How Many Calories Are You Eating This Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is of course about being grateful and spending time with your family but a good chunk of it is also about eating. One of those holidays we just eat whatever we want and don't care about calories. Have you ever actually wondered how much you're eating?

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, various casseroles, pie, it may not feel like it while you're eating but those calories do add up. The New York Times said that the average amount of calories we're eating on that one day is about 4,500 calories, almost double of what you should be eating. To put it in perspective, that's 8 Big Macs, or about 7 Whoppers, or almost 6 Bloomin Onions (which are known as the worst thing you could order at a restaurant). I'd say imagine eating that in one sitting but, we are!

As much as you may not want to, there is a way to eat healthier this holiday. Real Simple says that your focus should be on vegetables. Start by filling half of your plate with vegetables, leave a quarter of your plate for turkey, and then you only have a quarter to fill full of the not-as-healthy food. Also, watch out for sneaky calories. Even though drinking doesn't seem like it's adding up, it is. Everything in moderation, of course, but just think that with each drink you're having, that could be another small scoop of mashed potatoes!

This post is part of a weekly series we’re calling ‘Fresh and Healthy’, a series about living well in the Capital Region. You will be able to find a new story about everything from staying active, to great food, to outdoor activities and more every Thursday morning.

‘Fresh and Healthy’ is sponsored by Ellis Medicine. Every week on Thursday mornings, visit their Facebook page to find their companion post to this series to get more information on the best ways to stay healthy from the experts.