Perscription for the holiday

[Outback Jess]

Good morning STACers...I hope that this post finds you well. Many of you are probably really excited, and have family coming or you are traveling or you are getting ready to settle into a cozy personal time.

Yesterday I melted down! Flipped out completely. It was physical exhaustion and mental tiredness. It led me to post some observances that I will repeat here.
I thought this holiday would be no big deal. I don't like turkey, I am going nowhere, family is around all the time. Keep my head down and just enjoy things...
In the state of exhaustion I realized I could not cope well with an awful lot of things. So I made some personal "Game plan Rules"... During my intense meltdown my hunger and craving and food issues rose up like a controlling monster, and tho I made it through, I behaved very inappropriately to my family. I did not cheat, but I did not have any fans at the end of my day.
I am a mom, a wife and a mother, and i feel confident I made for a bad evening all the way around. Yes, I am still loved and accepted. But behind that statement coming from my Mother, a short word of caution I should listen to, "honey you need to slow down alittle, you are way too upset and twisted up."

Jess's Game Plan
#1 Rest, and Sleep. Stay rested, so I can cope with my roles in a postive manner
#2 Stay rested so I can cope with food cravings and desires in a balanaced way
#3 Eat very smart and eat very well. Some times I push the plate back or only grab a snack for a meal. When it runs out, I am near by and can easily reach for something else...But these are NOT CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT DAYS...there are amazing smells coming from my mother's kitchen below.There are unexpected trips to the grochery store, and long line waits that keep me in that store. I dont go to grochery stores very often now.
If I stay full, or very satisfied, I will not be tormented too badly.
#4 Water, drinking water keeps me full, and occupied with the bathroom, it's a great little buffer and it really really works for me.
#5 Exercise, done in a more balanced approach during the holidays will help with a natural appetite suppression...as well as release endorphines.

Now these are daily items already deep into my lifestyle, but I need to turn to them and be very smart with them, especially this next few days.
#1 being sleep and restfulness. Maybe alittle less intensity so I can easily cope...

Anybody have some personal "game plans" that will help them get through?

[julirama723]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

I'm going to RELAX, first off--my body gave in, broke down, is fed up, and is SICK! I've got respiratory issues, gasto-intestinal issues, you name it. Yesterday instead of going to the gym, I put on pjs and played Game Cube. I decided to have a "gentle" day yesterday, and went to yoga class later on to try to flush out some toxins...I think it's working, hence the gastro-intestinal carnival that's happening. I am still going to be active today, but most likely it'll be just walking on the treadmill or on the bike--something gentle to keep me moving, but not so much as to have me dripping with sweat.

I am planning FUN STUFF to do--I've earned it. We're going to hang out with some friends this weekend, we're going out to the mountains today, we're being lazy tomorrow...ok well I won't be, because I'll be cooking, but you know what I mean.

I am surrounding myself with HEALTHY FOODS and ACCEPTABLE FOODS--no high carb things will tempt me if I've got turkey, green beans, pumpkin, veggies, and chocolate swirled cheesecake!

I'm going to be THANKFUL--I'm going to enjoy what I have with those who I value.

There are days when I'm grumpy, when I'm hungry, when I'm sad, when I'm angry, when I'm irritable, when I'm mopey, when I'm sick, when I'm hyper, when I'm annoying, and when I'm disagreeable. Nobody said we have to be happy all the time, and sometimes you just need to vent and let those emotions out. Jess--don't feel so bad that you weren't upbeat yesterday--by golly, you've earned it, and you're human.

[Gem238]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

You know when we see the commericals on TV with the families sitting around the table all smiles, it just makes us all warm and fuzzy. BLAH!! What they don't show is the kids running around, babies crying, stacks of dirty dishes in the sink, pots on the stove. Holidays are busy!! Try keeping on a smile through all of that work -- not me.

I know you feel bad because you weren't very nice yesterday. But, you were just having one of those days. Yes, I agree, you haved earned it. You are human. You have made incredible strides in your life...and in your daughter's. Stay strong and be proud in what you have done. You made it through yesterday. But, now it is gone.
Today is a new day.

