The average American consumes a whopping 4,500 calories from Thanksgiving dinner and snacks, according to the Calorie Counting Council. If you consider 3,500 calories is equal to one pound of fat, it's no wonder most people gain weight during the holidays. It can be hard to resist gorging ourselves with so much temptation around. But I think we can all agree that afterwards our bloated stomachs are also full of regret.
A smart way to avoid this calories disaster is to get up and be active. You're much less likely to overeat if you know you're going to be moving around. Here are seven ideas to help you burn calories this Thanksgiving.
7 Smart Ways To Burn Off Thanksgiving Calories
Backyard Football
Instead of sitting on the couch watching the pros play the annual Turkey Day game, gather up your loved ones and throw the pig skin around the backyard.
Backyard Football
You'll burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes which is equal to one slice of pumpkin pie.
House Cleaning
Cleaning up the house may not sound like the ideal way to spend your Thanksgiving vacation, but it can be a real calorie burner.
House Cleaning
One hour of raking leaves, vacuuming, or vigorous cleaning can burn up to 200 calories in an hour or a serving of mashed potatoes.
Turkey Trots
Most communities offer a variety of trots to get your whole family involved from short distance walks to 10K runs. This active Thanksgiving tradition is a fun way to celebrate the holiday with grandparents, relatives, children, and friends.
Turkey Trots
A 5K run can burn off 350 calories of stuffing.
Feast Preparation
Let's face it: Someone has to cook all this food. Lend a helping hand in the kitchen to burn off 120 calories in an hour.
Feast Preparation
That's equal to one glass of red wine.
Virtual Sports
If you can't get the family to go outside and play, then see if one of the kids has a Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect.
Virtual Sports
An hour of virtual tennis or boxing will burn off 100 calories of jellied cranberry sauce.
Circuit Training
Visit the gym before your family gathering and knock out a quick machine workout.
Circuit Training
Thirty minutes of circuit training will burn 250 calories or 4 ounces of turkey with gravy.
Home Workout
No time for the gym? No problem, this full-length workout doesn't require any weights...
Home Workout
and can burn off that 400-calorie slice of apple or pecan pie you've been dreaming about.
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