This is my favorite time of the year. The weather is chilly and I love to get out and take Hannah for our runs to get my thoughts together. November is the beginning of celebrations that I remember as a kid. I still have fond memories being surrounded by my family and friends. My mother always had an open door policy with food and festivities during the holidays. I think I love them more as I get older. Thanksgiving was always spent at my grandmother’s and there was never a shortage of food. We would eat until we couldn’t move, but hey it was Thanksgiving! Well, that has changed for me. While I still love the holidays, I pace myself with all of the food that comes along this time of the year. While the average weight gain is about 11 pounds till after the New Year, I give myself a 2-pound limit. Yes, it can be done. Here is how I do it. First, I make sure I get all of my workouts in and a couple more so that mentally I am not sluggish. Somehow, when you get those workouts in you feel like you need to eat better or why bother. Next, while I love Thanksgiving dinner, I eat everything in small portions and if I go back for seconds I get a small portion. Never pile food on the plate, take small amounts and enjoy what is on the plate. I make sure I eat a good breakfast on that day. If you wait till the big dinner without eating anything first you are more likely to overeat and binge. I pick one dessert and may try a small portion of another. Do not put more than one dessert on your plate because as you know you will eat more than your stomach can handle. In the end, you can eat sensibly on Thanksgiving. Remember you can make any of that food any time of the year. Eat sensibly and you’ll feel better the day after.

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