Quiet serene evening today...maybe some reading. I plan to get up tomorrow and go walking before a lite breakfast. Maybe I'll sit out on my deck and drink some hot tea. After some quiet time, I'll start preping in the kitchen. No rushing, when its ready its ready. Start planning our Christmas decorations and enjoying the weekend calm and relaxed.

O, sorry...I was daydreaming.

I've been in denial that it's Thanksgiving. I have yet to touch the turkey or shop for what I need. I'll be shopping this evening after a long day at work and cooking up a storm tomorrow. The menu scares me. Lots and lots of carbs...I'm the only one doing this so they expect a traditional Thanksgiving. Hence, my denial. I have my salad, a turkey and will pick my special dessert to make today. But, I'm feeling good right now so I think I will make it through all the carbs.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

[HarlemUSA]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

Happy Holidays Everyone,

I'm so excited! This year is my 'emancipation', I've cooked Thanksgiving Dinner thirteen years in a row and now it's my turn to be free. In addition my birthday is the day after Thanksgiving. OK here's my game plan:

1 - I'm not cooking dinner for the entire family (2 bros/3 Sis & family);
2 - Prepare an at home dinner to include, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mac & cheese, yams and an apple (from that I will eat turkey & string beans);
3 - Go to movies to see 'Happy Feet', eat a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal, and go shopping at Toy R' US for some family games;
4 - Take my favorite snacks on our outing, almonds, pepperoni, cheddar cheese squares and porks rinds (just in case);

Note: I live in New York City and this outing will take place in Times Square, big lights, screens; you name it, it's like Disney Land. This the first time I will be out of my house on Thanksgiving Day. I must save myself because in exactly three weeks I have a major Sweet Sixteen party on 12/16. I've got to pace myself.

On that note everyone have a great Thanksgiving and remember this is not a diet it is a lifestyle change. Holidays will come and go, but fat is hard to get rid of. Just remember what you did last year this time, if it was good keep it up and if it wasn't try not to repeat it.

Peace and Blessing
Chris

[Tamster158]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

Jess, I'm so sorry that you had such a rough evening. I'm sure we've all been there, too. Your game plan really sounds like it will help.

Juli, Gem, Harlem -- you all sound like you're prepared, too!

I think I'll be ok -- we'll be camping instead of going to the family get-together. I've got lots of low-carb food and snacks. I'll just have to stay away from the snacks I bought for the family!

We're leaving later today, so if I don't get back on the board today, I'd like to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember, Friday will be a brand new day!

~Tammy

[2big4mysize]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

It does not have to be a Matha Stewart 7 course meal with elegant napkin holders and fancy place settings. Share the love and friendship you share and forget about Emily post thanksgivng ettiquit. remember back to your childhood and some of your favorite memories are of what your mother would have labeled disasters.

My first thanksgiving memeory that pops in my head when i rememeber them going back to toddler age is the one where my younger sister was in a parade and Mom didn't have time to get the turkey on fussing over her andher costume so my 10 yr old virgin turkey cooking sister volunteere to get it oven ready. Well she had no idea baout the things inside that bird and how they felt and all. being a 9yr old TOM boy I gladly removed the gibblets from that big hole and had a blastr disecting the organs.

Mother was motified when she arrived home to the tiny pieces the gibbles and worse.

Mother "were in the missing neckbone?"
Me "I took every thing our of that big hole for her Mom honest!"
Mother "the neck is in the small whole usually"
My sister "Mom do you mean they had stuff in the other whole too?!?"
Me "see you should have let me shove my whole arm all the way through that turkey1"

and the overflowing super stuffed turkey spiling stuffing into the pan in the oven. Yep the food part might have been a disaster but the fun we had discussing it during the meal and afterwards make it my favorite and most cherrished one. Family memebers still say "don't forget to take out the neck" when plans are being made for the current one.

I can remember helping with the settings and how proud as a preschooler I was of my name placecards and folded napkins which were actuall pretty bad and Martha never would have allowed guest to see them but we did.

