​​No Restriction or Deprivation

As we gather today for Thanksgiving, many people will have ideas about what they should be doing or not doing during this holiday.

And I want to say stop it! WHO CARES?!

Though some people see the holiday season as a marathon of eating episodes - this is not the case. Instead, it is a season for many things, including gratitude, friendship, philanthropy, and fun.

Thanksgiving is one meal (and sometimes the only meal eaten today).

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are just two days.

New Year's Eve is just one day.

Mindset may see it as otherwise—a time of non-stop eating, drinking, and desserts.

And I admit there is a lot of baking and candy making in the next several weeks compared to other times of the year.

But does this mean inevitable weight gain? Not necessarily. And if it does result in weight gain – then course correct. Not later – now.

I have had people who come to me in January expressing frustration at the 10-25 pound weight gain that occurred over the holidays, but I do have something to say about that! That took some effort.

Seriously – to gain 10-25 pounds in six weeks, that is an extra 35,000 – 87,500 calories (more or less) over those weeks. This total would equate to an additional 850 - 2100 calories (on average) every day for six weeks.

Now I can see those extra calories on one or even five days during this time. But every day for six weeks? Again that takes EFFORT!

So, I remind people: no big deal if there is a day or five of over-consuming calories.

So if you want pie – have pie. If you want eggnog, have eggnog. If you want mashed potatoes with gravy – then do it.

I discourage restrictions and deprivation year-round, so don't skip your favorites, especially when they are once-a-year dishes. Just watch the portions - if you want one of each pie, it doesn't have to be a whole slice of each one. Really.