Good gravy.
The average American will consume roughly a day’s worth of calories in one sitting this Thanksgiving, according to a new report deboning the nutritional truth about Turkey Day.
Researchers at Levity spoke with more than 1,000 eager eaters in an attempt to peek under the proverbial holiday tablecloth — to see what’s shaking and baking.
What they found: The mean intake at Thursday dinner time will be a whopping 2,092 calories.
But for nearly 20% of us, that number’s just for openers — 14% were planning on at least 3,000 calories, while 4% bragged that they’re budgeting for more than 5,000.
According to current guidelines issued jointly by the USDA and the Department of Health & Human Services, adults over the age of 21 need between 1,600 and 3,000 calories per day.
However, age, weight, gender, height and activity level all matter when determining the correct amount for each individual, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A three ounce serving of turkey breast contains about 125 calories. The same portion of dark meat will run you about 150 calories, with more than double the fat content of the breast.
And Thursday won’t be the last day of indulgence, according to study authors, who found that the average respondent would be eating roughly 2,270 calories worth of leftovers.
Nearly 40% said they would eat a lot more than that — 27% said 3,000 this time, while 9% said 5,000.
To find out exactly how we’ll be racking up these impressive numbers, researchers also asked everyone to name their favorite dishes on the groaning board.
A full 47% said roasted turkey was their favorite, while 42% were waiting to be passed the mashed potatoes. An impressive 34% said it was all about the stuffing, while 24% were just in it for the macaroni and cheese.
What most of us will be waving aside? Cranberry sauce, apparently, with 16% saying it was their least favorite thing on the menu — earning it the lowest score of the most typical table staples.
And when it comes to dessert, apple trumped pumpkin — the former managed to rank fifth on the list of faves, with 24% of eaters sitting through dinner just for a slice. The race was close, however — pumpkin came in sixth, at 23%.
Of course, what’s a holiday without Gen Z finding a way to be different — 3 in 10 younger respondents said they were skipping the traditional turkey altogether this year, while 1 in 2 were saying no to mashed potatoes.
No turkey, no potatoes? Can you even call that Thanksgiving?
Levity, a weight loss prescription service, also offered tips on how to eat well this week — particularly useful for those in the middle of shedding the pounds.
Overall, it appears as if Americans may be trending towards temperance — a previous year’s report from the Calorie Control Council estimated the national average at closer to 3,000 calories in one sitting.
How to feast this Thanksgiving without derailing your diet
- Start with smaller portions: Begin with modest 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 curb unnecessary hunger, which can help you control your portions.
- Focus on what you truly enjoy: Instead of sampling everything on the table, prioritize the dishes you love most. Skip 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’re satisfied and reduces the chance of overindulgence.
- Balance your plate: Aim for a mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and indulgent dishes. Filling half your plate with veggies or lighter options can help balance the calorie-heavy items.
- Be mindful of alcohol and sugary drinks: Drinks can add unexpected calories to your day. To stay balanced, consider alternating alcoholic or sugary beverages with water.
- Set realistic expectations: It’s okay to indulge a little — it’s part of the celebration! Focus on moderation instead of perfection, and enjoy the holiday without guilt.
