Happy Thanksgiving! Whether your turkeys and pumpkin pies are in the oven or half way to your thighs—I hope your holiday feast is (or was) a memorable one. Let’s face it; Thanksgiving is not a day one wants to start a diet. In fact, I think there is an unwritten holiday rule, which states that overeating is a prerequisite on Thanksgiving. (Personally, I eat whatever I want and as much as I want and then run a few extra miles the next day.) There’s little doubt that most people indulge on Thanksgiving, but do you really know how many calories you actually consume?
Research by a group of dieticians calculated just how many calories the average person consumes on Thanksgiving. Experts estimate people consume about 2,000 calories at the main meal alone, with some consuming almost 4,000 calories throughout the day eating other meals, snacks, appetizers and drinking beverages.
Here’s a helpful caloric breakdown of an average Thanksgiving meal:
4 oz. turkey breast = 184-237 calories
4 oz. turkey dark meat = 219-265 calories
1 cup mashed potato = 237 calories
1 cup sweet potato = 350 calories
1 cup stuffing = 356 calories
1 cup macaroni & cheese = 500 calories
1 cup green bean casserole = 222 calories
1 cup greens = 120 calories
¼ cup cranberry sauce = 105 calories
1 cup broccoli = 40 calories
1 roll/butter = 80/40 calories
1 slice pumpkin pie/cream = 310/40 calories
TOTAL = 2,077-2,725 calories
While you may not have wanted to see the actual figures involved in your holiday pig-out session, experts say it is helpful to know the facts since there are risks in eating big meals. Obviously weight gain is one of the main consequences of eating a large meal. But, according to experts, consuming food in large portions can cause other health problems as well.
Dieticians say consuming massive meals, especially when they are high in fat and carbohydrates makes the blood stickier and increases blood fats or triglyceride levels. It also can increase cholesterol levels. In addition, doctors are quick to point out that as we age our capacity to metabolize large amounts of food decreases, which makes the impact worse.
But, don’t let the news put a damper on your holiday eating plans. Check back for my next blog, which will provide tips on how you can minimize damage to your health and still enjoy Thanksgiving.
Related Articles:
Burger King Causing A Whopper Of A Health Problem In Spain
The United Fat States of America?