If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.  This is one of my favorite sayings because it is so true.  Even those of us with the best intentions, need to prepare.   Sometimes, it physical preparation and other times it's mental preparation.  This week I want to discuss mental preparation.  

Next Thursday will be Thanksgiving!  This is a day centered around food!  Would you believe that most Americans will consume between 3,500-5,000 calories?  For some reason, we think we SHOULD EAT TONS OF FOOD today!  Many people will eat until they are as stuffed as the turkey once was.  But for those who have been watching their weight and/or participating in my "Big Healthy Loser" Program, I have some advice.  

It's simple:  PLAN AHEAD!  

EXERCISE if you can.  There are many TURKEY TROTS on Thanksgiving Morning.  It's not too late to sign-up and you can walk if you can't run!

Hopefully you know where you are going for Thanksgiving and have an idea of what will be served.  So spend some time thinking about what foods you HAVE to have and what you can forego.  Compromise with yourself so that you don't end up feeling guilty the day after.

The second piece of advice is simple as well.  Eat proper sized portions.  Salad:  Eat a large salad (2 cups of greens/veggies) with 2 T. salad dressing at the beginning of your meal.

Protein: 3-6 oz.  If you can forego the turkey skin, great! 
Gravy/Butter/Whipped Cream: 1-2 T. Compromise here...
Starchy foods; Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice or bread stuffing;  1/2 Cup
Vegetables: 1/2 Cup or more depending on how healthy they are.
Bread: 1 piece...If you must have more, eat less or forego dessert.
Dessert:  1 slice...if you are having multiple desserts, make them much smaller.
Alcohol: Keep it to 1-2 drinks.

Wouldn't it be great to get up the day after Thanksgiving and feel healthy instead of GUILTY?