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HealthyU: Watch the holiday weight gain
Emily Abbate
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Focus
There is an almost endless list of ingredients to the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, salad, dinner roles, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, pumpkin pie, wine … with your checklist in one hand and your credit card at the other, it's hard not to think of the huge costs - both monetary and caloric - you're incurring.
"I look forward of being able to eat whatever I want without the disapproving glare of my weight-obsessed roommates," said Halina Beck, a 5th-semester psychology major. "Well, that, and being able to drink with my parents."
However, when a few students were asked how many calories were in the typical Thanksgiving dinner - the answers were interesting to say the least.
"I would guess over a thousand, including dessert," said Brendan Stanley, a 5th-semester communications major.
"I think it's 2,500," said Timka Turdubaev, a 1st-semester biology major.
Brace yourselves. Drum roll, please - according to associatedcontent.com, the average Thanksgiving meal is above 3,000 calories.
And their reaction?
For his part, Stanley wasn't too shocked. "It's not surprising to me now that I really think about it," said Stanley. "It makes you feel sort of disgusting. I mean, that's a Michael Phelps diet meal."
"That's a lot of food," said Tudubaev.
So now that you are adequately braced and prepared for the consumption of nearly two full days worth of calories in the span of four hours, know that there are ways to avoid the caloric overload. According to the "Today Show," there are ways to make smart food choices, consume under 1,000 calories and still eat dessert.
Their suggestions are all about portion control. You can still eat turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and a slice of pumpkin pie - in moderation.
However, there are some other easy-to-follow, no mess-up ways to reduce your intake this Thanksgiving.
Make sure that your consumption of water is above average. As with any situation where there is a lot of temptation around, it is always better to fill up on water than cheese cubes. Stick to water instead of cup after cup of apple cider or egg nog. This will save extra liquid calories and save room for all of the delicious items that the holiday is associated with.
"Water is supposedly an ideal aid for those who want to lose weight," according to healthnews.com. "It creates a sense of fullness, thus curbing the appetite."
Additionally, make sure to enjoy the company of your friends and family. There may be seven different appetizers on the kitchen table, but focus on talking and catching up with those that mean the most to you.
"I look forward of being able to eat whatever I want without the disapproving glare of my weight-obsessed roommates," said Halina Beck, a 5th-semester psychology major. "Well, that, and being able to drink with my parents."
However, when a few students were asked how many calories were in the typical Thanksgiving dinner - the answers were interesting to say the least.
"I would guess over a thousand, including dessert," said Brendan Stanley, a 5th-semester communications major.
"I think it's 2,500," said Timka Turdubaev, a 1st-semester biology major.
Brace yourselves. Drum roll, please - according to associatedcontent.com, the average Thanksgiving meal is above 3,000 calories.
And their reaction?
For his part, Stanley wasn't too shocked. "It's not surprising to me now that I really think about it," said Stanley. "It makes you feel sort of disgusting. I mean, that's a Michael Phelps diet meal."
"That's a lot of food," said Tudubaev.
So now that you are adequately braced and prepared for the consumption of nearly two full days worth of calories in the span of four hours, know that there are ways to avoid the caloric overload. According to the "Today Show," there are ways to make smart food choices, consume under 1,000 calories and still eat dessert.
Their suggestions are all about portion control. You can still eat turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and a slice of pumpkin pie - in moderation.
However, there are some other easy-to-follow, no mess-up ways to reduce your intake this Thanksgiving.
Make sure that your consumption of water is above average. As with any situation where there is a lot of temptation around, it is always better to fill up on water than cheese cubes. Stick to water instead of cup after cup of apple cider or egg nog. This will save extra liquid calories and save room for all of the delicious items that the holiday is associated with.
"Water is supposedly an ideal aid for those who want to lose weight," according to healthnews.com. "It creates a sense of fullness, thus curbing the appetite."
Additionally, make sure to enjoy the company of your friends and family. There may be seven different appetizers on the kitchen table, but focus on talking and catching up with those that mean the most to you.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Calorie Counter
posted 11/26/08 @ 12:24 PM EST
Portion control is really important to avoid overdoing it. But if you watch what you eat every other day, it's not such a bad thing to splurge occasionally. (Continued…)
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