ideas for avoiding gaining this holiday season

what are some things that will work for you? We all know that it is not that giant meal on Thanksgiving day that packs on weight - nor is it Cmas dinner - it's all the social stuff, the cooking and baking (and tasting) the feeling of I am already out of control so what differnce will one bite make, the thought that I will lose it in Jan

I'm going to post my list of ideas PLEASE ADD YOURS silly or funny who cares - will it keep me from feeling deprived while not stuffing my face? if so SHARE please!!!

Things that work or have worked for me

baking at my house - low sugar stuff and I have healthy things to eat while we are baking
I have in years past worn a surgical mask to keep from mindlessly popping bites into my mouth, this year I will be chewing gum - strong flavored peppermint gum and sucking down tea and cl - will keep at least one full litter bottle with a straw so I can sip when my hands are messy

realizing that I can't NOT eat today (wed) but I can make sure I eat really healthy for me - same thing with tomorrow morning, eating healthy filling protein rich foods before the "feast" will keep me from feeling deprived and will keep me from approaching a table/counter of food feeling like I am starving

use little plates - NO one NEEDS to eat off those platter sized plates unless you are feeding football players or otherwise starving teenage boys why have them at all- at least get the reg size ones - get some "dessert" plates too - USE those for YOUR meal

one spoon of this, one spoon of that, one deviled egg half, one piece of turkey or ham - that is the way to enjoy your meal - who wants to leave your family b/c you overate and now must sleep or whatever you do when you dump -

bag the left overs up at the table - somehow this just works for me - if I get up or have the boys bring me left over containers at the table my manners keep me from licking spoons, tasting one more time, or finishing off that last bite that won't quite fit in the container.

if your family won't eat the left overs - DUMP THEM NOW do not keep them in the fridge esp if it is something you will pick at - if you love it - keep ONE small serving

Try to be realistic when cooking - if you are the one doing it - how much mashed potatoes will they really eat? Did you know the rule of thumb for potatoes is ONE per adult you are serving or per 2 kids - that is for a normal meal where there is not tons of other food - so WHY are you making 5 POUNDS of mashed potatoes for 6 people?  how many deviled eggs will a person eat? one or two if served with a meal - 3-4 if put out early and munched on

you don't have to measure everything at the table as it goes on your plate - if you are eating off a dessert plate and  have provided some healthy choices. and you are AWARE of how many calories are in things - one oz of turkey is 48 cals, ONE olive is 4  just try to be aware of what you are eating - ENJOY the meal!!!

This is great Danni!  Good advice I'll try to remember!!  Expecially the little plate thing!  I think that's my problem!  I still try to fill the plate with a bite of this and a bite of that.  Solution?  Get a smaller plate!  Love it!  I don't know why I didn't think of that one!!  And you're right, leftovers are my worst enemy.  Especially late at night.  I've discovered that I'm a nibbler, and a stress eater.  Two really big problems.  I have to take off 20 lbs just to get to the point I was when I needed to still loose 20 pounds!  That makes 40 now that I have to get off!  Woe is me!

Dang, what time did you get up this morning?  3 AM??  Ok 4 your time! But really, don't you sleep!!  LOL!!

Great list Danni!  I see myself in several of your suggestions, especially taste testing.  One of the good things about Thanksgiving meal this year is I'm NOT the cook so I won't be tempted to taste test.   Lynne's pumpking pudding is the only thing I'm cooking.

I do small plates almost all the time, my in-laws are always saying "get a real plate".  If I use a big plate I tend to want to eat that big plate and then I feel miserable.  Small plates are the way to go and if I have the desire for more I usually sit back for 10-15 minutes and then decide I'm full enough.

I also do the lick the spoon after I've put things away, or eat that last bite because it won't fit.  Woo Hoo I WILL have so much better control not cooking tomorrow.  I love to cook and it'll be a challenge but I can do it!

I have one thing to add....

ALWAYS have a veggie tray handy, even if you have to bring it.   I nibble on cucumbers, carrots and celery BEFORE eating my Thanksgiving meal.  It helps keep me on track to then fill up on protein, ie; Turkey instead of stuffing and mashed potates :)

Also, we always have a shrimp ring for an appetizer - started this a few years ago.  And, again it's good, lean protein which fills me up.  Often on Thanksgiving day, this serves as my breakfast and then turkey and stuff for lunch.

Just a thought :)

Enjoy your turkey day!

Oh, one last trick - chew minty gum and you won't be tempted to snack... Nothing tastes good with minty gum except, chocolate :)

LOVE the srimp idea - it is one of my fav foods

Thanks :)

Walmart has had them on sale all week for $5 - works great as an appetizer for a small crowd or dinner when it's just a few of us.  I buy several when they're on sale and throw them in the freezer for special occasions.  It includes the ****tail sauce in the middle of the tray.

Oh I buy the 2 pound bags ALL the time - like every 2 weeks b/c I eat them 4 or 5 days a week for my mid day meal  -

Thanks Danni,

I actully printed this out so I can keep it close.  Like you the big thing is in the kitchen while I am cooking.  Seems i am always sampeling to make sure "it tastes ok."  I will be more careful today and tomorrow while in the kitchen.  Have a great Thanksgiving.  Thanks again for shareing such great tips.

This year I am eating out with my mother and brother, so no leftovers to worry about. Also, since it's at a restaurant, I will eat what I want, and skip the traditional Thanksgiving feast, which is really one of my LEAST favorite meals (I hate turkey). I'm thinking crab or shrimp, maybe soup.

However, I am a carb addict, and I will probably allow myself some yummy bread - it's a once-in-a-while treat.