Thanksgiving Victories

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time of year when we remember the many blessings we have: friends, family, modern luxuries, and…

when we feed our American lifestyle by overstuffing ourselves until our bellies ache.

This year, I hope you’ll take a moment to try something new. Instead of gorging yourself to no end, enjoy smaller portions of the food you love and wait for all year. Go back for seconds later if you need, but don’t feel pressure to do it all at once.

Yes, as a doctor, I probably should recommend that you make healthy choices, even at Thanksgiving. But that said, sometimes choosing a little excess and nutritional indiscretion in the right way, at the right time, and with the right people can also be a healthy mental choice. Try these tips to help make your Thanksgiving a little bit better this year:

• If you don’t want it, don’t eat it

I know, Aunt Ethel has been bringing that raisin cream pie for years even though no one likes it. Everyone in the family keeps eating it to be sure she isn’t offended. This is the year. Put yourself first and politely decline.

Apply this logic to every single bite this year. If you’ve already had three bites of apple pie and you’re not sure if the fourth bite is worth it, STOP! Either be done eating or move on to a different piece of the meal. Don’t eat extra calories just to clean your plate.

Remember, if you don’t waste it, it will end up on your waist!!!

• Use a salad plate or tea cup saucer. Be willing to go through the line multiple times.

This might be controversial. I’ve often heard colleagues tell patients that they are better off sticking to one plate and not returning for second helpings. In my opinion, on a holiday like this specifically, I think it’s best to eat from a smaller plate (think tea cup saucer) and get small portions to begin with. Eat slow slowly, enjoy your food, and then go back a few times guilt free. This allows your body to slow down the pace at which you eat and recognize when it is full. Listen to your body and stop before you hurt, you’ll enjoy the experience all the more — and you won’t hate yourself on the scale the day after.

• Give yourself grace. It’s only one day.

This probably isn’t the best health advice for your body, but it is pretty good advice in the context of one single meal and your mental health.

Often, people will make a mistake in their diet choices such as overeating at Thanksgiving…or not quite getting around to the turkey because they ate so much pie. When that kind of decision happens, it’s important to pick up where you’re at and keep moving. Don’t let a single meal (and the ensuing string of leftovers) derail your lifetime goals of healthy eating. Do better next time without any guilt.

Guilt does not serve any purpose in helping you be better, it only weighs you down. Whether you make great choices — or choices you would rather forget — be ready to move on, do better tomorrow, and enjoy every memory from this Thanksgiving holiday.

We are grateful for each of you. Thank you for taking the time to read and letting us take a small part in your health journey. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or text at 509-303-4001. Have a magical Thanksgiving!