Americans’ Thanksgiving Calorie Intake: The Surprising Statistics Revealed

Let’s be real, Lubbock—Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when calories don’t count. Or at least, we all pretend they don’t while reaching for a second slice of pecan pie. But have you ever wondered just how many calories you’re packing in during your Turkey Day festivities? A new report is serving up the numbers, and let’s just say, you're gonna need some special pants like the ones Joey had on "Friends"...

The average American consumes 2,092 calories during the Thanksgiving meal alone. Sounds reasonable, right? It’s technically within the U.S. dietary guidelines, which recommend 1,600 to 3,000 calories a day depending on factors like age, weight, and gender. But here’s the catch: That number doesn’t include snacks, drinks, or the inevitable midnight fridge raid for a leftovers 'Thanksgiving Sandwich'!

Speaking of leftovers and MY family, we don’t stop on Thursday. The average person eats an additional 2,270 calories in leftovers over the next few days. Nearly 40% of people admit they’ll eat way more than that—27% plan to knock back 3,000 calories from leftovers, and 9% are going for a whopping 5,000 calories!

For the extra-ambitious eaters, 14% of Americans are planning to down over 3,000 calories in just the Thanksgiving meal. And 4% are shooting for more than 5,000. That really seems like a recipe for a tummy ache.

And the leftovers? They’re sticking around. Most people plan to eat turkey and dressing for three days, but 8% say they’ll be munching on Thanksgiving goodies for a week or more.

So, Lubbock, what’s your plan? Are you pacing yourself this year, or are you embracing the holiday spirit with no regrets?