked everyone to name their favorite dishes on a growing board.
A full 47% said roasted turkey was their favorite, while 42% were looking forward to mashed potatoes. An impressive 34% said it was all about the stuffing, while 24% said I was just in it for the macaroni and cheese,
What would most of us be waving aside? Cranberry sauce, apparently, as 16% said it was their least favorite thing on the menu — giving it the lowest score of the typical table staples.
And when it comes to sweets, apples overtook pumpkin – the former came in fifth place on the list of favourites, with 24% of eaters sitting down during dinner for just one slice. However, the race was close – Pumpkin came in sixth place with 23%.
Of course, what’s the point of a holiday without it? Gen Z is looking for a way to be different – 3 in 10 young respondents said they are skipping traditional turkey altogether this year, while 1 in 2 are saying no to mashed potatoes.
No turkey, no potatoes? Can you even call it Thanksgiving?
Weight loss prescription service, Levity, also offered tips about eating well this week – especially useful for those in the midst of losing pounds,
Overall, it appears as if Americans may be trending toward moderation – the Calorie Control Council reported last year. The national average is estimated to be around 3,000 calories in one sitting.,
How to Celebrate This Thanksgiving Without Derailing Your Diet
- Start with small parts: Start with small servings of your favorite dishes. You can always go back for more if you’re still hungry, but this approach helps prevent overeating.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well hydrated and prevent unnecessary hunger, which can help you control your portions.
- Focus on what you really enjoy: Instead of sampling everything on the table, prioritize the dishes you like most. Ditch the items you’re less excited about to save room for what really matters to you.
- Practice mindful eating: This means taking your time with each bite and savoring the flavors and textures. Eating slowly gives your body time to recognize when you are satisfied and reduces the chance of overindulgence.
- Balance your plate: Aim for a mix of lean proteins, vegetables and delicious dishes. Filling half your plate with vegetables or lighter options can help balance out calorie-heavy items.
- Be careful with alcohol and sugary beverages: Beverages can add unexpected calories to your day. To stay balanced, consider alternating alcoholic or sugary drinks with water.
- Set Realistic Expectations: It’s okay to have a little fun – it’s part of the celebration! Focus on moderation rather than perfection, and enjoy the holidays without guilt.
