Hi everyone. I just had some thoughts that I wanted to share about the upcoming holiday season. You know, since Thanksgiving is a time for "giving thanks" we who have had WLS especially need to give thanks and be PREPARED for the onslaught of food that will assault our senses this week and on through the new year.
So, what are you doing to protect your progress and not go running to the nearest bathroom for a dump?
For me, I will remember to concentrate on the protein first! Turkey is wonderful and moist when cooked properly and I will avoid anything that could resemble 'filling' such as casseroles and stuffings. The more filling in the dish, the more carbs!
I plan to eat 'normally'. That means not saving up all my calories for the big meal. I still can't eat very much at one time anyway but for those of you who can, don't fall into this trap. Eat like you normally do and remember 2 bites protein to one bite carbs!
I will take the time to go for a nice long walk in the woods after dinner. Get some exercise in! It won't hurt and you will feel so much better!
Are you responsible for most of the Thanksgiving meal? Then change your recipes so they're healthier. Sweet potatoes, for example, don't have to be candied. They're just as tasty baked. If you usually add sour cream and lots of butter to your mashed potatoes, use chicken stock and just a tablespoon of butter. You will still get all the flavor without the added calories. All it takes is a few adjustments to your meal to cut hundreds of calories from it, and your family will barely notice the difference. Did you know that most people eat over 3,000 calories at their Thanksgiving table and anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 more on snacking later on? I know we can't eat that much but we could still double or triple our normal intake so we need to be especially cautious.
If you aren't having dinner at your house, be sure to bring a dish that you will be able to eat plenty of and just pick at everything else. I think a bite of this and a bite of that will be fine as long as you have your protein in the dish that you bring.
Okay, it is Thanksgiving dinner so let's get real here. I think it will be just fine to look over the table and decide on one (just ONE) indulgence that you will put on your plate and enjoy AFTER you eat what is important. Think of it like it is a reward and you want the best reward on the table. Once you have eaten all the things that are right for you and your pouch, pick the one irrisistable item and put a small portion on your plate. I bet you won't be able to eat more than a few bites of it but you will be satisfied!
And, just think how proud of yourself you will be while everyone else is groaning in the living room about upset stomachs and where's the Pepto? You will be able to join me in that walk in the woods!
I hope others here will jump in with ideas to make your holiday a happier and healthier one this year! Happy Thanksgiving neighbors!