SO, HOW MUCH DID I EAT AT THANKSGIVING?
How Many Calories Do We Really Eat on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a day for family, gratitude… and big meals that can easily add up to big calories. Most people don’t realize just how quickly a “normal” holiday plate can turn into the calorie equivalent of a full day — or even two.
Research shows the average American consumes anywhere from 3,000 to 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. And it’s not from binge-eating — it’s from traditional foods that happen to be calorie-dense, often without us realizing it.
Below is an easy breakdown of what a basic Thanksgiving meal really adds up to, plus how dessert and drinks push the total even higher.
Typical Thanksgiving Plate Calories
1. Turkey
White meat (6 oz): ~250 calories
Dark meat (6 oz): ~350 calories
With gravy (¼ cup): +50–80 calories
Average: 300–400 calories
2. Stuffing (1 cup)
350–450 calories
3. Mashed Potatoes (1 cup)
200–250 calories
Gravy (¼ cup): +50–80
Total: 250–330 calories
4. Sweet Potato Casserole (1 cup)
(Marshmallows, sugar, butter)
300–450 calories
5. Green Bean Casserole (1 cup)
180–250 calories
6. Dinner Roll + Butter
Roll: 100–130 calories
Butter pat: 35–50 calories
Total: 140–180 calories
7. Cranberry Sauce (¼ cup)
100 calories
Subtotal: Basic Thanksgiving Meal
If your plate looks like the above (and most do):
Estimated Total: 1,500–2,100 calories
…and that’s before dessert or drinks.
Desserts and Holiday Drinks
Pumpkin Pie
1 slice (1/8 pie): 300–400 calories
With whipped cream: +80–120 calories
Total: 380–520 calories
Beer & Wine
Beer (12 oz): 150–200 calories
Wine (5 oz): 120–150 calories
Spiked cider / cocktails: 200–300 calories
Most people have 2–3 drinks → 250–600 calories
Grand Total for the Average Thanksgiving Day
Meal (1,500–2,100)
Pie (380–520)
Drinks (250–600)
Thanksgiving Total:
2,100 – 3,200 calories
And many people exceed 4,000 calories without feeling stuffed — simply because the foods are rich, comforting, and served in large portions.
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