Thanksgiving Plans

Maybe I should be more freaked out.  Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away.  This is the BIG DAY for American eaters, right?  The day when we role out the pie, the carb-laden sides, the plates and plates of snacks and treats.  In the past, this has been a difficult day for me.  I've binged my way through pretty-much every Thanksgiving since childhood.  I've started eating the minute I walked through the door and I've not stopped for hours.  I've munched and snacked so much before the actual meal that by the time the dinner was ready, I wasn't remotely hungry.  But I still ate two plates full.  And pumpkin pie covered with whipped cream.  So am I deluding myself that this year will be okay?

I don't think I am.

I think this year WILL be different.  Because this year, I am different and this year, I have my lap-band.

I've attended several holiday and birthday meals since having surgery back in February.  I've managed to survive them all without issue so perhaps that is why I'm not too worried about Thursday.  I have great restriction.  I don't obsess about food anymore.  Now I enjoy food, but the band makes me stop eating when I've had enough.  The only big change I've made for these family dinners is that I no longer snack before the meal is served.  I want to be hungry when the meal is ready.  If I filled up on chips and crackers, I wouldn't be able to eat the holiday foods I love.  Sometimes if I'm hungry, I'll dish a small plate of veggies and dip and nibble on them for awhile, but I don't always.

The other difference this year is that I signed up for a 5K Thanksgiving morning.  It is followed by free swimming at the local swim park so my girls and I will be getting some exercise in the morning.  I feel really good about doing this.  I think I will start my day off on the right foot.

I talk about eating all foods in moderation in my blog, but I want to say it again because I think it is important.  I will be enjoying pumpkin pie with whipped cream on Thursday.  I'll also have real butter on my bread.  For me these foods are far more satisfying than low-fat/sugar-free foods.  I am content to enjoy a small amount and be done if I allow the "real thing".  I will enjoy EVERY bite of my Thanksgiving dinner.  I will take a tablespoon or so of each offering and I will eat slowly, chewing thoroughly and savoring the taste.  When I am full, I will stop eating because that is what my band requires of me.  I won't feel guilty about the calories or the quantities because I will know that I ate according to the requirements of my band.

I wish each of my American followers a happy, satisfying Thanksgiving.