Thanksgiving, it is here. Bad NFL games and uncomfortable times with family. The one day I cannot not wear a sweatshirt, yet sweatpants might be acceptable because of all the eating. Where most of us will eat so much good food that we only get once a year. Where sweet potatoes magically turn into Yams.

I mean, do people just cook 23 pound turkeys in August?

This is the fourth Thanksgiving I have had since losing weight. My life is different now.

These are the things that I do during the holidays that I wanted to share with you.

Thanksgiving Tips

1. It is one meal. You really have to make sure you understand that. If you do not, then it will be a very hard season. Once your meal is over, it is over. You should not keep on eating the same way day in and day out. I did, and look where it got me in the past.
2. One plate. Just fill up one plate with everything you want. I know about the 2/3 rule for vegetables, but fill the one plate up with your “goodies”. Do not go back for seconds. One time, plop on all of your favorites, and move on.
3. Do not feel guilty. Make the decision that it will be one meal. Guilt can lead to crazy things afterward, like crash diets.
4. Do not be “that” person. Not everyone is a healthy eater. Do not be the annoying person bragging how you are eating asparagus while everyone else is eating pie. People will just roll their eyes. (Not like it has EVER happened to me.)
5. Workout. I hear a lot about 5K races on Thanksgiving. And your Anytime Fitness is open all day on Thanksgiving. The last three years I went, I was the only person at the gym. It is okay to take the day off from working out. Plus, it gives me more space at the gym.
6. Real thing. Eating a low calorie version of a classic is like putting Corvette decals on a Ford Escort. You can tell me it is a Corvette all day long, but truthfully, it is an Escort. Eat smaller versions of the good stuff. If you eat a large amount of the “low cal” pie, then you will probably end up eating more than you should have anyway.
7. Drink water while you eat.Iit always helps me eat less.
8. Coffee for dessert. If you ate a huge meal, and everyone is eating dessert, just opt for a coffee so you can still be with everyone.

Use Thanksgiving as a time to spend with family and friends. And remember, if there is something that you have wanted to eat all year long, do it. This tasty meal comes once a year!

Well, until Christmas.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!