Thanksgiving....

[ThaSatelliteGuy]

OK, I have been on induction for a week now. I have dropped 5 to 10 lbs give or take some water weight. I can do extended induction as it's agreeing with me prety well, but I'm going to have problems at Thanksgiving. I dont really plan on worrying about atkins on thanksgiving day at all, but even if I were to stay towards the meats and away from the stuffing, its not gonna be no-destrose-meats and such, as I'm not cooking it. How much will blowing it off for one day hurt? Will it move me out of ketosis? If not, will it just give me cravings? I know 'there will always be a reason to go off for a day', but Thanksgiving is a one time a year deal, and it's been a big deal for my family since I was a kid. I wont have a prob at Christmas, or my birthday...just Thanksgiving.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Thanksgiving....

>>I'm going to have problems at Thanksgiving.>>

One doesn't have to have problems.

>>How much will blowing it off for one day hurt?>>

Depends on what the meal after is. Some people don't return for <insert time frame here> because that one meal is "the kiss of death" that Dr. Atkins writes about.

>>Will it move me out of ketosis? >>

Most likely.

>>will it just give me cravings? >>

Time will tell.

>I know 'there will always be a reason to go off for a day', but Thanksgiving is a one time a year deal, >>

November 8 is a one time a year deal, too.

You could offer to make some low carb choices ... I know the dinner we're going to I'll be bringing my own cranberry sauce ... enough for everyone, too.

Remember ... all your choices have consequences.

[RosieC]

Re: Thanksgiving....

I think you have a better chance of getting right back on track if you make Thanksgiving one *meal* rather than taking the whole day off.

[ThaSatelliteGuy]

Re: Thanksgiving....

I think you have a better chance of getting right back on track if you make Thanksgiving one *meal* rather than taking the whole day off.

Well, the whole day is more likely what it'll end up since there are many many awesome snacks out all day. :-( But I take the point to heart... thanks. I think the main thing I'll plan for that day is lots and lots of water. Probly never putting the water bottle down should help me eat as little of the bad stuff as possible.

[liv]

Re: Thanksgiving....

Snacks all day - no wonder people on average put on 7 lbs that month from November to December.
In my experience, hanging around here through some holidays, what happens to people is that they do not get back and they end up being fatter by the time new year comes around. That is just the statistic fact. Are you going to be one of those people I can add to my statistic this year. I hope not.
The point is you will be out of ketosis, it may be a struggle to get back on plan and that beautiful resolve that you had built up that made you do this and stick to it is gone because you let it down. It will be rough. Is it worth it? I don't know.

[cocobelle]

Re: Thanksgiving....

If you're able to contribute, there are some awesome appetizers that are legal -
chicken wings - always a favorite - keep 'em non-breaded - deep fry or bake -mmmm!
antipasto plate - meats, cheeses, marinated artichokes, olives
Pork rinds/veggies with ranch dressing
Deviled eggs

If you're able to contribute to the meal, bring mashed cauliflower. Tastes like mashed potatoes. My kids actually like it better.

Remember - if you cheat, you're likely to have to start from square one.

Good luck!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Thanksgiving....

>>I think the main thing I'll plan for that day is lots and lots of water.>>

That's a good plan for everyday.

You might also want to plan to practice, "No, thank you".

Actually, it's easy to go to <insert event here> with the plan of "I choose not to eat <insert food here>" and doing it.

It seems that your plan is to take a day off though.

We'll be here on November 27th for you!

[liv]

Re: Thanksgiving....

That is so good that you added the thing about being here on November 27 J. Because we are and we will be.

[nimbinpaul]

Re: Thanksgiving....

wow.... we dont have Thanksgiving here in Australia
After reading all those posts, Im kind of glad, sounds like the whole country just EATS!!!

I guess the main thing is that this is a way of living not a "diet" and you can pick yourself up, dust off and start living that way again the next day, no shame, no regrets, just make sure you do it!!

[bellajgw]

Re: Thanksgiving....

Satellite Guy,

Thanksgiving is rough when you don't seem to have control over it. Since Thanksgiving isn't as big for us as Christmas is we'll be very careful with what we're eating and bringing plenty of food we can eat legally with us. If that isn't possible, may I recommend eating a big, big Atkins breafast so you aren't hungry or peckish when you arrive? The more full you feel the less likely you will be to munch absent-mindedly on bad snacks. If you do get peckish try snacking on the cheese instead of the crackers, the olives, the crudite, and stay away from the bready things. Grab a big glass of water and drink it throughout the afternoon.

The meal...just remember how terrible you feel when you stuff yourself with all that food, and if you must, take smaller portions of the foods you shouldn't be having. Trust me, once your body is used to less sugar in the system it will NOT like having it back in 1 big flood. You WILL feel it. Not only will you probably be out of ketosis but you'll feel terrible too.

Have a small spoonful of potatoes, a small spoon of stuffing, a sliver of pie, just remember that it will take your body longer to recooperate. There will ALWAYS be other Thanksgivings, other bowls of potatoes and stuffing, other pies, but THIS year...this is the year you made a commitment to get healthy. THIS year you are trying to break those bad habits that got you to where you are today. Just keep that in mind as you venture into Thanksgiving.

[Eama]

Re: Thanksgiving....

I was just thinking about Thanksgiving last night. There are dishes people expect and I will have to cook. I considered "What the heck, it's just one day," but all my cheats started with 'just one day.' I, personally, couldn't handle going completely off plan. Besides, I'd feel physically bad.

I just plan on bringing cut veggies and maybe making a veggie casserole that is legal. I'll focus on the turkey and that and have, perhaps, a taste of other special-occasion foods.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Thanksgiving....

>>There are dishes people expect and I will have to cook.>>

Here's a secret ... you don't "have to" anything!

And if you have to cook it for someone else, that doesn't mean you have to eat it!

People can learn to expect something different!

Now ... I know that Thanksgiving is all about the foods we had as a child ... but we really can change some things!

[ania]

Re: Thanksgiving....

I was planing on having a break on Thanksgiving too. But I read all your posts and I will try to be good. I can see that I have to change my thinking. This is a way not only a diet. I have long way to go.