It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week already. The months just fly by faster and faster each year, don't they?! While meeting with a client this week, we started talking about Thanksgiving and how you handle those days where large meals are served.
I have been watching how my sister-in-law eat at holiday meals for many years now, and I've tried copying her for most of those. She is so good about taking small portions, about eating slowly, and filling her plate just once. The first time I followed her lead, I couldn't believe how good I felt later in the day! I didn't have that food fog I was so used to having on Thanksgiving. And, I didn't need a nap!
Years later when I started health coaching, I started using her as an example to my clients. For those that followed her example, they also loved how great they felt. It can really be a game-changer for every holiday meal from here forward.
Another guide to help you through the holidays is the Holiday plate. This isn't the typical holiday plate where food is piled high. No, this plate helps to control portions and keep your calorie intake at a reasonable level. Did you know that the average American will eat about 5000 calories on Thanksgiving Day? Two thousand calories a day is what all recommended daily allowances are based off of. It's no wonder people are in a food fog after eating over double that.
So, the Holiday Plate is a great tool to keep your portions reasonable. First, fill 1/2 of your plate with vegetables, then 1/4 of it with protein, and the last 1/4 with sides. You could even do the same with a smaller plate! That means about 1 large spoonful of things like mashed potatoes, stuffing and fruit salad. I hope I didn't lose you with that last sentence! I know those are usually the things that we fill our plates with, but if you want to avoid food fog, the bloating and unbuttoning your pants, not to mention the depression and guilt when you step on the scale the next day, then you'll give it a try. You will not be disappointed.
But, don't stop there! Be sure to take some time to get outdoors for a walk. Not only will you burn off a few calories, you'll also gain back some energy and give yourself some needed daylight! Lord knows it's hard to get enough sun as our daylight dwindles down to where you leave in the dark and get home in the dark. Maybe a family game of football or, if the weather allows, some yard games. Anyway, get out and move!
Here at InCourage Health LLC, Coach Dani wants you to enjoy the good things of life, just in moderation. And, if you don't feel you did as well as you wanted, well, we'll figure out what you did do well (that was kind of a lot of wells, wasn't it?). The goal is to make small changes, then over time, those changes add up to a healthier lifestyle that you can maintain for a long time. Visit InCourage-Health.com to set a time to chat with Coach Dani. And, don't forget to use the FREE 7-day Guide to Tame Temptations to get you going in the right direction over the holidays. It's available here. I'm thankful for all of you that get my Friday emails and read these blog posts! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
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