I never thought about setting my fork down in between meals; that is such a great idea! I have such a tendency to immediately load up my fork again, as soon as I have a bite in my mouth, and I ALWAYS finish my plate! I am definetly going to try that. :)

my best advice for these situations as well as parties and buffets,  dont eat the every day oods, many people will put our different things just to round out the table and make sure there is something any one, everyone will enjoy,  but if you are having the turkey dinner, why eat the cheese plate,  white dinner rolls, deviled eggs,  these things you can eat easily any time ,  you can even have them the next morning for breakfast if you want.  for the special dinner, i always stick with things iwould never prepare for myself at home,  even if they are the more unhealthy choices as long as i really like them.  same as desserts.

just dont be a greedy food snob and EAT ALL the nice dishes. but since most people enjoy different things it usually works itself out.

I have always eaten more slowly than everyone else and do not fill my fork again while I am eating the previous bite.  I eat so slowly that everyone else has finished and are waiting, usually impatiently, on me so they can leave the table.  When my children were still at home, they usually had to leave me alone at the table so they could start their homework, go to ball games, etc.  I was working, lived on a lake and would waterski nearly every day May - November.  With a busy family, a stressful job and a large house to keep, I stayed active.  But now that the kids are gone and I am eating alone, it is very difficult to eat mindfully and to eliminate distractions such as the TV.  Like so many others, if I eat while watching TV, I often find that I have taken the last bite of something without realizing it. I hate to eat while just staring at a wall so I read or watch TV while eating. Because of the bad habits and, due to health issues which require steroid inhaler treatments, I am unable to ski or do most types of exercise. Consequently, as I was very slim before, there is now enough additional weight to make another whole person.   I want to lose 120 pounds and started out OK.  For a couple months I entered every bite I took and calculated the calories. I planned meals and almost always stayed within the 1500 cal goal.  In order to do this, you must have fresh veggies and fruits in the house.  I often found myself out of all of these and unable to get to the store for a week.  So, the take out and delivery food traps were too often my meal.  I had lost 25 lbs in about 2 months.  I figured I had an idea  how many calories were in a portion of my food and stopped my daily calculations.   Within 4-6 weeks, I have regained about 6 lbs.  I am so frustrated with the initial amount of time it will take to reach my goal weight (over a year) and then seemingly burned out with the whole program, I feel like stopping altogether.  I hate that idea, but just can't get motivated again. I guess there is no question here, just a comment.  At least I have found a sounding board!

To Peggyatlake,  please don't give up!  I have a few motivating quotes posted at home and at work where I see them daily. 

Here is one quote that I especially like:  "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

I needed to lose 100 lbs.  Weight loss (I'm 55) always seemed unattainable for me.  I would see many of my friends and coworkers lose weight.  I thought, I can never do that.  In June this year, I started a program with "Medi-Weight Loss Clinics.  I also became a member of this forum, which I love!  But with Medi, You are under a doctor's care.  It's a bit pricey but I've lost 70 lbs in 6 months!  That quote gave me the courage to try just one more time, and just one more program.  It is worth every penny!  I've lost 70 lbs in 6 months by re-learning how and what to eat.  Just Google them and give them a call.  Don't ever give up!!! 

I have lost 124 lbs. It's taken me over 2 yrs. to do this. I have completely changed my mind set and lifestyle. I have re-programmed my mind to look at food as fuel, not comfort or company. I am going to cook a healthy Thanksgiving dinner and if no one like's it, they can go eat at Denny's!! I'm going to roast a turkey stuffed with carrots,onions,cabbage,potatos and rosemary. My side dish is brown rice cooked with raisons, apple and chicken stock. While my bird is in the oven, I'm going to do a  workout video and do some sweating!!!

I picture where each ingredient of the food came from. For instance if I am having apple pie I see the apple trees in the orchard and envision the fields of wheat grain under the sun and the rain and the soil that was necessary for the plants to grow. And then I think about what it took to make the apple pie and all of the energy that was put in to it's production.

Original Post by: ninav

I picture where each ingredient of the food came from. For instance if I am having apple pie I see the apple trees in the orchard and envision the fields of wheat grain under the sun and the rain and the soil that was necessary for the plants to grow. And then I think about what it took to make the apple pie and all of the energy that was put in to it's production.

