Fall is in the air, and you’re getting the house ready for relatives (or if you’re lucky, someone else is getting their house ready for you to visit them!) for a yummy and festive Thanksgiving dinner. But you’re having a hard time worrying about staying on track with your natural weight loss goals. And it’s understandable to a degree, especially if you’ve lost weight with your current program. The good news is you don’t have to worry. You’ve made it this far (even if it’s only been a month), and you have it in you to keep going. Below are some helpful pointers to keep you on track this Thanksgiving season so you can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday while still meeting your goals.
Don’t stress.Most importantly, stay calm and don’t worry about dinner going perfectly or you staying on track with your program. First, you will stay on track because you can, and second, Thanksgiving dinner will be perfect even if the turkey ends up a little overdone because you’re with family and friends, which is most important. Stress increases your cortisol levels, as well, a hormone that causes fat storage through your midsection, so again, no stress! If you feel a bit overwhelmed, take a few moments, count to ten and take 2 or 3 deep breaths.
Enjoy yourself!This is a time to celebrate, as it should be all year round, so enjoy yourself even if you are on a program. The happier you are, the easier it will be to stay on track with weight loss. If you feel you’re getting a little bummed, say a couple affirmations to yourself every morning when you wake up and go to bed to shift your mood in the right direction.
Keep your weight loss journal.Stay focused and on track by maintaining and keeping up with your weight loss journal the week of Thanksgiving (and all the time).
Continue to exercise. It’s OK if you choose to treat yourself a little during the Thanksgiving week, as long as it’s in moderation, but it’s very important to keep up with your exercise routine, and amp it up a bit if you take in extra calories.
Tweak the menu a little. Look for areas that you can make your current dishes a bit healthier, but still tasty. For example, use whole grain bread for your stuffing and agave or coconut sugar for your desserts or anything that needs sweetened. Also, look for some healthy recipes that are very tasty and you’re family will enjoy right along with you.
Ask for support.Do this only if you truly have someone who understands your weight loss journey and can give you the true support you need through the Thanksgiving holiday. A weight loss coach is a great ally during a time like this.
Use these tips to help you stay on track during the Thanksgiving holiday to keep up with your weight loss program and continue to meet your goals through the entire holiday season into the New Year! You deserve to be happy, healthy and worry free with your family and friends, so enjoy yourself this holiday season!