Get Ready for Thanksgiving

Here it comes - just 2 more days until the big eating holiday!  Are you ready?  Do you have a plan?  Are you still here?  Heh.

I can't think of any holiday that has the potential to do more damage to my diet than Thanksgiving.  The eating is nonstop, continues for days, and is usually accompanied by a healthy dose of ass-sitting.  In other words, it's the perfect recipe to ruin your hard-earned success from the 30 Day Shred!

So what are you going to do to keep from gaining weight this week?  Here's my plan.

Exercise

I'm planning on doing one of the approximately 1 bazillion Turkey Trots that are going on on Thursday morning (mine is 5K), and if you aren't into running, you can always walk.  Or, you know, we are the Shredheads - you could do the 30 Day Shred!  Exercise is always a great way to get your day started, and once you've done it you'll tend to remember to behave at the table later.

Eat breakfast

Don't skip meals to "save up" for dinner.  You'll end up too hungry and go way overboard.

Only eat "Thanksgiving" foods at dinner

Don't bother wasting calories on things you can make any time of the year (think bread, mashed potatoes)?  I'm "saving myself" for the stuffing, turkey (vegetarian, of course!), cranberry goods, and a little dessert.  Pick what feels like Thanksgiving and leave the rest.

Remember the vegetables

The exception to the previous tip?  Cover a big portion of your plate with vegetables - preferably steamed.  If there aren't going to be any, offer to bring some.

No seconds

This one is VERY tough for me, but I feel better (physically and guilt-wise) if I don't go back for seconds.  Take a reasonable portion the first time around, remember that the holiday is about giving thanks and not stuffing yourself, and call it good.

No eating during cleanup

I know, I know...evening out the pie is an important job.  But it's better to have someone else do that.  Either have someone else clean up (who doesn't want to get out of work anyway?), or have someone in there with you to keep you "honest."

No leftovers

If you're visiting someone, don't take leftovers home with you.  If you're hosting, force your leftovers on  guests.  Whatever it takes, get the food out of the house if you can't resist eating it later.

No guilt

As always, if you aren't perfect, welcome to the club!  Don't worry too much after the fact, just remember to get back to it on Friday.  Keep doing Shred, running, eating right...whatever's made you successful.  YOU CAN DO IT!

Good luck, and have a great Thanksgiving!  You know one of the things I'm thankful for - all of you awesome SHREDHEADS!

-Bill

Comments

[MU]

Great tips. I think that if you're cooking, you've got more control, so find some healthier options.

If you're not, then I love the idea of just eating what's specific to the holiday.

Also, we're doing a leftover exchange with our neighbors, so I'll be sure to give them more than we take.

[Linda]

you are amazing. Just the site I have been looking for. again thank you.

[Boston Mamas]

Great tips B, thanks!

[Erin]

Great tips - I LOVE Thaksgiving food so it's always tough not to overdo it. But the tip to stick to the holiday food is one I think I can live with - and I will probably have to bring some healthy vegetable choices (I'm thinking green bean casserole is not on the 'healthy' list).

Thanks again for all the work you do with the site - it has truly helped me stay motivated! I can't remember a time the scale was this low (honestly, even for my wedding!).

[Quix]

Great tips. I'm going to be at a friend's house, so I plan to not take leftovers home, fill up on veggies (which I'm bringing), and eat whatever else I want, but make sure to stop when I'm full.

I'm also doing a 5 mile turkey trot in the morning and having a nice breakfast after so I won't be famished.

[laura]

great tips!
i'm running a 10K then prepping Thanksgiving for 18 here under the Big Top and if you come here you're taking home leftovers!

[Greg]

I ate small for thanksgiving and took the night off as in working out, a promise to my wife. So now im going 14 days straight before a day off. I weigh in every Friday morning. Im only 15 pounds from my goal weight.