Thanksgiving: The 4,500 Calorie Feast

Submitted by Angela on Tue, 11/17/2009 - 12:30

thanksgivingI would not consider myself to be overly “health conscious,” but every year around the holidays, when my favorite pair of jeans starts to fit a little snugger, I try to keep a closer eye on my eating and workout habits.

 
That’s why I was particularly taken aback when I came across this information about the number of calories in a holiday meal. According to Diet Bites, the average holiday meal is roughly 4,500 calories—that’s more than twice the daily recommended calorie intake for a woman.
 
I mean, I should have guessed. The appetizers, turkey, stuffing, rolls, potatoes, pies and more don’t come without a cost; but I had never really put a number on it. What’s more is that studies also show Americans eat roughly 600 more calories per day during the holiday season. 
 
So this year I’m going to make more of an effort to not overindulge during the holiday season. A few easy substitutes like using low-calorie and low-fat products are simple ways to make your meal a little healthier. Also, remember not to go up for seconds right away because experts say it takes about 20 minutes before you begin to feel full.
 
Whether you’re an avid health nut or an average American eater (or somewhere in between), shaving a few calories off our feasts is an easy way to have healthier holidays.
 
What are some of your own tips and tricks for cutting calories during the holidays? Or, do you feel that a little holiday indulgence is well deserved?
 
-Angela is a blogger for The Daily Vine. Check out her bio to see where her view comes from.
 

Related Articles

Sensibility can stave off holiday weight gain, The Murfreesboro Post.

Turkey to Tamales: Altering Recipes for More Healthful Holidays, AgriLife News.

Trimming calories will not leave holiday feast tasteless, The Natchez Democrat.

 

 


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Comments

I'm a huge foodie, so when

Submitted by Rae on Tue, 11/17/2009 - 22:56.

I'm a huge foodie, so when this time of year rolls around, I'm in trouble. I've ALWAYS overindulged because resisting was just too tough. This year, though, I'm trying REALLY hard not to go overboard. We're having Thanksgiving over at my place so I'm trying to come up with healthy (and hopefully low cal) alternatives.

  • Instead of traditional turkey, we're having egg drop soup with grounded turkey breast (grounded turkey breast is 99% fat free)
  • Instead of regular chips and dip for the football games, we're gonna have healthy snacks from Trader Joe's including sesame rice ball puffs and their packaged fluffy white popcorn. Organic healthy alternatives that still taste great!
  • For the main course we'll be having steaks but will have some type of "loin" which is less fatty. Add a tasty (yet healthy) marinade and guests won't miss that extra fat!

These are just a few things I'm trying to incorporate. This year I'm trying to be healthier but not lose my "foodie" status;)

How Cool

Submitted by Angela on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 03:34.

That is really cool Rae. I love how you've still incorporated Turkey into the meal--but in a much more healthy way. Also the organic snacks are a great idea. I hope you have a fantastic and healthy holiday!