As you are kicked back with your belly full of Thanksgiving food, watching the football game, the last thing on your mind is probably calories. I am not saying that it is not okay to eat during Thanksgiving because I know this is a time where we all eat until we are stuffed. I am saying to be aware of what you eat and to not let it become a daily habit. The high calorie foods served during the holidays add up fast, and don't forget it only takes an extra 3,500 calories to add up to an extra pound of fat. You may be thinking, "Well, 3,500 calories that's a ton of extra calories. I won't reach that". However, calories add up faster than you would think. This is why it is important to maintain your serving sizes, especially during the holidays.
The following is a list of food that you will commonly see at the table on Thanksgiving:
* Turkey, light meat with skin - 1 cup/140 grams - 276 calories
* Turkey, light meat without skin - 1 cup/140 grams - 220 calories
* Turkey, dark meat with skin - 1 cup/140 grams - 309calories
* Turkey, dark meat without skin - 1 cup/140 grams - 262calories
* Ham - 1 cup/140 grams - 231 calories
* Cranberry Sauce - 1 slice (1/2″ thick/8 slices a can) - 86 calories
* Gravy - 1 cup - 121 calories
* Mashed Potatoes (prepared with whole milk & butter) - 1 cup - 237 calories
* Corn - 1/2 cup - 66 calories
* Green Beans - 1 cup - 41 calories -
* Green Bean Casserole - 3/4 cup - 165 calories
* Yams - 1 cup - 158 calories
* Candied Yams - 3/4 cup - 335 calories
* Apple Pie - 1 piece (1/8th of a 9″ diameter) - 296 calories
* Cherry Pie - 1 piece (1/8th of a 9″ diameter) - 325 calories
* Pecan Pie - 1 piece (1/6th of a 8″ diameter) - 452 calories
* Pumpkin Pie - 1 piece (1/6th of a 8″ diameter) - 229 calories
* Vanilla Ice Cream - 1/2 cup - 145 calories
* Vanilla Frozen Yogurt - 1/2 cup - 117 calories
* Whipped Cream - 1/2 cup - 177 calories
* Whipped Topping (non-dairy) - 1/2 cup - 83 calories
If you overindulge on Thanksgiving, as most people do, it won't be the end of the world. Remember that you can do exercise, and this will help burn those excess calories. When doing cardio, you will usually expend 5-10 calories per 10 minutes depending on the intensity of the exercise. So, to work off that apple pie and vanilla ice cream, you will need to do approximately 45 minutes of cardio. Remember that you can make healthy choices during the holidays as well. For example, go for frozen yogurt instead of regular ice cream. It is all about choices. Just remember that moderation is key.
