Thanksgiving Food Lies

Tomorrow is the big day - feasting, family, fun. Our brain likes to tell us this is the ONE time of year we can enjoy ALL this food. But is that really true? You can’t get a piece of apple pie next Tuesday? Let’s be honest - it is a fabulous day to enjoy with the ones we love, but it doesn’t have to be ALL about the food. If you are truly committed to losing weight I offer you the best tool ever - and its free - management of your brain.

I want to offer you four types of eating, and you decide, on purpose, what will serve you best tomorrow. Decide today - 24 hours in advance, with your pre-frontal cortex (the managing part of your brain) and do not let the primitive brain (picture a toddler throwing a tantrum) tell you you deserve the extra mashed potatoes, extra stuffing, and every piece of pie available because Thanksgiving only happens once a year.

Fuel Eating - You eat food that provides your body with high grade nourishment and energy. Most of the time this eating requires planning ahead. You eat based on your hunger scale.

Joy Eating - You eat anything you love and it tastes delicious. Pay attention when you have a joy eat so you really get the full enjoyment. Typically this is one small treat a day. You must enjoy each bite.

Fog Eating - You eat without awareness. An example may be you just unconsciously eat off your kids plate, or finish a bag of chips without even realizing it, and usually don’t even recall how it tasted.

Storm Eating - You binge eat. You can’t stop yourself. You are aware and you want to stop but you feel like you can not control your impulses.

I encourage you to take the time today to plan ahead. How do you want to feel after the food is all put away and the dishes are done? Set a commitment to yourself on how, and what, you want to eat, and make sure you honor that commitment. If you are married consider the commitment you made to your spouse for example - you most likely wouldn't cheat, not even a a little extra “grab-ass” here and there right - I mean not even if you saw some cutie. You just know - you stick to the commitment. So once you set your plan - no grab-ass - no extra snacking, no extra licks - have your own back. Keep that managing part of your brain in control - don’t believe the lies that toddler brain want to tell you. I promise you two things - when you continue to build the confidence in having your back you will accomplish amazing things, and trust me - the pie will always be there.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving all!