WTOP Answer Desk: How much do we eat on Thanksgiving?

WASHINGTON – Americans eat a lot on Thanksgiving Day.

But exactly how much? WTOP’s Answer Desk set to find out.

The Calorie Control Council says the average American will eat more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day – and the statistic is commonly cited.

But The New York Times reports the Council’s number would equal such a large amount of food, it’s questionable as to whether or not we really eat that much on the big day.

With turkey and all the fixings, including those buttery, starchy rolls, mashed and sweet potatoes (hungry yet?), green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and, of course, pumpkin pie, a more accurate answer is about 2,500 calories.

For perspective, 2,500 is how much the average man should eat in a day.

WTOP’s Veronica Robinson contributed to this report.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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