Stuff the Bird, Not Yourself

Stuff the Bird, Not Yourself: How to Deal with the 3,000 Calorie Thanksgiving Meal

According to research from the Calorie Control Council, the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat during a typical holiday gathering from snacking and eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings.

The average holiday dinner alone can carry a load of 3,000 calories. And many nibble through another 1,500 calories, downing appetizers and drinks before and after the big meal. Combined, that’s the equivalent of more than 2 1/4 times the average daily calorie intake and almost 3 1/2 times the fat — with 45 percent of calories from fat. The average person may consume enough fat at a holiday meal to equal three sticks of butter.

Many of us will figure that we’ve blown our diet and the holidays are to be enjoyed, so why worry about weight? But even if you start the holiday season off with gastronomical excess, you can quickly get back on the right track by watching your calories.

First, identify where the calories are coming from. Visit the Council’s list of the most common holiday foods or its calorie calculator. Secondly, make over your meal for health. You can enjoy many of the same dishes while still reducing calories by using lower calorie ingredients. (Some popular makeover recipes are here.) Reducing the amount of fat and calories in your snacking and main holiday meals can help prevent weight gain over the holidays (from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day).

Also, try these “Low-Fat Holiday” tips from the American Heart Association:

Eat lower-fat and reduced-calorie foods for days in advance of the holiday feast, and for days after.
Prepare for handling your worst temptations; if you want both pecan and pumpkin pie, take a tiny slice of each, instead of a full serving.
If cooking, provide low-fat foods, or ask if you can bring a low-fat dish.
After the meal, start a tradition — a holiday walk, for instance.

Remember, you can lighten your holiday feasting and still have a jolly good time!