How this calculator works
The calculator adds the energy in each dish at a stated serving size. The serving size matters more than the dish: a quarter cup of gravy is 50 kcal while a quarter cup of stuffing is 180, and a slice of pumpkin pie alone is more than two servings of turkey. The defaults describe a generous plate with a little of everything, which is how most people eat at Thanksgiving, and the servings can be set to zero to leave a dish out. Fat is estimated from the energy, using a typical share of about 35 percent of energy from fat, which is close for a plate built around roast meat, butter, pastry and cream.
Formula
calories = sum over dishes of (servings x calories per serving). calories per person = total / people. Fat per person is estimated as total x 0.35 / 9 / people, using 9 kcal per gram of fat and a 35 percent share of energy from fat. The per serving figures are 145 kcal for 85 g of turkey, 180 for stuffing, 120 for mashed potatoes, 50 for gravy, 110 for cranberry sauce, 140 for green bean casserole, 85 for a roll, 102 for a tablespoon of butter, 316 for a slice of pumpkin pie, 52 for whipped cream and 125 for a glass of wine.
Worked example
One person with two servings of turkey, one of stuffing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, butter and cream, two rolls, a slice of pie and a glass of wine takes 2 x 145 + 180 + 120 + 50 + 110 + 140 + 2 x 85 + 102 + 316 + 52 + 125 = 1510 kcal. For 8 people eating the same, the table total is 8 x 1510 = 12,080 kcal. At a 35 percent share, the fat is about 1510 x 0.35 / 9 = 58.7 g for one person.
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Frequently asked questions
Is one Thanksgiving meal really that many calories?
A full plate with pie and wine often lands between 1,200 and 2,000 kcal, and a second plate or a large slice of pie pushes it higher. The figures are estimates based on typical recipes; the butter, cream and pastry in the sides carry a lot of the total.
Which dish is the biggest surprise?
Pumpkin pie at around 316 kcal a slice, followed by a tablespoon of butter at 102 kcal. Gravy and cranberry sauce are small per serving but people take several servings. Turkey itself is one of the leanest items on the table.
Does the calculator count alcohol?
Yes, a 150 mL glass of wine is included at about 125 kcal. Alcohol is 7 kcal per gram and is easy to forget, and a second glass adds another 125 kcal. The estimate does not include spirits or beer unless you count them as extra wine glasses.
How can I make the meal lighter?
Reduce the butter and cream in the sides, serve the gravy on the side, and take one dessert rather than two. The turkey and vegetables are already lean. A walk after dinner is a better plan than skipping the meal entirely.