A special discount to help you survive Thanksgiving
There’s two full weeks from now until Thanksgiving.
In the coming days, we will talk about what the pilgrims ate, what we are going to eat, and who gets which leftovers to take home and eat later.
For me, I will most certainly hear about how small my first plate was. I will be asked why I’m not getting a second plate, and then I face the inquisition of various family members wondering why their dish didn’t make the cut. I am thankful for so many things in my life but the dessert options at my Southern Thanksgiving feast do not make the list.
This day is a huge hurdle for most of us who are striving to lose weight, and just one of many we’ll have to face in the next month of holiday parties. For that reason – let’s pregame it a little.
Through November 13th, we are offering 20% off two weeks of OurSkinny Mini Meals.
This is a difficult day even for someone with a cornucopia of resolve and determination! With that said, I have come up with a few survival tactics to prepare you and keep you motivated through the holidays:
Move!
This is typically a really good time of year for a 5k, 10k, or marathon in your area. Dedicate the next two weeks to training and then get involved in a race (more on this next week).
www.active.com is a great resource for finding activities in your area. There is detailed information, direct links to race websites, and you can even sign up on their site.
Can’t find anything close to home? Take the lead! Organize a pickup game of basketball or a game of touch football for after dinner. Take the dog for a walk. Fido tends to get overfed on these holidays too!
Research and Prepare.
Give yourself a fighting chance and do some preparation. Spend some time digging up calorie information for all of your favorite holiday dishes. If you know what these foods contain, you are more likely to choose the healthier option.
For instance, no matter how strong the urge is homemade cornbread dressing, I know that 1 serving is around 360 calories. All of a sudden, cornbread dressing seems a little less appetizing.
Bring your own dish!
I won’t spend too much time on this since this is a repetitive suggestion of mine for every occasion. Definitely make sure to take something you’ve had a hand in, since you know what ingredients went into it.
I always try and take something that is both appreciated and filling. Think: 7 layer salads with your favorite vegetables, low fat cheese, and nutrient rich lettuces. Don’t forget the homemade low fat dressing to go with it! And if you have time, bring a main dish made the healthy way. No deep fried turkey for us this year!
Bring your own dish (Part II)
I have learned that I don’t need seconds, so that’s no problem for me anymore. I do, however, like to fill a plate. You hand me a platter, and I will be having a platter of food for dinner.
At Thanksgiving dinner, I will pick up a salad plate for my dinner and have my salad in a separate bowl. That way I can fill it up without feeling bad.
Bring a small disposable plate if you aren’t comfortable asking for one from the host. Who is going to notice and again, who cares? It is all about you after all.
Change It Up
This is not something I can do in my family but I know tons of friends who do something different each year. Have a “healthy” thanksgiving or try a vegan feast. If you have the luxury of flexible people and flexible plans, you can make Thanksgiving one to remember without adding pounds you’ll have to shed later.
Finally, Pregame It:
Did I mention that now through Sunday, November 13th, we are offering 20% off two weeks of OurSkinny Mini Meals?
Why not drop a few pounds between now and then – you will be reducing your craving for high-fat, high-carb foods in time to give your willpower a little boost on FAT Thursday.
I promise: you’ll add OurSkinny to your list of things to be thankful for.