I love your ost Ninav!  I never tried it, but I'm going to this Thanksgiving!  Especially, since it's at my sister's house.  I love her, don't get me wrong, but she pushes my buttons - in my former life (before losing 70 lbs) that would have made me overeat and drink too much! LOL

Ha!  Family dinners can be so awkward for some of us that savoring the food is the only good part.  My views on life are very different from both my inlaws and my side of the family, and I've learned that keeping my opinions to myself is a far better tactic than trying to argue with stubborn people.  Thus I always eat slowly and savor each bite, to keep my mouth safely shut.  I always end up eating two plates full of small portions on Thanksgiving, and only a tiny piece of pie for dessert.  The only thing I struggle with are the appetizers--usually deviled eggs or a cheese plate--because appetizers are more geared toward mingling.  The only strategy that seems to work for this is showing up late.

Good points yamisui!  Yep, with my family it's more stress than enjoyment sometimes, but these ideas will really help me this year!

I really enjoyed this article, this is how I eat when presented with a stellar meal, or on a special occasion.  But, it is a good reminder that I should try to fully enjoy my food all of the time.  I tried it just now, and it really helped me fully taste my hot cereal and banana.  Also made me realize that I don't want to buy this kind of hot cereal again.

I think it's great too to recognize that there may be reasons for wanting to eat that are not hunger based.  The idea, of course, is generally to eat when hungry.  But if you sometimes have another reason, don't feel guilty about it.  I think emotions, especially guilt, are a large part of the reason we ended up here on CC.  

Also, thanks for pointing out that I can get more enjoyment out of the meal by eating this way...makes me realize that I am not giving anything up, and in fact gaining pleasure and health, by eating mindfully.

Here here G0dzilli!

I will be at a relative's house for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  She will have  cooked all day and the food will be a way to show her love and  caring. I walk for exercise and have recently added an air-climber stepper so I have something to exercise with on cold and rainy fall /winter days.  I will walk and exercise on Thanksgiving and really the whole Thanksgiving week at little extra.  Then at the dinner I'll eat turkey with mostly vegetables and small portions of the more high calorie things like potatoes and gravy.  I  will drink a glass or two of water before the meal so I won't be so hungry.

So far I have lost 84 lbs and I refuse to take a step backwards.  At the same time hurt  family feelings would be even worst.  I'll plan to put enough  turkey and veggies on my plate to feel satisfied and to show that I appreciate the  time and love that went into the meal. But I will stand my ground and stay away from filling up on the high calorie foods.

I plan to roast my own turkey to have at home too.  So I have hunted down the best tasting (imo) reduced fat mayo (Hellmanns, olive oil, reduce fat)  40 cal a tbsp and Arnold's sandwich thins-one roll, 100 cal.  I will have a turkey sandwich ( I love turkey) for lunch the next few days and maybe one for dinner a few times. But, I still within my daily calorie allotment on those days. I think using a leaf of lettuce and making a turkey wrap with tomato and a little reduced fat mayo sounds good too.  Bottom line for me.  I'm not on a diet, I'm changing my lifestyle and holidays are going to happen so I'm trying to roll with the punches.  Good Luck to everyone in your diet and lifestyle goals.

My family is very close-minded when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner! They always have the same thing, with the same sides, prepared the SAME way. Last year I totally rocked the boat by bringing sweet potatoes NOT cooked with marshmallows! Haha.

So this year, although they will all cook the same thing as years previous, I am going to bring a large tossed salad and butternut squash soup (along with some small soup cups). This way, if they do decide to be adventurous and try something different, they can. And I have a healthy option to eat as well. :)

caja08

Thanks for your words they really hit home with me.  May you truly enjoy your holiday.

I will bring mashed califlower to my sisters for thanksgiving.  I also have a receipe for pumkin soup (very low cal) I may try it and bring that also.  No stuffing or mashed potatoes for me.  They are empty fillers and do not satisfy.  Rather, I will have a moderate portion of turkay and lots of veggies.  I will however indulge in a small piece of pumpkin pie though. That's my favorite at holiday dinners!

Good Luck to everyone, we can get through the hoidays - no problem - stay focused!!!

Oh, and everybody remember to call dibs on the carcass!  Don't waste it!  You can make a nice stock for healthy soups.  Our favorite is turkey/lentil.

WORD YAMISUI! I always take the carcass! I usually make a turkey noodle with homemade noodles, and it comes out so yummy!

yummmm - THANKSGIVING! I have found a wonderful recipe for a stuffed pumpkin. The stuffing is a mixture of brown rice, roasted chestnuts, veggies, herbs & spices and is totally yummy. It's also very festive looking on the dinner table. As guests scoop out some of the stuffing they can also scoop some of the cooked pumpkin with it. It's a nice low fat & tasty side dish.

