Thanksgiving may be a holiday that brings loved ones together to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, but it also brings on the dreaded holiday weight gain.
The average American will eat a whopping 3,000 calories during the Thanksgiving for dinner alone. Drinks, dessert and appetizers can bring the total calorie count to 4,500, according to the Calorie Control Council, an industry group.
Instead of falling into a food coma all day and bemoaning your full belly, try these outdoor activities that not only help burn off those extra calories, but also bring the family together for a fun, outdoor activity.
1. Take a Hike - Fall is a wonderful time to hike. The leaves change colors, the weather is cooler and the trails aren't nearly as crowded. Even better, a 160-pound person will burn somewhere between 430 and 440 calories per hour of hiking, while a 200-pound person will burn closer to 550 calories per hour of hiking.
2. Pedal Away Pounds - Grab the kids and hop on your bike for a family cycling adventure. You don't even have to race. According to Harvard University, biking at a moderate speed of 12 to 13.9 miles per hour will cause a 155-pound person to burn 298 calories in 30 minutes.
3. Hit the Water - If you have a lake or river nearby, kayaking can be a fun fall adventure for the whole family. Kayaking is a great way strengthen your core and upper body, and a 130-lbs person will burn as many as 300 calories during a one-hour leisurely kayak ride. A 175-lbs person will burn up to 400 calories per hour.
So if you ate too much stuffing and Aunt Judy's pumpkin pie is weighing heavy in your stomach, head outdoors and burn off that food with a family adventure.