How many calories in the average Thanksgiving dinner?

good gravy.

The average American will consume roughly a day’s worth of calories this Thanksgiving, according to a new report highlighting the nutritional truth about Turkey Day.

Researchers at Levity spoke to more than 1,000 eager eaters in an effort to look under the proverbial holiday tablecloth—to see what’s shaking and baking.

What they found: The average Thursday dinner intake will be 2,092 calories.

But for nearly 20% of us, that number is just for starters – 14% were planning on at least 3,000 calories, while 4% boasted they were budgeting for more than 5,000.

According to current guidelines issued jointly by the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, adults over the age of 21 need 1,600 to 3,000 calories per day.

However, age, weight, gender, height and activity level are important when determining the right amount for each individual, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

A 3-ounce serving of turkey breast contains about 125 calories. The same portion of dark meat will give you about 150 calories, with more than double the fat content of breast.

And Thursday won’t be the last day of indulgence, according to the study’s authors, who found the average respondent would eat about 2,270 leftover calories.

Nearly 40% said they would eat much more than that – 27% said 3,000 this time, while 9% said 5,000.

To find out exactly how we’d rack up these impressive numbers, the researchers also asked everyone to name their favorite dishes on the whine chart.

Fully 47% said roast turkey was their favorite, while 42% expected mashed potatoes. An impressive 34% said it was all about the toppings, while 24% were just in it for the macaroni and cheese.

What will most of us leave aside? Cranberry sauce, apparently, with 16% saying it was their least favorite thing on the menu – earning it the lowest score of the most typical tableware.

And when it comes to dessert, apple butternut squash – the former managed to rank fifth on the list of favorites, with 24% of diners sitting down for just one slice during dinner. The race was close, however – pumpkin came in sixth, with 23%.

Of course, what’s a holiday without Gen Z finding a way to be different – ​​3 in 10 younger respondents said they were skipping the traditional turkey altogether this year, while 1 in 2 were saying no to mashed potatoes.

No turkey, no potatoes? Can you even call it Thanksgiving?

Levity, a weight-loss prescription service, also offered tips on how to eat well this week — especially helpful for those in the midst of shedding pounds.

Overall, it looks like Americans may be leaning toward restraint — a report last year from the Calorie Control Council put the national average at roughly 3,000 calories in one sitting.

How to celebrate this Thanksgiving without ruining your diet

1. Start with smaller portions: Start with modest servings of your favorite dishes. You can always go back for more if you’re still hungry, but this approach helps prevent overeating.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well hydrated and curb unnecessary hunger, which can help you control your portions.
3. Focus on what you really like: Instead of trying everything on the table, prioritize the dishes you like the most. Skip the items you’re least excited about to save room for what really matters to you.
4. Practice mindful eating: This means taking your time with each bite and savoring the flavors and textures. Eating slowly gives your body time to understand when you are satisfied and reduces the chance of overeating.
5. Balance your plate: Aim for a mix of lean protein, vegetables and hearty dishes. Filling half of your plate with vegetables or lighter options can help balance out high-calorie items.
6. Be aware of alcohol and sugary drinks: Beverages can add unexpected calories to your day. To stay balanced, consider alternating alcoholic or sugary drinks with water.
7. Set realistic expectations: It’s okay to indulge a little – it’s part of the party! Focus on moderation instead of perfection and enjoy the holiday guilt-free.