I was diagnosed with type two diabetes three weeks ago today. I am 290 lbs at 5'6".  I pouted and whined for the last three weeks and yesterday I decided I was going to change my life. I added the CC app to my Iphone and am very excited about my new adventure! All these wonderful ideas for the holidays are getting me excited! My family and friends are very much on board with helping and supporting me so I have no worries of preasures to eat from anyone but myself. Your words have made me relize that I can be strong! YAY to a knew life!

Original Post by: chrisross63

yummmm - THANKSGIVING! I have found a wonderful recipe for a stuffed pumpkin. The stuffing is a mixture of brown rice, roasted chestnuts, veggies, herbs & spices and is totally yummy. It's also very festive looking on the dinner table. As guests scoop out some of the stuffing they can also scoop some of the cooked pumpkin with it. It's a nice low fat & tasty side dish.

Link please??  Can haz link?

Original Post by: philfan1

I have lost 124 lbs. It's taken me over 2 yrs. to do this. I have completely changed my mind set and lifestyle. I have re-programmed my mind to look at food as fuel, not comfort or company. I am going to cook a healthy Thanksgiving dinner and if no one like's it, they can go eat at Denny's!! I'm going to roast a turkey stuffed with carrots,onions,cabbage,potatos and rosemary. My side dish is brown rice cooked with raisons, apple and chicken stock. While my bird is in the oven, I'm going to do a  workout video and do some sweating!!!

Philfan1, this sounds absolutely delicious!  Good for you.  I'm thinking of some hearthy, healthy seafood stew for Christmas dinner this year!  I'm always amazed at what healthy foods my friends and family will eat if they're made well, with heart and soul.  People need to just TRY substituting healthy alternatives like this and just see what happens!  I made a delicious squash soup that even my boyfriend loves (he hates squash).  Healthy food does not have to taste like cardboard.

@greenlevel

Have you tried the Walden Farms mayo..tastes like Miracle Whip. Their salad dressings are delicious too and the best part is 0 cal 0 cholostoral 0 fat!

To enjoy my Thanksgiving Meal while eating less, I focus on eating smaller portions of the foods I like and ignore what I don't like.

We had a pre-Thanksgiving Dinner last night as my girl friend will be working on the official day.  I had one cup of mashed potatoes, one cup of stuffing, 1/3 cup cranberry sauce, 2 slices of white meat.  I set the plate up so there is a clear spot in the middle.  I then move a little of each of the foods into that spot and enjoy.  When one of the ingredients runs out, I put my fork down.  Last night it was the stuffing that ran out first.  The meal was so good.

It was nice to leave the table satisfied and not stuffed!  I got some flack for not eating a roll, not sure why there are even rolls on the Thanksgiving Menu.

Original Post by: yamisui

Original Post by: chrisross63

yummmm - THANKSGIVING! I have found a wonderful recipe for a stuffed pumpkin. The stuffing is a mixture of brown rice, roasted chestnuts, veggies, herbs & spices and is totally yummy. It's also very festive looking on the dinner table. As guests scoop out some of the stuffing they can also scoop some of the cooked pumpkin with it. It's a nice low fat & tasty side dish.

Link please??  Can haz link?

yamisui,

here's the link for the "Elegant Stuffed Pumpkin" recipe:

http://homecooking.about.com/od/vegetablerecipes/r/blv284.ht m

I hope you like it - we all do!

Remember everyone, It IS possible to lose weight during the Holidays. Eating mindfully and keeping your health and happiness in mind when you serves yourself. Also counting calories and exercise (EVEN ON THE HOLIDAYS!!!)

I have lost 90lbs over 2 years, and I have lost lbs during each holiday because I didn't overeat. It's not like I'll never get to eat those foods again. Usually there are enough leftovers for me to eat it for the next day or two anyway. I'm definitely not missing out.

Original Post by: CarrieFonseca

I was diagnosed with type two diabetes three weeks ago today. I am 290 lbs at 5'6".  I pouted and whined for the last three weeks and yesterday I decided I was going to change my life. I added the CC app to my Iphone and am very excited about my new adventure! All these wonderful ideas for the holidays are getting me excited! My family and friends are very much on board with helping and supporting me so I have no worries of preasures to eat from anyone but myself. Your words have made me relize that I can be strong! YAY to a knew life!

