No matter how committed you are to your diet, Thanksgiving is the ultimate boss battle—a holiday where calorie counting is not just futile but downright depressing.
A new report crunched the numbers on how many calories we inhale at the Thanksgiving table, and the results are equal parts shocking and delicious.
The average American consumes a “reasonable” 2,092 calories during Thanksgiving dinner. Not terrible, considering U.S. dietary guidelines suggest adults need 1,600–3,000 calories per day. But here’s the catch: That number assumes you have zero snacks, no leftovers, and not even a sip of wine. (In other words, it’s pure fantasy.)
Some people are fully embracing the indulgence, though. This year, 14% of Americans are planning to hit 3,000+ calories, while 4% are aiming for a jaw-dropping 5,000 calories in one meal. (Respect.)
And the feast doesn’t end there. The average person will consume another 2,270 calories in leftovers, with 27% hitting 3,000 and 9% tackling 5,000. Plus, Thanksgiving leftovers stick around longer than some exes: The average American munches on them for three days, and 8% are still grazing a week later.
The moral of the story? Forget the calorie count, pass the gravy, and embrace the stretchy pants.