This is probably going to be the first holiday where I don’t gain any weight. It will also be the first time I don’t stress out about gaining weight either.
In fact, I’m planning to LOSE weight between now and February.
Wha?
Since becoming fat adapted, my waistline and my mindset have both shifted in a good way. I’m not at all interested in gorging on stuffing and pumpkin pie, only to feel like a stuffed cow afterward.
Here’s my plan:
- Eat mostly veggies cooked in healthy fats: Roasted green beans in coconut oil, green salad with olive oil, Brussels sprouts in clarified butter and olives to nosh on.
- Eat really yummy proteins: I don’t eat turkey, but I might have a little salmon or my veggie & nut roast (which tastes just like turkey and stuffing).
- Drink red wine or Grey Goose and lime juice: Low sugar alcoholic bevies are the way to go. You could even go without and opt for sparkling water, but I’m a girl that likes her cocktails, so I’m not letting that one go.
- Sample or pass on dessert: I might try a little pumpkin pie if I’m feeling a little a little wild and crazy, but to be honest, I rarely get the cravings for post dinner treats anymore. Once I’ve filled up on proteins, fats and non-starchy veg, it seems there’s little appeal to eat anything else.
- I’ll sleep like it’s my full-time job the night before my Thanksgiving dinner: I’ve talked about this before, but I’ll say it again, sleep is your BEST line of defense when it comes to not loosing your mind around food. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that will mess with your mind and purposely make you chow down on the carb-laden bowl of stuffing. If these hormones don’t get their beauty rest, they will insist you’re hungry even when you’re not and the only thing that will make them happy are CARBS!!
- I’ll focus on the people I’m with and not over-think the food: I’m heading to San Francisco for the long weekend to spend time with friends I adore in the most gorgeous city in the world. That’s what will matter to me. Not the food.
- I’ll get my workouts in on the road: I’m packing in an extra weight lifting workout before I leave because once we’re up in SF there will be no time for the gym. I’ll be all about putting on the runners and heading to the golden gate for a 9 miler. Can’t freakin wait!
And if all these strategies get derailed, and I end up under slept, wildly intoxicated and diving face first in a vat of sugary pumpkin gu, then I just won’t stress about it. Worrying about what I ate while I’m on vacation is pointless as A) stress increases cortisol which makes your body increase belly fat (NO THANKS) and B) come Monday morning, it’s back to all my clean and healthy habits again.
No harm, no foul.
What’s your strategy for staying lean over the holidays? Do you tend to loose your mind around all the food?
Related: Why you gave up on your goals (and what to do about it).
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and author of The Fit Habit. Here she shares simple, low carb recipes, quick home workout ideas and practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Kerry
I do plan on enjoying a few favorites but I plan on working out in the morning and talking a walk after I eat. I never really gain over Thanksgiving because i tend to stick to the veggies first and a little ham. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
Just finding your blog through WIAW and that veggie loaf looks amazing! I'm vegetarian so I'm always on the look for a good meatless dish and that one looks perfect.
I like your philosophies on food too.
Enjoy your time in SF! I live about an hour east of the city and love it here. We haven't had the usually rainy season thus far so hopefully that sticks around for you!
voodiegirl
Thanks! I think it's going to be pretty nice this weekend in SF, so I'm grateful for that. You're so lucky to live in the bay area. I miss it terribly.
Happy TG to you!!!
Kaitlin
Love all this! Boy sleep is the most important but I'm terrible at keeping myself on a schedule. Have a wonderful day tomorrow!
voodiegirl
Thanks! You too!
Sabrina @ Nutritiously Sweet
I plan on sticking to a lot of green bears (with roasted almonds) and lots of white meat turkey. I'll have a smidge of rice and plantains... mmmm 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!!
voodiegirl
LOVE green beans and roasted almonds!! Enjoy! Happy TG to you too!
Cat
Love your plans - especially the one about getting good sleep before the feast day - I know I go carb crazy when I'm lacking! For me it helps to not plan the indulgences - my problem with the holidays is the expectancy everyone has that it will be a massive blow-out - it doesn't have to be 😉
voodiegirl
I can't agree with you more! Why does it always have to be a gorge fest? Have a great one!
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Thanksgiving is so not my holiday....because your nut and veggie roll wasn't there. Obviously.
I have no interest in the turkey, the stuffing, the weird jello molds, the green bean casserole made with cans of cream of something soup and French onion crisps on top (blech), and of course the dreaded pumpkin pie. Yeah, I could skip the Thanksgiving meal altogether. The people on the other hand are worth it.
Oh and I ain't mad at ya. Do your thang.
voodiegirl
I knew you would forgive me lol. Hope you had a good TG Megan!