from the desk of Danni

Happy Thanksgiving!

And so the holiday pounds begin....or do they have to? Why do we seem to pack on the pounds over every holiday and then spend the rest of our time trying to get them back off? Does every holiday have to mean a weight gain? Does every meal have to end in guilt? Do we have to be miserable and anti-social if we want to achieve our goals?

NO!!!!

We can have our cake and eat it too....sort of! I have always loved the saying "If you fail to plan , you plan to fail!" My weight, no matter what I do....exercise or not.....eat sweets or not.....stays within 5 pounds of where I want it. How is that possible, you ask? Easy....I plan. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a task master....so even with myself I am the same. I plan ahead for holidays. I have a vision in my head of what is coming up....let's say it's dinner at mom's. I know there will be turkey , stuffing,potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, a cooked veggie and some salad...and of course fresh, soft buns .....and dessert. Sounds yummy! It is. And a potential calorie bust if I'm not careful. But not if I look at all the items in advance and decide where I am going to spend my calories and where I am not. If I want some of everything, I simply cannot have huge servings...the first time everything goes by....I only take a tablespoon full onto my plate. As for the bun, I share one with someone..so only have to log 1/2 a bun. Same with dessert....a taste is really all you need so share it. I spread everything out on my plate so that it appears really full. Then I make a point of eating slowly, putting my fork down repeatedly as well as sipping water . At this point I focus on what the holiday is really about....family. I spend more time participating in the conversation and with the people than the food. We all know it's bad manners to talk with your mouth full! By eating slowly and sipping water, my body has time to communicate with my brain....letting it know when we have had enough. If I do feel like having seconds...again I plan it out....what do I really need....protein? fibre? water?

Make a smart choice and only have a tablespoon....by giving yourself time to think, you will make better choices. Then when the meal is done....instead of napping on the couch...bundle everyone up and head outside....rake leaves, shovel snow, go for a walk....anything that involves movement and laughter. Your body and your family will thank you.

Enjoy the holiday! Enjoy your friends and family!

Danni