Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Chanukah, Tushkateers!!!   Did you know that the convergence of Thanksgiving and the first day of Chanukah (Festival of Lights) is something that rarely happens.  So rare, in fact, that it is beyond a ‘once in a lifetime’ happening; it is a once in a many-lifetime event!  And it’s happening this Thursday, and it won’t again for almost another 78,000 years.

That’s right, Tushkateers, please note that this is the only time in our liftime that we will have the opportunity to eat sweet potato casseroles and potato pancakes a.k.a. latkes in unison!   And, while I am wildly enthusiastic about this happening and enjoy them both equally, I realized that I best review some strategies for the holiday and set my intention as to whether I want to gain a pound, lose a pound or maintain!  You too, yes?  Okay, then…let’s set our intention and review the following seven (7) good, solid, strong tips that can get you through the day feeling sated, happy, and light!  Read, read again, and again, please.  Repetition helps!

1.  FOLLOW the NO SEAT / NO EAT RULE .
   Dignity first. No eating as you walk from room to room, or while cooking (need be use duct tape over the mouth), or over the sink, or off other people’s plates as you’re cleaning up. Eat only when sitting down. For those are going to a buffet – great! Makes it that much more of a challenge.
2. SLOW DOWN and SAVOR the FLAVOR.
   
   Research shows that those who slow down while eating eat less than those who gulp and stuff. In a recent study conducted by the University of Rhode Island, scientists found that when eating quickly women consumed 646 calories in approximately nine minutes. When they ate slowly, they averaged 579 calories in 29 minutes. Get it? They ate 67 calories more in nine minutes than they did in 29 minutes! In addition, those who slowed down enjoyed their meals and felt more satisfied on multiple levels.Thanksgiving dinner lasts a long time. I can guarantee that if you eat with awareness, slow down and savor the flavor, you will eat less.
3. WEAR FORM-FITTING CLOTHES.
   Do not leave any room for growth! Plain and simple.
4. EAT ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE.
   Thanksgiving tables are generally overflowing with traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonably-sized portions of foods you cannot live without.When in doubt, ask yourself, “On a scale of 1-10, 10 being if I don’t eat it, I will feel sad and deprived for hours and hours, how much do I love thee, pumpkin pie?” If the answer is 2, opt for something that’s closer to the 10! No point in wasting good calories.
5. EAT BREAKFAST.
   I know that it’s counter-intuitive. You’d think that it would be a smart idea to save up all your calories for the one big meal. But no! Experts say that one small meal in the morning can give you control over your appetite. Start the day with an egg and toast.  Maybe a whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk. Something so that you won’t be ridiculously hungry when you arrive at the big meal.
6. KEEP YOUR HANDS (and MIND) BUSY.
   Bring your camera and spend time snapping away, being your family’s historian. Knit. Toss a jig-saw puzzle on a corner table and get busy. Anything that you can do that will take your thoughts away from the food is a good idea.
7. VISUALIZE the END of the DAY BEFORE YOU START YOUR DAY.
   Imagine, right now, that it is tonight. The Thanksgiving celebration is over. You are pleased, proud and relieved. Yes, you made it through the day. You practiced moderation. You enjoyed what you ate. You enjoyed the company. You are centered, calm, and smiling. And you didn’t end the day one pound heavier. Ahhhhh … “Into the LITE!”

REMEMBER! One day doth not a fat person make. Eat moderately; Feast on Love (self-love especially).

If you have any tips to share, any helpful thoughts on Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, life in general, please joinOur Lady of Weight Loss’s Club:   Kick in the Tush Club/FB

Wishing you the best ever Thanksgiving!  Gratitude for All!

Spread the word–NOT the icing!

Janice Taylor
wise * fun * utterly useful

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