The average American will consume 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving, according to new research from the Calorie Control Council.
The organization found that the turkey dinner alone can contain 3,000 calories, far exceeding the recommended daily allowance for both men and women.
The additional 1,500 calories can be blamed on snacks such as dips, chips and boozy beverages consumed before, during and after the main meal.
Pass the Tums! The average American will consume 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving and 229 grams of fat
The Calorie Control Council also warned that up to 45 per cent of those 4,500 calories can come from fat, with the average intake clocking in at 229 grams - the equivalent of around three sticks of butter.
'These figures don't even include breakfast or the late evening munching on leftovers. . .' the group's site read.
'Combined, that's the equivalent of more than two-and-a-quarter times the average daily calorie intake and almost three-and-a-half times the fat.'
But Dr Joan Landry, of the Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning at the University of Louisiana says that there are relatively simple steps one can take to reduce calorie intake over the course of the day.
She told KATC.com: 'Thanksgiving is a wonderful, family-oriented time of the year, but it can often come with larger amounts of calories than we usually get in our diets. By keeping a few easy tips in mind, we can enjoy the day just as much while still staying healthy.'
For her, the best tips are skipping on the soda and getting active after dinner.
'Consider serving water with the meal instead of soft drinks,' she advised. 'And what you do after you eat is important too. Instead of sitting on the couch during halftime, head to the back yard with your kids or grandkids and throw the football around. Or if it's too cold, put on some music and have a family dance-off right in your living room.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2513312/The-Thanksgiving-dinner-diet-bust-How-average-American-eat-4-500-calories-229-grams-fat-Turkey-Day.html#ixzz2lhIIJGXl
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