Do you have a plan for the holidays?

I don't know about you, but I think that Thanksgiving has to be one of my all time favorite holidays. That said, it's also one that has ruined me in the past. Of course, one of the things I'll be giving thanks for this year is knowing that I won't 'ruin' myself this year because I have my 'tool', but also because I have a plan. I don't really think it matters what your plan is, but it does matter that you have one. I don't think it really matters which surgery you had or where you are in your journey, but what does matter is thinking about what you are going to do and then following through.

For me, I know that among other things, I will have pumpkin pie with whipped cream, but I'll probably work to reduce some of the carbs while maintaining the flavor.

* I'll limit how much I have and be aware of how much of whatever it is that I'm consuming.

* I'll load with protein before carbs and fats, but to be honest, I'll have carbs and fats and I'll enjoy them without feeling guilty because I have a plan.

* I'll also go for a walk to help walk some of it off.

* I'll be sure to go a little leaner a day or two before Thanksgiving and a couple of days after... Probably a few more protien and salad based meals, dropping the amount of carbs.

* I'll weigh myself to keep an eye on how I'm doing. Don't get me wrong. I'm not obsessing of freaking out about the upcoming holiday.

I'm actually feeling really confident and comfortable about the approaching holiday knowing that the combination of my tool and my choices will hold me in good stead, allowing me to maintain my hard won losses... and the health and quality of life gains that came with them. 

So.... What is your plan for the holidays?

I've noticed now that the weather has cooled up that I'm not drinking as much as I should be. So my plan is to have a water bottle with me - CONSTANTLY.

I'm really excited about the family aspect of the holidays. I love playing hostess to all the different events - even when they're not at my house. So I'm constantly moving and checking on folks. Refilling glasses and restocking the silverware - all with water bottle in hand.

Be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy your family while you are serving everyone. 

Have a great holiday.

My plan is to enjoy Thanksgiving. Desserts and everything but turkey is going home with the guests in doggie bags.

We are going to someone else's home, so I don't have to worry too much about leftovers... thank goodness. Like you, I plan to enjoy a bit of everything. I'll try to lead with lean protein and complex carbs, but you can bet that I'll make a bit of room for some of my favorites, like pumpkin pie. 

Have a wonderful holiday my friend!

 My plan is to stick with my pre-op diet plan!  I'll have turkey, 3 oz. of it.  I'll have green beans and other yummy veggies. I'll be skipping dessert (not a fan of sweets anyway).   It's too close to my surgery date to mess up now.  

Hi Maryann,

It's good that you have your eye on the prize and have a plan to get you through the holidays and to surgery. Our plans really vary a great deal depending on where we are going and right now you are driving towards surgery, so a conservative plan is a good one and I'm sure it will help you have the safest surgery possible. 

Wishing you all the best,

I'm going to my mom's and she will have a house full!  We are all bringing dishes so I am doing the green bean casserole, corn pudding, sweet potato casserole and two cakes (one for hubby and one for my daughter - hubby can't have cinnamon, daughter can't have eggs or milk).  I love all of the things that I am making so I plan to eat a small taste of each and each a good portion of the turkey.  My mom's yeast rolls are the best and hot from the oven with butter is the ultimate.  I have lived for 9 months without them.  I don't really think I need them now.  My plan isto look over the table and set my priorities in order.  Turkey first, then small bites of other things on a small plate and no seconds!!!  Eat small bites and talk lots in between (which should be no problem for me!).  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

this year we'll be having a quiet, private holiday.  The first one in ages where it's just the two of us!  We're spending the holiday at our cabin and i didn't want to carry alot of things up here and don't want to worry about taking back alot of leftovers, so this will be the smallest holiday meal i've ever prepared... but i know it will be good.  We'll be having all the "traditions", pumpkin pie (I made it with Splenda and FF evap milk), candied yams (made with splenda brown sugar, but still a little real butter & marshmellow), of course green bean cassarole, and the tiniest, little turkey i could find.... it's so cute i hate to cook it... but i will!!!   we'll use the tools we have and eat sensibly instead of pigging out!!

 This year i'm especially thankful for Stan, for our  getting healthy together, and for all friendship and support I get right here at OH!! 

Ok, I admit it!!!  I screwed up the plan!!!  (See Annie's Thanksgiving post)