The Thanksgiving Game Plan: Tips on How to Not Undo All Your Hard Work

Here we are: it's Thanksgiving week! Thanksgiving week means the last few days of the 21 Day Fix! I am halfway through a week of double workouts and starting the 3 Day Quick Fix today. I'll share the before and after photo after finishing the 3 Day Quick Fix and explain it more on Friday, but let's put it this way...there is a LOT of grilled chicken, tilapia, and steamed veggies being eaten in the next three days.

I've been putting a lot of thought into Thanksgiving, namely all the food that comes with the holiday. Part of me seriously wants to pig out all day because I've been working hard for the last three weeks and it would be the ultimate cheat, but another part of me doesn't want to set the trend of having an entire cheat DAY. I could see myself getting derailed fast and I don't want to undo all that discipline and hard work I've been putting in.

So, I put together a game plan for myself to enjoy the holiday, but not stuff myself like a turkey.

First thing's first:

I'm going to wake up and WORK OUT. I am going to set my intention for the day and get started on the right foot. Not 100% sure which work out I'll do since 21 Day Fix will be officially over, but I've got a pretty solid collection of workouts and I think I might be spending the morning with Shaun T getting in some T25.

Shakeology for breakfast:

Not only will this fill me up, but it helps reduce my cravings for sweets. Again, I'm starting my day on the right foot, not to mention the fact that there is no Shakeology involved in the 3 Day Quick Fix and I'll be missing it :)

Stay hydrated:

If you're feeling hungry, you might really just be thirsty. I'll be sure to drink my 100 oz. of water that I drink daily throughout the day, including before each meal.

Moderation, moderation, moderation:

Can I just tell you that I love carbs? I could honestly eat an entire plate of stuffing and mashed potatoes and call it a day. But I won't--instead I will practice a serious case of moderation, keep my container sizes in mind, and ENJOY the meal. I will take my time, chew, and savor each bite. Food is good, yes, but I need to remember I am also fueling my body. I don't want to eat until I feel sick and sluggish. I've done that before, and it's never fun.

Prepare, prepare, prepare:

We have several stops to make on Thanksgiving Day. I have already told myself that dinner is my "cheat meal," but what about all those other stops? I will be sure to eat a small, healthy meal before I leave. This way I won't be starving when I show up and I'll be less likely to go overboard with my food choices. Another tip is to offer to bring a dish--and make it a healthy one. That way at least you'll know that there is an option that is healthy.

Don't drink my calories:

Wine and alcoholic beverages are plenty on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, those drinks also carry a lot of added sugar and calories. I don't know about you, but I'd rather eat my calories than drink them! I've set a three, reasonably-sized, drink maximum for the entire day and will be sure to drink lots of water in between.

One big splurge:

Let's face it; I'm having some pumpkin pie. But only one slice. A small slice. No extra fixings.

Long story short, I am going to ENJOY my holiday, yes, but I am NOT going to derail all this hard work! I am determined to get that head start on everyone else when it comes to New Years resolutions and it starts now.