Giving Thanks

It is that time of year again, and for the next two months we will be surrounded by family and friends, special events and food. Yes, food makes the list of what is important in the holiday season. This time of year is meant for us to focus on all that we are thankful for yet those of us weight managing are also focusing on making it through the season thankful that our new stylish jeans still fit. So, how do we do it? Very easily. We have a plan. Sounds simple and it is. Thanksgiving is pretty traditional in the foods that are served so prebuilding your own menu is a great way to ensure that you can taste the foods you love without going overboard. If preplanning isn't your thing, commit to assessing all the options before building your own plate. In other words be sure of everything being served so that you can take the foods you really love. If a side of green bean casserole and a piece of pumpkin pie is your thing, skip the corn bread stuffing and mashed potatoes, put the foods of choice on your plate, eat slow and be present for the meal. Make choices. You can eat whatever foods you want. You just can't eat everything all the time. Think about how you want to feel on Friday morning. Most importantly remember why you are celebrating. Yes, a roasted turkey is exciting but not nearly as exciting as being able to share special time with those you love. Happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Made to Order

I went to dinner last night. Great restaurant, Ft. Lauderdale. Of course I looked at the menu online before I went. Chopped salad, seasonal vegetables and grilled shrimp. All day I looked forward to the treat of having shrimp that I did not have to clean or cook. I somehow missed it though. Caught up in the idea of grilled shrimp, I didn't continue to study the menu, and I missed the Mediterranean seafood salad. Once at the restaurant this new dinner option was a sure winner. So I asked the waitress how the seafood was prepared. Olive oil, spices, etc. I do not enjoy foods when marinated in olive oil though but the waitress said that they could prepare it dry so I was in. Very excited for all my favorites, shrimp, mussels, calamari. As the waitress walked away I politely asked her to check with the chef whether or not the dish could really be prepared this way. I explained that I would prefer to make another selection than to trouble her by sending it back. Minutes later the waitress returned to share with me that the seafood must be served as listed on the menu. No problem. Original choice of chopped salad, seasonal vegetables and grilled shrimp. By making my needs a priority I was able to enjoy a meal, prepared the way I wanted and still not have to clean dishes. It is about putting yourself first in whatever setting you're in. It is about knowing what works for you, what doesn't and how to politely ask for what you want to keep your weight management on track.

Coach

Often I speak to people and they tell me that they know what I am saying. They know that when dealing with food not having a plan does not work. They know that taking bites from other's plates is not a good practice. They know that not being prepared with snacks can lead to mindless eating. Why then, is it still so difficult for many of us to focus on our weight loss and stick to our goals? It is because even the most diet, nutrition and exercise savvy need accountability. Someone to check in with, someone to provide guidance, hope, ideas, motivation. Someone to tell them everything they already know. Do you know any professional athletes that go out everyday into their sport and perform? No because they have a coach. Someone to watch their training tapes with, someone to practice their drills with, someone they can count on, someone they trust. So, even if you know all, or even most, of the answers, it is important to recognize that most of us need a coach. Whether it be in a private forum or a group setting, make yourself a priority and ask for the advice and support you need.

Planning and Choices

I just had an active hour. Grocery shopping for the week but only a small shop. Veggie burgers, fruit, oatmeal, soup, green beans, 20 calorie Creamsicles. Just the items that I consumed during the week that needed replacing. Then home for preparation. Five Tupperware, 40 grams oatmeal. Two with 140 grams frozen banana added. Three left without fruit which will be added as the week goes on. Two Tupperware Amy's Fat Free Split Pea Soup. A good look at the pantry to make sure I am set for the week. I have my Western Alternative Bagels, 100 Calorie Jolly Time Popcorn, Swiss Miss Diet Hot Cocoa. All the necessities. It helps when waking up for work that some of my lunch box for the day is already prepared. It took about an hour, and yes, I wish the portions and items would magically appear in my lunchbox but with that not being a reality I have a choice. I can either spend one hour on a Sunday, making sure I am all set for the week or I can wait until I am at work and scramble. Wait to see what everyone else is ordering, wait to see if there is something I want, like, feel good about choosing. So until they start selling magic lunchboxes, it looks like one hour on a Sunday is not a lot to ask of myself to have a great week full of control.