Thanksgiving Life Hacks

“As the country became more urban and family members began to live farther apart, Thanksgiving became a time to gather together. The holiday moved away from its religious roots to allow immigrants of every background to participate in a common tradition. Thanksgiving Day football games, beginning with Yale versus Princeton in 1876, enabled fans to add some rowdiness to the holiday. In the late 1800s parades of costumed revelers became common. In 1920 Gimbel’s department store in Philadelphia staged a parade of about 50 people with Santa Claus at the rear of the procession. Since 1924 the annual Macy’s parade in New York City has continued the tradition, with huge balloons since 1927. The holiday associated with Pilgrims and Native Americans has come to symbolize intercultural peace, America’s opportunity for newcomers, and the sanctity of home and family.” -David J. Silverman

WOW!

It’s amazing what some context can do for your imagination and setting the scene.

With Thanksgiving only a fews days away, what are your thoughts around this holiday?

What’s the internal dialogue that goes on in your head around this time of year?

What’s your relationship with food on this day?

These are all questions that I discuss with clients through this time of year. The truth is that some people are completely fine and don’t have any issues whatsoever with this holiday and there are also people that have a lot of issues around this time of year and they struggle with Thanksgiving.

NOBODY HAS EVER GOT FAT FROM ONE DAY OF EATING

NOBODY HAS EVER GOT FIT FROM GOING TO THE GYM AND WORKING OUT ONE TIME

#FACTS

We have all stuffed our face on Thanksgiving before or at least once in our life. But how did you feel? Not great. Stomach aches, tired, bloated, lazy, etc. are some of the feelings we get after stuffing our face. Simply focusing on eating slowly, chewing your food completely before swallowing, and talking to friends and family while your eating are amazing habits to practice on Thanksgiving. If you do this, typically you will eat until you’re satisfied or about 80% full.

No foods should be off limits!

No foods should be considered bad!

Enjoy the foods you love in quantities that allow you to feel satisfied, but simply don’t eat like an as$hole 😉

You don’t have to stuff your face all day…
And you shouldn’t feel guilty about eating a certain food.

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy and spend time with family and friends.

Which brings me to my next point…

THE USE OF MY FITNESS PAL IS AGAINST THE LAW ON THIS DAY!!! lol

You should not be logging your food or weighing or measuring or any of these things on this day.

For me, my goal this year is to focus on being present.

My family of 40+ are getting together this year and I want to practice being present, off my phone, and engaged with my family. Food should not be a stress in your life on this day. Remember, the food is what is bringing everyone together to spend good quality time and build even closer relationships. Don’t let food take away from your experience on this special day.

#PROTIP

Focus on eating good quality food, in quantities that support your lifestyle, the majority of the time.

80/20

If you can learn how to make this a lifestyle habit, then you will never struggle with holidays again!

I hope you have the best Thanksgiving yet!

Justin.