How I Plan To Avoid the Turkey Coma

Somewhere I came across a statistic that said we Americans can gain 8 pounds between November and December, if we’re not careful with our eating habits during the holidays.  I never really gave it that much thought in the past, but now that I am at my goal weight, it sure makes me more mindful of what I’m going to be eating in the next months. 

Do I really want to sabotage what has taken me a year to reverse?  Every one of those 37 pounds was hard work to get off.  So, the answer is no! I will not change what I’ve been doing to keep a healthy weight and lifestyle.  What I will do is plan.

Just like I have to plan how I will get everything done to be prepared for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I will plan to keep myself on course with healthy eating habits. For Thanksgiving I already know what my plate is going to look like in my mind.  I will make decisions about what I really want to indulge in for desserts and casseroles.  I will keep the portions small.  I will drink water with my meals.  I am thinking about the plate method, ¾’s of my plate will be fruits, vegetables, a palm size portion of turkey, ping pong ball size of butter or salad dressings,  a serving of sweet potatoes instead of mashed white potatoes, and 1/8^th slice of pumpkin pie with fat free whip cream.  I’m going to listen to my body, take time to eat slowly, and be aware of my fullness.  I really dislike the overstuffed feeling, so I will stop when I am full but could eat more if I had to. 

I’m not saying that it is going to be perfect, but it is a plan and mindful for what lies ahead.  Finally, I am most looking forward to the traditional walk we all take as a family on the farm after the meal. Followed by playing games like air hockey (until you’re in a sweat!) and serious card games! The Thanksgiving Holiday weekend will be spent on the farm which gives me opportunities to be active and burn off those extra calories with my family.  No turkey coma for me this year!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!