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Monday, November 22, 2010

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.      

16 comments:

Amanda said...

Good for you!Thanksgiving has never been a HUGE problem for me! 1..because I don't really like turkey, stuffing,gravy, bread or pie! But I do love mashed potatoes and I do love cheesy creamy type things, and I do love a fabulous turkey sandwich with real mayo the day after! More then that I like all the pre-snacks. But I am going to enjoy..I said enjoy not over do it...thanksgiving this year! I have something new to be thankful for..2011 is going to be a fabulous year!

Theresa said...

Sounds like a plan!

Lyla said...

It sounds like you've got a great plan here. Have a good one!

MandaPanda said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I'm a little nervous about Thanksgiving just because I don't have a really good level of restriction yet. But I'm not going to feel guilty. I'll do my best and enjoy it.

Pamela E. Williams said...

Thank you for posting this Amanda. It wasn't until I read your comment and those of the others on my post today that I truly got it. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!

The last paragraph of this post just rang so true with me. I will enjoy my Sweet Potato Pie w/whip cream and I won't apologize for it.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

nikki said...

This plan is fabulous! I know you will have no problems and will have a great and successful holiday :)

Annie said...

Great plan, you goddess of the band! I love the idea of the 5K, and I think I am going to do it myself next year!

Cindylew said...

Cheers to your plan...it's a winner.

~Lisa~ said...

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!! And thank you for your wise words! It's only when I start thinking that I "can't have" something is when I eat every last crumb of that "off limits" item! I like the way you think, and I am planning on enjoying my dinner too - just a lot less of it!

Christina @ Love Yourself Healthy said...

That definitely sounds like a plan. And wow, a 5k on Thanksgiving morning? Awesome :) Amen to enjoying your dinner, not stuffing yourself, and NOT FEELING GUILTY! Happy Thanksgiving :)

nothing said...

We don't have that here in Aus. I am very restricted so I wouldn't much fun. I'm lucky if I can get down a piece of chicken breast, 1 small baked potato and a teaspoon of vegies, let alone dessert. Not going to be much fun at xmas with our lovely roast dinners we have and plum pud and custard. Sounds like you know what you are doing.

Anonymous said...

You go girl - I'm right there with ya!

THE DASH! said...

Go you! Yes this year will be different because you will make it so. I totally believe in you x

Amaris said...

I am actually looking forward to Thanksgiving. I have a decent level of restriction and I'm learning what my signals are. I'm cooking (which I love to do) and will be enjoying the fruits of my labor. Like you, I won't feel guilty.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Colls said...

Great post! This band is a wonderful gift to us all and really does make the holidays easier!

Enjoy! <3

Bones said...

Mom's lemon meringue pie for me, thanks!