Post Thanksgiving Review
Post Thanksgiving review starts with this quote, “The best laid plans of mice and men…”
Cooking and Exercise
I had intended to try Rebecca J. Clark’s, author of The Checklist Diet suggestions for cooking and exercise.
- Calf raises—whenever you’re stirring something on the stove.
- Side leg raises—while stirring/mixing away from the stove.
- Stand on one leg—while washing your hands (don’t forget to switch legs).
- Arm circles—while waiting for the pot to boil.
- Deep breathing—while chopping vegetables (in through the nose, pause, out through the mouth)
I’d also planned to play plenty of music and dance while I was cooking, but all I managed to do was a couple of calf raises. And the outdoor exercise I’d planned, never got off the ground. Of all the weather scenarios I considered, biting north wind was not one of them. I just couldn’t muster any enthusiasm to step outside.
Yoga had been my backup plan, but again I got sidetracked with an invitation to the movies Thanksgiving evening. And honestly, exercise didn’t cross my mind, so my exercise plan was pretty much nonexistent that day.
Holiday Eating
Eating, however, I did much better. My plan this year had been to sample sparingly while cooking. I accomplished this, and I was able to enjoy the meal without being overly full before I started the meal. I also chose reasonable quantities of food, and didn’t stuff myself. I ate slowly, but not slowly enough to truly savor everything. I also had dessert, but in small portions. I ate more than I really wanted, but not excessively and came away satisfied, but again, not stuffed. All in all, I had several accomplishments on the eating front that I’m pleased with.
The 3 F’s
My main objective this Thanksgiving was to savor the 3F’s of the holiday—family, friends and food, and for the most part, I did accomplish this without guilt and without depriving myself.
Holiday Exercise Goals
I didn’t totally fail on exercise either. The day after Thanksgiving, I got my weight lifting done and some yoga, but then slept half the afternoon away. When the wind died down on Saturday and 
Sunday, I went bike riding both days, but I did a lot of lazing around with family and friends, too. All in all, I’m satisfied with the exercise goals I set, and I’m planning new goals for the Christmas season—not just Christmas day.
With all the parties and gatherings, I find the entire Christmas season through New Years a challenge. So, my holiday weight loss quest continues…
So far, my goals are to eat in moderation and maintain my weight, instead of gaining weight over the holidays and have to lose it come January.
How did you do over the Thanksgiving, and do have goals for the Christmas season?