Just go with the flow turkey not done and the veggies are burning serve diiner in courses.
the souffle falls serve it as pudding.

The your kids acting up boy do you have stories to share with your grandkids at later thanksgivings

As long as everybody sees everybody and shares in the love and friendship of the day, the house doesn't burn down, and everbody goes home with some shared food in their tummy it was a success.

[boonie stomper]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

1. NEVER go shopping on an empty stomach.

2. Remember to stop eating at the end of your hunger, NOT when you have to lean back in your chair and adjust your clothing.

3. Drink water before being seated at the dinner table.

4. Get plenty of rest. But DON'T forget to get up, eat a good breakfast, eat something at least every 6 hours, and exercise.

5. If traveling, be prepared for lack of Atkins-friendy foods and drinks in the travel or destination environments by bringing your personal ration kit of legal foods and water.

6. Keep a copy of DANDR handy; it could be useful in support of any pro-Atkins arguments you might get into with the "aw, come on, you can have a little of this" people.

7. Try to find out in advance what will be served if a guest for a holiday meal, and plan in advance what you will eat (or need to contribute to the meal to eat).

8. Enjoy your company, keep conversation light and pleasant; play games; watch a show; avoid stressful situations, and have a happy holiday!

[julirama723]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

2big--good post.

I was always disgusted by the giblets, neck, and such.

You know our family's TG tradition? We would always watch The Christmas Story...you know the one with Ralphie, and the Red Ryder BB gun...<sigh> I love that movie.

[Pumababi]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

Wow. I am glad i popped into this thread this morning!!! I have been feeling very mental and physically exhausted too, Jess, and everyone else. I can totally relate. Juli, I'm so glad you opened up and said how some days you feel, angry, irritable, sad, lonely, etcetc. I get like that at random points during the day.

This morning in the gym was difficult for me. I just did not want to do anything... it was just this mental wall, I just wanted to do a half-arsed exercise routine to say I did it. DID something. But I gave it my best effort anyway, and didn't be a slacker... with the help of screaming affirmations in my mind while doing it, visualizations, and drawing on the strength from all of you on this board. Every step felt like such an effort today- just grueling. I'm battling off old tendencies to be lazy, there is a nipping voice in my mind that wants to slack off because I've lost the weight, because I'm starting to see results, because I'm making changes, because I am changing my life! So.....to that inner nipping and demon of self sabatoge and demon of remaining as a victim..... I am going to BOOTKICK YOU OUT!

Making the positive changes within and without- is such hard freakin work! WORTH IT, however...
on another note...


I'm beginning to wonder if I should bring a dessert with me, just in case. I'm still battling with this huge craving for alcohol.. i'm getting the urges to just binge on it, for no reason. I am not a binge drinker, nor much of an alcohol drinker. This urge is feeling more difficult than any food urge I've ever had. I'm sitting here trying to figure out... what is my body attempting to conpensate for? Is this a fight with self sabatoge? I am aware that TOM is coming, but any normal approaching TOM experiences I've had are at a min.. and otherwise I am fine.

On another note, on a more positive one... Thanksgiving is one day. JUST ONE DAY. We can do this everyone! We can choose to love ourselves enough to pull through this. We are in control of eating habits, and can choose to resist something if we want to. We are a lot stronger than we think, and give ourselves credit for. We can remain inside, and in touch our own self. -of our own inner power -and worthiness. We deserve to be healthy and super fit. We deserve to live joyously and in the present moment. We deserve to be filled and surrounded by love!

[Outback Jess]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

Yep, Thanksgiving is ONE DAY...JUST ONE DAY...

[VisionQwest]

Re: Perscription for the holiday

Well for me I'm down 2.5 pounds for the week. So a total of 14 for two weeks. Not too bad. As for Thanksgiving. lol My turkey is still frozen so will be defrosting it in the sink tonight. lol Just my boyfriend and kids for dinner, so will be very relaxing and peacful. We love to play games so will get the cards out too. I'm making a crustless pumpkin pie which I just love and staying away from the potatoes, and stuffing. Everything else will be ate in moderation. I'm just looking forward to having 4 days off! WOO HOO