I was also diagnosed several weeks ago with type 2 diabetes.  I felt so ill that I started eating better two weeks prior to that.  The idea of the complications of diabetes are keeping me on track and I have lost over 20 lbs in the last 8 weeks.  Some would say that's too much weight in too little time, but when you cut out 1500 calories a day in pure refined wheat and sugar foods, that's the reason.  because it terrifies me to think of losing toes or a foot like my great grandparent, or being on insulin and giving myself needles like my grandmother, it is easier to stay on track.  kind of severe, I know, to picture those things right before I eat, but I wish I hadn't gained more than 40 pounds in the last 3 years due to lots of stress and every day the bagels, pastries, even dessert with lunch, chips, chocolate and soda every afternoon and a movie-sized box of candy every night while watching tv.  I "gave" myself insulin resistance, and I'm determined to give it back!!  What I'm trying to say is, don't give up, and don't wait until you have some disease that terrifies you before you make up your mind to change whata you eat.  Just don't give up - and if it helps to picture yourself with diabetes complications or a quadruple bypass (from diabetes and smoking) then let that keep you on track.  Nothing, and I mean nothing else worked for me before this!  I gave up a hundred times before and am sorry I didn't stick with something several years ago.  Good luck and keep trying!!

sorry, meant to post this to peggyatlake   just a novice at posting!

What if you don't have any will power.  My family cooks everything with a wealth of dessert.  Give me some will power tips.

Original Post by: eilady0904

What if you don't have any will power.  My family cooks everything with a wealth of dessert.  Give me some will power tips.

 

When it comes to dessert I try and imagine the nutrition facts and what I'm putting into my body. I decide beforehand how much of that I'm going to eat and put it on my plate accordingly. Just eat it really slowly. You can enjoy a small piece of pie far longer than a large one by eating small bites instead of large ones, and let it sit on your tongue awhile before swallowing. If you feel the need to have more than one dessert, make sure you have smaller pieces so it amounts to the same, and don't go back for seconds. Just remember that as soon as you swallow it, it's gone and you have to live with the consequences instead of the taste. Sometimes I just imagine it in my mouth and smelling it makes up for that.

Thanks bu11wink1e

I will definitely ( today in fact) look for the Walden farms mayo, it sounds great.

Thanks so much

One trick, is to drink a glass or two of water about 15 minutes before you eat.  It makes you feel fuller, faster. I don't know if it is a match for pumpkin or in my case sweet potato pie, but I guess I'll find out on Thanksgiving. It might be helpful to have something no calorie like water or low calorie  to drink during the meal and drink a sip or two between bits to fill up faster too. Just a thought.

@greenlevel

Hi!  It was actually bjcousins that gave the mayo suggetion.  I agree that the forum layout is a bit confusing as to who posted what.

Good Luck

Hi All,

    Thanks bu11wink1e, sorry I got it wrong.  Thanks bjcousins, I am hunting for the mayo. Well, my relatives have started asking if I am going to eat "regular" at Thanksgiving dinner.  I said yes and just left it at that.  I plan to be very mindful of what I'm eating and fill up on veggies and turkey.  However, there is no need to give away my "game plan" and open it up to criticism. It should all look very "regular" and I should go away full but not stuffed.

This is a good article, and I don't want to be sickeningly stuffed. Mindfulness about where the food came from, gratitude, and watching your own satiation are good spiritual life skills.

However, I don't think one day's indulgence throws anyone off track. Enjoy a big Thanksgiving dinner if that will make you and your family happy! Just don't turn it into a big every-day-until-New-Year's pattern. It's the cookie here, glass of eggnog there, hors d'oeuvres at this party and drinks at that party that pack on the holiday pounds.

Dear Peggyatlake, you have had a great start, reasons to keep up the great work, and just hit a little bump in the road.  When you started I am sure you wanted a diet that would work for you as you were looking for a way to get the weight off - and then what?  How about a life style change for the better?  The healthier food you will consume will do you the most good to feeling better, and get you down further than you have been in a long time.  As you see the scale going down you may get a hic up now and then, but pick yourself up emotionally, dust yourself off, and get back on the better life style, because it is made for you, you chose it and it works!!  You are the greatest, have a great day and smile at yourself because you are you.  Thank you again for a wonderful day and upcoming holiday:)  aea - Diagnosis was what got me a new life style