Stuff the turkey and stuff me!
The holidays are here lovely you.
Happy Thanksgiving
It’s Wednesday morning, November 23 and tomorrow is Thanksgiving.
Oh, boy, delicious turkey – will that be the light meat or the dark meat? Mash potatoes – sweet potatoes with maple syrup and marshmallows (yikes, I hope not) green bean casserole – cranberry sauce with booze – don’t forget the gravy. Pumpkin pie – apple pie – pecan pie – sweet potato pie and heading back for seconds.
Thanksgiving is all about eating. Many Americans start the day off well and promise themselves that they won’t overdo it this year. Promises promises.
Unfortunately, it’s way too easy to overindulge. So while you might enjoy every mouthful, chances are you end the day feeling stuffed and regretting every bite.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy
Advice from the Wisdom Wellness Guru
4 Things to do so you don’t over-eat.
1. The eye-stomach connection
Will your excuse be “My eyes were bigger than my stomach?”
The desire to eat comes from both physical and mental, and we don’t know if we are listening to our stomach or our brains.
When you sit at a large table where other people around you are eating, components of your brain stimulates your desire to eat – even if your stomach is full. This leads to over-eating. Simply being mindful of this phenomenon you are less likely to give in to it. When you get the impulse to take another spoonful of whatever, pause for a moment and ask yourself how your stomach feels about that decision!!
2. The Power of Portion
Sit down at the table with the intention to eat just enough. Turkey portion should ONLY equal the size of the palm of your hand – not 6′ 5″ Uncle Tommy’s palm – your palm!
First, place the turkey on your plate and surround it with colorful veggies trying to stay away from over indulging on starchy potatoes and that awesome stuffing!
3. Step Away From the Table
Don’t sit there and be tempted to pick at the turkey or grab another potato. I find it helpful to start cleaning up the table and doing the dishes or going for a walk with my favorite family member. I’m sure there will be dessert leftover for second helpings when you get back!
4. Emotional Triggers
Unless your family is the “golly gee whizz” wholesomeness of the 50’s and 60’s sitcoms, chances are there are dysfunctional relationships in your extended family. Be aware of the people who always know how to push your buttons, you know the ones that make you want to stuff your face with more food and swig down another glass of wine. I can relate.
This Thanksgiving may be more brutal than most due to our political divide. May I suggest a few tips to help you through those tense moments. You know, when dear old Uncle Tommy has one too many and decides to tell you a thing or two about how this country should be run.
Tips to help you navigate the day and that dreaded political moment.
1. Belly Breathing
Oh, no, here comes Uncle Tommy. Take a deep breath in through your nose, expanding your belly. This breath will activate your diaphragm and take you out of “fight or flight’ mode. Hold your breath for a count of 3 and breathe out very slowly pulling your belly in toward your spine. Repeat if necessary!
2. Hide your hands under the table or behind your back.
Touch your index finger with your thumb on your same hand and say the words “I love and approve of myself.” in your mind. Switch, touching your middle finger to your thumb. Keep saying in your mind “I love and approve of myself.” Continue down the line, touching your ring finger with your thumb – keep saying the mantra. Touch your pinkie finger to your thumb – keep saying, “I love and approve of myself.” You may feel silly doing this exercise – give it a try! It’s simple, and it will center you. It works.
“In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks.” President Ronald Reagan, Thanksgiving Day, 1981
I wish you my special friends and your family a wonderful peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.
Always remember, no matter what is going on in your life there is so much to be thankful for.
Many blessings,
www.pruesplace.org
More advice for life at Prue’s Place.
Psst. Be the bigger person hug Uncle Tommy and tell him you love him no matter what! 🙂
“Like” us on FB we need the love!
Tweet to meet.
