Thanksgiving, by its very nature, is a holiday celebrating abundance. For most people, it is a day to throw caloric caution to the wind, indulge in traditional food favorites, and get back on the treadmill the next day. (Or, for some of us, binge-watch Netflix and eat leftovers).

Calorie-counting (particularly this time of year) is not something I remotely care about. But it is possible that someone does. This article is for you, you poor, hungry, carb-avoiding thin person!

According to the Calorie Control Council, Americans will take in somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 to 4,500 calories celebrating Thanksgiving. Most of us, depending on weight, age, and gender should consume 1,600 to 2,000 calories a day.

Consumer Reports went to the effort of putting together a Thanksgiving meal under 1800 calories with a decent assortment of Thanksgiving staples.

  • White meat turkey with skin (What no drumstick!) - 3&1/2 ounces - 177 calories
  • Mashed potatoes (made with whole milk, butter, and salt) - 1 cup - 237 calories
  • Candied sweet potatoes (no marshmallows) - 4 oz - 187 calories
  • Gravy - 1/4 cup - 25 calories
  • Stuffing - 1/2 cup - 195 calories
  • Green bean casserole - 1/3 cup - 227 calories
  • Cornbread - 3X3 inch square - 198 calories
  • Cranberry sauce - 1/4 cup - 102 calories
  • Red wine - 5 fluid ounces - 125 calories
  • Pumpkin pie - 1 slice (1/8 of a 9-inch pie) - 280 calories

But what about the relish tray and dip, pecan pie, cheesecake, homemade rolls, ham, and corn? And what about the whipped cream? You 've got to have whipped cream! Aaarrrggh!

Eat up, everyone!


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