How many calories are in a traditional holiday meal? Often times, quite a few! But many of the dishes, such as lean turkey, yams or sweet potatoes, peas, and the common white potato, can be quite healthy. So where do the extra calories come from? Butter, cream, and sugar turn up the calorie and fat content in a hurry! Below, I've provided approximate calories based on traditionally prepared meals as well as tips for healthy eaters searching for methods to reduce calories and fat!
> Roasted Turkey - 6 oz. dark and white meat - untrimmed - approximate calories = 450
TIP: Turkey skin is loaded with calories and dark meat contains more calories than white. Eat 6 oz. of white meat with all of the skin removed and save 190 calories!
> Homemade Stuffing - 1 cup - approximate calories = 400
TIP: Portion control! Have 3/4 of a cup of stuffing and save 100 calories!
> Gravy - 1 cup - approximate calories = 300
TIP: Use gravy sparingly. Instead of pouring gravy directly over the top of items, keep a small saucer (1/3 cup) and dip individual bites into it. Calories saved, 200!
> Mashed Potatoes - 1 cup - approximate calories = 350
TIP: Once again, it's important to exercise portion control in regards to mashed potatoes. Enjoy 1/2 cup instead of a cup and save 175 calories!
> 1 Roll with Butter - approximate calories = 200
TIP: Pass on the roll with butter! Why? Most of us eat bread each and every day and with the stuffing and mashed potatoes already on your plate, do you really need additional carbs? Calories saved = 200
> 1 Slice of Pecan Pie - approximate calories = 650
TIP: Have pumpkin pie instead of pecan. Pumpkin pie is lower in fat and calories and could save you 250 calories per slice!
Altogether, these tips could save you over 1,000 calories during Thanksgiving dinner!
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