How to NOT Gain Weight on Thanksgiving

Yep folks.  It is possible.  Completely, totally, utterly possible to enjoy Thanksgiving to its fullest WITHOUT GAINING AN OUNCE.

I should know. I've lost weight this week for 2 years in a row.  And I plan to do just that; or at least maintain, this week.

Want to know how?

1) MOVE YOUR TATER, NOT JUST YOUR FORK.  That's right.  Get off your tater and do something active first thing in the morning.  Go out for a walk, ride your bike, whatever your current fitness level allows.  But start the day off with a burn and it will help get your metabolism revved up for the day.  In fact, if time and schedule allows, go for a second walk later on after you eat.  You'll feel much less miserable than if you just sit there after you eat.

2) PLAN YOUR PLATE.  What do you LOVE to eat at Thanksgiving and what can you live without?  I try not to eat anything I don't absolutely love on a holiday like this one.  So choose those things you know you will really enjoy.  We have 2 meals to attend tomorrow, one at lunchtime the other one around dinner time.  I plan to eat at both.  I love my mother in law's "dressing" and sweet potato casserole.  I love my mom's stuffing, cranberry chutney and pumpkin pie. and I'll eat turkey at one place or the other.  I can live without the 12 other courses like mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans cooked with ham, salads, etc.  I also don't eat the crust of pumpkin pie as pie crust, which isn't even sweet, carries alot of the calories of that particular pie.  I plan my plate at each place and while I am fuller that day than normal, I'm not miserable.

3) ENJOY THE PEOPLE, NOT JUST THE PLATES.  This is key.  Thanksgiving isn't about gluttony, and yet we've turned it into that.  Think about what and who you are really thankful for and make that your focus.  Sure, the food is wonderful, and the traditions ring supreme in your childhood memories.  But more than the food, I love the togetherness this holiday brings; as well as the reflection on what blessings I've experienced this year.

Here's a short list of my blessings this year, in no particular order.

*A God who loves and forgives me of my failings, whom I can run to anytime, any day.
*My loving and supportive family and friends, specifically my amazing husband and sweet girl.
*An amazing job where I get to do what I do best every day.
*Better health than I've ever had in my life.
*Enough.  We have enough.  Not excess, we aren't rich, but our needs have been supplied.
*Boots that zip up my calves.
*Strong, muscular calves that made it tough to find boots to fit. :)
*Wearing a size 12 after living miserably as a 24 for a long time.
*A body that allows me to RUN.  Legs that work, lungs that respond.  The new goal to celebrate in the morning of running 10k (6.2 miles) for the first time ever!

I AM BLESSED and have so much to be thankful for this year.  How about you?

Clara