It's almost as if we've come to accept that we're going to put on weight during the holiday season. It's commonly reported by the media that 5 pounds of body weight is gained during the holidays. In actuality, normal-weight people typically gain about one pound over the holiday season...which means (at least to me) that I will gain 10 pounds...if I don't remind myself to eat MINDFULLY!

So, this is my public personal promise, that I will be mindful of what I eat and make a strong effort to stay on track. I want to encourage you to do the same. The fact that you would even make an attempt to think and choose a healthier option, puts you on the right track.

What are your tips and tricks to avoid over doing it during the holidays?

Have a safe and healthy holiday!

@Adjust Your Crown Amen! My sistah!!! I am already up 5lbs. Crap!!!

I'm going to let my sleeve guide my intake. I know I am a newly sleeved person navigating virgin territory but at the moment I really don't feel panic-y over food sitting in front of me.

And since I am the hostess most of the season I really don't have time to graze on the actual holiday food. As the preparer of pies, bread, toffee, cookies, and the meals I get tired of looking at it, handling it, etc. And then cleaning it up too. By the time turkey is on the table, I really want a nap.

The cookies (8 kinds), toffee, fudge goes to family and friends. When I had a career I would spend 3 days making it all and taking it in to share at work - I made a ton of it it seems and then a ton more for the family. (So only 1 ton this year), but I am paring it down to 4 kinds of cookies, white chocolate pretzels and no fudge - I threw 75% of the fudge away last year because they prefered the toffee.

I am probably a little more concerned with the 9 day cruise in February when I will be 4 months out, and not preparing my own food. But I will battle that later.

I already told my dad and step-mom that I'll be bringing my food scale with me to measure out the turkey meat that I will eat, as well as the steamed sweet potato that she is leaving on the side sans butter and brown sugar lol. They're all super supportive, so holidays should be fairly easy :knock on wood: I don't really crave much, except nachos lol strange but true. I'm still only a few weeks out from surgery, so nachos will just have to wait

I'm on a liquid pre-surg diet. No temptation...cause nothing is allowed. Cravings and holiday food-grief will be on the menu...but no Turkey. I'm gonna sit at the table and cry in my protein drink and broth a little...and then be really thankful that I have good insurance and a good medical team that I trust. I know a lot of people don't....so I'm gonna try to buck up and count my blessings.

I can eat so little, I don't worry about what I'm gonna have for Thanksgiving. Whatever I can actually eat will not matter. Not for one meal for one day.

I run the turkey day 5K each year since surgery. It's my new Thanksgiving tradition. The holiday is not all about the food anymore. It's family and friends, being thankful, living life and having new experiences.

Not having a food coma every year is an amazing feeling. No weight gain guilt.

Food plan: turkey, steamed french green beans with bacon and sliced almonds, roasted pumpkin, cranberries and apple. Desert is dannon light n fit pumpkin pie yogurt with 2 oz vanilla halo top ice cream.

I plan ahead at potlucks. I bring deviled eggs or a meat and cheese plate. I make sure there is something I can eat.

I pack my meals for work with healthy sweet and salty options.

2 hours ago, jenn1 said:

I run the turkey day 5K each year since surgery. It's my new Thanksgiving tradition. The holiday is not all about the food anymore. It's family and friends, being thankful, living life and having new experiences.

Not having a food coma every year is an amazing feeling. No weight gain guilt.

Food plan: turkey, steamed french green Beans with bacon and sliced almonds, roasted pumpkin, cranberries and apple. Desert is dannon light n fit pumpkin pie yogurt with 2 oz vanilla halo top ice cream.

I plan ahead at potlucks. I bring deviled eggs or a meat and cheese plate. I make sure there is something I can eat.

I pack my meals for work with healthy sweet and salty options.

Very inspiring post. Thank you.