Aidan is doing really well (she may be sick of my
suggestions but she hasn’t said so), sending me her food log each day but
yesterday this question came “thoughts on tgiving dinner? Rules or no rules??!”
I don’t think it
came as too much of a surprise to Aidan, who knows I wrote a book about
nutrition and planning, that I not only replied “rules but reasonable ones” but
also attached a “treaty” for her to complete and sign. Then, during a client
session yesterday, another client asked “is this time of year a total nightmare
for you?” It isn’t and
I’ll tell you why. If we think about our choices over Thanksgiving we set the
tone for a mindful (AKA weight gain free) holiday season. Before Thursday
sort a few things out:
When will you
workout?
I believe in
moving (you don’t need a gym, “turkey burn” or a turkey trot but if you have
access to these- go) on Thanksgiving you just need to do something for 30 minutes or more. If you are traveling ALL day (or fessing up to blow dry preservation) and
absolutely cannot then aim for Wednesday and Friday. Holidays can be full of sitting so wear your
Fitbits too.
Pick Favorites
I’m not a fan of
“everything in moderation” because at Thanksgiving there is nothing moderate
about a little of everything. Is your absolute favorite stuffing or pie (those
seem to be the most beloved among our clients) have a small piece of pie
or ¼ of your plate of stuffing. And it's only fair that while you’re picking your favorite treat, pick
a couple things you can skip. Options include cheese, bread, potatoes…I say
skip the items you can have any time of year.
Have an anchor
(or 2)
We know that
Thanksgiving can be a nutritional doozy (I recall estimates for “typical meals”
in the 4,000 calorie vicinity) but don’t forget things you can do proactively.
Whether it’s water drinking or filling ½ your plate with veggies or sending us
your plate (via instagram or twitter @Foodtrainers #turkeytreaty) commit to
something as your anchor behavior ahead of time.
So yes, I am
always in favor of rules though I think calling it a plan sounds a little
better. Trust me, come Monday you’ll be thankful.
What workouts do you have planned over
thanksgiving? If you were to “pick favorites” what’s your favorite treat? Any
items on the “no” list? Will you send us a plate pic?
Thanksgiving foods just don't really appeal to me, maybe because I don't eat meat? I try to treat it just like any other day, that way I still walk / exercise and eat reasonably. Favorite thing are the potatoes...which I eat any way I can.
ReplyDeleteHeading to LA today. Wish me luck.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm good about watching my intake all year so I have no rules on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I am completely indifferent to traditional T-giving food. Easy to stick to my usual food amounts/choices. The only thing I enjoy is the pie, i eat half a slice and move on. Luckily twizzlers and chocolate are not part of the traditional meal. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
ReplyDelete:) Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteyou too ayala, miss reading your words...off to check them out.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that interesting Julie, I hear that from a good number of clients. The truth is I think so much of our eating is this is what we eat on a holiday. I'm with you on the holiday foods (cheese before eating is my biggest challenge) and I just hate feeling stuffed/poorly more than anything.
ReplyDeleteDo you feel physically well with this system Claire. I would think the leap from clean to "no rules" would be hard? But yes, 2 days a year (if we keep it to those) will not matter much....it's that most people don't just keep it to those and "rulelessness" carries over.
ReplyDeletegood luck, happy thanksgiving and once again I agree with you.
ReplyDelete