How Long does It Take to Burn off a Thanksgiving Meal?

Every Thanksgiving, the average person eats more than double their daily calorie intake. According to the Calorie Control Council, a typical Thanksgiving meal contains about 4,500 calories. While you don’t have to skip your favorite meals this turkey day in the name of fitness, get ready to burn off those calories as it may take a while. If your family has been feeling guilty from all the thanksgiving gluttony, make it a tradition to enjoy a family walk. Enjoy your meal, but be sure to eat the special foods you really love and skip the ones you can have any time.  indulge this holiday season. Watch your portions and pile more veggies on your plate.  

While one Thanksgiving dinner will not sabotage your fitness goals, it may hold you back from seeing results sooner. Here's how much exercise you have to do to burn off that 4,500 calorie plate. These estimates are based on a 155-lb person.

• Run 30 minutes a day for 15 days.
• Walk for an hour a day for 16 days.
• Do yoga for 30 minutes a day for 30 days.
• Do laps in the pool for an hour for 9 days.
• Hike for an hour every weekend for the next three months.

If you’re cooking, another way to stay healthy this Thanksgiving is to reduce the use of butter and oil in recipes. Choose healthier desserts like baked apples instead of pies and most importantly: watch your portions! Choose low-calorie alcoholic drinks like sparkling wine instead of sugary cocktails and heavy beers. Drink water consistently to boost your metabolism and cleanse your system. So go ahead, indulge, just be mindful and get back to those workouts the next day.