11/25/07

Surviving Thanksgiving

My parents and the in-laws both live near by. Its a wonderful set up really because I love having big family gatherings and am glad I get to see them all so often. Hubby and I also have the pleasure of eating two thanksgivings every year. This means double the pumpkin pie, double the mashed potatoes, double the leftovers and double the weight gain every year. The first year hubby and I were together we were so full we got sick, after both dinners! The second year I abstained from eating anything but turkey and veggies...a couple days after thanksgiving I felt so deprived I made us our own thanksgiving dinner and ate it all. Finally the voice of reason won out this year: eat whatever you want at each thanksgiving but only take a small spoonful. I must say it sounds good in theory but when the delicious thanksgiving dinner is staring you in the face it is harder to take a small helping. As I moved through each buffet line I just kept telling myself that I could always go back for more if I wasn't satisfied. Of course once I ate the entire plate of mini-servings I was still a little hungry but I decided to wait 10 minutes before digging in again. By the end of the 10 minute wait, I feel fine. Not hungry at all. This is the first year I won the battle. As everyone at the table loosened their belts and groaning from being over stuffed I felt great. I still ate more than I needed for sure, but I did ward off many extra calories and didn't gain an ounce. If only I can live every day this way.



I am so thankful for each of you. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated. We will do this together. I hope you all had a lovely holiday.



11 comments:

  1. Well done!! This is great that you've been able to do that.

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  2. Rock on girlfriend. That is fantastic news to report. What a great NSV!!!!!

    I have tried that 10min thing myself and it does work...amazing, eh?

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  3. excellent post.. sounds like you soared through the holidays... ooops.. on my side.. wellllll.. i forgot to stop eating until yesterday .. lol..

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  4. Congrats on your Thanksgiving victory! That is really great. Holidays are always the hardest, I think. But with your strategy... I'm sure you'll make it through Christmas just as well. :)

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  5. Awesome - I think it's great you enjoyed the day and maintained. That is a major accomplishment.

    We rented a house on the beach for five days for the holiday and had 14 family members to dinner (and they spent an overnight too) -- I had oatmeal for breakfast, big salad for lunch,and turkey and green beans for the big feast. I made sure I stayed "full" but not suffed. I indulged in one small bite of three desserts. When I returned from vacation - no weight gain so far **phew*** I also walked on the beach every day (we got lucky and had a great weather).

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  6. That is fabulous news! What a great, inspiring way to handle Thanksgiving!

    And I'm right there with you--moderation is huge. And it makes you feel good. I too, had to do the two Thanksgiving meals, and it made me giggle a little bit to see my hubby and my relatives moaning and groaning in pain from all the food while I still felt satisfied--and not overstuffed.

    To a successful holiday season!!!

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  7. Isn't that experience so positive when you know the tools to use and use them successfully? Great job! You didn't feel deprived for missing out or sick for over doing it. We can all learn from that!
    www.lightsize.com

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  8. I am SO proud of you... that is an unbelievable accomplishment that I wish I could say I did. Man, doesn't self-control feel AMAZING (and so much better than that too-full sickness!)

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  9. Yay for winning the battle against turkey day! You should be so proud! How's your new home gym working out?

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  10. I love that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving and still stay on plan, I really think that this is what life is all about!

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