Home / Health / Thanksgiving Feast Packs a Calorie Punch: Experts Reveal Shocking Intake
Thanksgiving Feast Packs a Calorie Punch: Experts Reveal Shocking Intake
18 Nov
Summary
- Americans consume over 4,500 calories during Thanksgiving, more than double the daily recommendation
- Dietitian and fitness expert share healthier recipes for classic Thanksgiving dishes
- Cranberry sauce, sweet potato mash, and green beans get a nutritious makeover
As of November 18, 2025, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and health experts have revealed a startling statistic - the average American indulges in a staggering 4,500 calories during this festive meal, more than double the recommended daily intake.
CBS News Miami anchor Najahe Sherman has been working with South Florida dietitian Monica Auslander-Moreno and fitness expert Sunny Marz to showcase healthier alternatives for classic Thanksgiving dishes. The trio demonstrated how to make a tart and flavorful cranberry sauce, a sweet potato mash with a nutritious twist, and a vitamin-packed green bean dish - all while keeping the calorie count in check.
Auslander-Moreno's cranberry sauce recipe, for instance, contains just 150 calories per cup, compared to the 418 calories in a typical store-bought version. The sweet potato mash and green bean dishes also offer significant calorie savings without sacrificing taste. Marz praised the ease and health benefits of these recipes, noting they would be perfect for busy families this holiday season.
