(I apologize to you readers that I write so many letters to people and inanimate things. I do have a habit of it…Note to self, Mother Nature...but it really makes sense to me to write letters and put things out there. Helps me travel emotionally and leads me to breakdowns…I meant breakthroughs!!!! Ahem, I better start over.)
Dear Motivation-
Hi there, old friend. I know that you will read this when you get back, because I think you are on vacation. Ever since I got the flu a few weeks ago, you have been mysteriously absent in my life. While this was not a pre-approved vacation, I do understand. You have been working overtime for a year, putting in extra hours, standing strong in the face of French fries, sweating bullets when it should have been your day off… you’ve done a fantastic job this year. Bravo!
So I know that you needed a break. But it seems that we are right on the cusp of a break through, and I don’t think that now is the best time for you to slack off! I mean, Thanksgiving is in a few days. I know that most people will be taking a holiday then, and you deserve that day above anyone else. But here’s the thing. That is the hardest day for me. And I will need you. Because that’s when all the yummy food comes to the table and I find myself going back for seconds. And thirds. And dessert. Heaven help me, the desserts…
But in all seriousness, we have some huge hurdles to overcome in the next month. I would like to say that I ended the year at a 73 pound loss. And that means that I have got to shed a few more pounds. 73 pounds will put me midway in the land of 160’s, a land I have not seen in years. I know that once the new year arrives, I’ll be all gung ho again (simply the nature of this beast) but we have got to get moving on getting to 165. Just 6 more pounds. I am so close that I can feel it! But could we really drop 6 pounds during the holiday season?
I think that we better come prepared. And there is only one cure I know of for this predicament. Thanksgiving and Christmas. The NIBBLE holidays. The time of year people set out cookies and junk food and stuff that adds up quick. In order to make your job easier, Motivation, I will take some precautionary steps.
We are bringing our own plate to the party.
Yep. Forget the oversized platters, the chinets that are good for more than one round thru the buffet, and grandma’s special turkey plates that are 3 feet in diamater.
I am bringing a kiddie plate.
Not only is it a kiddie plate, but it is one with dividers. Yeah, that should help.
The largest portion will have any veggies that aren’t terribly overloaded with butter, cheese or extras.
The medium size portion will be for a small sampling of each of the goodies that I don’t normally get. Like green bean casserole. And mashed potatoes covered with noodles. And other fun stuff that might pop up. If I only use the medium divided section for those things, and I have to fit it ALL in that section, then that will only give me a small taste of each, and satiate any desire I may have for those high carb, low nutrition, yummy succulent dishes.
And the smallest portion of the plate will be saved for my protein of choice. Either ham or turkey. But not both. And only a serving.
The hardest part of this whole process is going to be this-
I WILL ONLY MAKE ONE (count ‘em- ONE) TRIP.
I will not go back for seconds. I will not get just one more bite. I will set the timer on my phone for 20 minutes after I have finished the allotted food on the kiddie plate, and wait before going to get some dessert. No matter how hard that will be. And no matter how much I want more on that little plate.
Truth be told, if I finish the small amount of food on the kiddie plate and wait, I will feel full. Not stuffed, but full. And I will be able to pass up 90% of the desserts offered.
As for the remaining 10% that I can’t resist?
Well, Motivation, I’m counting on you to help me stick to a small serving of sweets. So you have to come back to work. Sorry. But you had a nice break!
As for all the food that is perfect for grazing? If it ain't on the plate, it ain't going in my mouth. NO EXCEPTIONS. NONE. Unless it's naked veggies. Those are acceptable.
And once Thanksgiving is over, we are going to stick to this plan for the rest of the Holidays.
Cause we are going to hit 165 by New Year’s Eve. I pinkie promise.
Love-
Charlie
4 comments:
Love it! Definitely something to consider - especially when you have 2 (or more, depending on the family) Thanksgivings and Christmases to go to! My plan - I'm making the pumpkin pie for my family Thanksgiving and it's only 3pts per piece. Then for the hubby's family Thanksgiving, I think I will pick a dessert and have him go get it for me. That way I won't see all the other wonderful yummy desserts and have them magically start jumping on my plate. We'll see :)
Cross
Only one trip - that's my best bet. I'd like to say that I'll avoid cheesy carby things, but I don't want to lie to you.
Also, for our THIRD Thanksgiving meal, I refused to overcook. As in - one meat, three sides, one dessert. The end. I can do that because it's my house. :)
Charlie, I need to write a letter to GUILT. As I was putting a french fry in my mouth, I came to the word FRENCH FRY in your post. Nearly spit it out. Notice I said "nearly." Hence the need for a letter to Guilt.
This is the worst time of the year to try to be good, and I'm not doing so well this week. However, since Thanksgiving it at my mom's house this year, I won't have all the leftovers to tempt me after Thursday. Back to the salads!
I can't wait till your post BEFORE year-end that you've achieved your goal of 165!
Kim
What a great plan! YOu go girl!! Can't wait to celebrate success with you on 01/01/10!!
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