I was going to write about how I have come full circle on my approach to Thanksgiving.
I no longer try to make “lighter” versions of family favorites, I will not be measuring my servings of stuffing and cranberry sauce, and I certainly won’t try to keep track of all the calories that I will consume on Thanksgiving Day and–let’s face it–the days after, until the last sliver of pie is gone!
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I am not approaching Thanksgiving in same the way that I used to in my “before” days, when the holiday was not complete without a stomach ache and a carb-induced coma on the couch.
While I may have gone around and around, the path I’ve taken is more of a spiral than a circle, because I haven’t ended up at the same place where I started.
This Thanksgiving, I will start my day with exercise–a dog walk and either a short run or my weights routine. I won’t be doing this to preemptively burn calories, but because that is how I like to start every day.
I will eat lightly throughout the day, not to save calories, but so I will be hungry for the delicious food that will be on the table.
When it’s time for dinner, I will mindfully enjoy the special holiday foods, but I will be selective. Instead of eating everything in sight, I will focus on my favorites and skip those that I can have any time. (That means more stuffing and less mashed potatoes!)
When I am full, I will stop eating–at least until it’s time for dessert. I have learned that I don’t enjoy that over-stuffed feeling and that I really can have more tomorrow.
At the end of the night, I won’t regret having eaten too much (even if I have), because I know that I will get back to my normal routine soon enough–especially if I send most of the leftovers home with my guests.
How do you approach Thanksgiving?
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So, stop eating when you're full? Is THAT how it works? This is where I go wrong…
That's the goal anyway!
I am thankful for my health so I am definitely with you! Holidays don't ,ean skipping they mean embracing the healthy spirit!
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy everything this special holiday has to offer (family, food and all!) 🙂
Happy Happy Thanksgiving. Your words hit home for me. Thank you for writing down my thoughts 🙂
I'm so glad you said this, I am going to live a guilt free Thanksgiving too, and I love what you said about eating less of what things you can have any time.
I love this approach, especially when you say that you will start your day with exercise not as a preemptive move but because that's what you do every day. And allowing our bodies to be hungry so that we can better enjoy our meal and know when to stop. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
mindfully.
totally mindfully.
I'm the same way. I used to overdo it or overanalyze it. Neither are fulfilling. Now I just try to enjoy. Hope you have a GREAT Thanksgiving!
LOVE this! I am trying to do the exact same thing, its just one day enjoy a bit and move on! I also am making myself get up and get a run in 🙂 Thanks for your motivation!
"I no longer try to make “lighter” versions of family favorites, I will not be measuring my servings of stuffing and cranberry sauce, and I certainly won’t try to keep track of all the calories that I will consume on Thanksgiving Day and–let’s face it–the days after, until the last sliver of pie is gone!"
Love that!!! Such a great post!!!
I love your plan realistic and fabulous. I used to beat myself up about eating, but I decided that Thanksgiving is only once a year and I deserve to enjoy it. So yea I will eat lightly all day and then probably a ton of horribly delicious food for dinner. However, I too refuse to regret it because I'll be back on my normal track soon enough.
How did I miss this?
And I’m laughing to myself how three friends have come to the same conclusion about enjoying the holidays!
Have a great Thanksgiving Coco! xo
Simple fare…6 mile hike (or maybe a 2300 meter swim, we haven’t decided yet as I am getting over a cold), regular meals and then turkey, potatoes, green beans and some stuffing/rolls, and a glass of good wine. No dessert! Then we will walk, swim or ride on Friday/Sat, sun, mon…..etc. etc. It’s just one meal and I never consider it my “last” so that I have to gorge. Quit doing that at 15 yrs. of age!