my personal Thanksgiving philosophy

Disclaimer: I am not any sort of expert. I am not going to tell what you should or shouldn't do or what you should or shouldn't eat. That goes for Thanksgiving or any other day. These are just my own rambling thoughts.

People joke about how overstuffed they get on Thanksgiving. Overeating and the guilt that accompanies it seem to be as common to the table as the turkey and mashed potatoes. For those trying to lose weight, it can feel intimidating, even frightening. How will you handle holidays with all of its special fare?

I don't believing in gluttony or gorging oneself.

I also don't believe that one day is going to make or break me.

I do believe in family and celebrating and even feasting. Thanksgiving brings around dishes that my family literally only eats once a year. I fully intend to savor every bite. I am going to eat my mother's key lime pie and my own pumpkin pie (that's right--I plan on two slices of pie for dessert!). I am going to eat stuffing. I am going to eat mashed potatoes.

But I'm going to try to keep portions under control. I'm going to try to eat slowly and enjoy each bite as I relax and talk with family. I am going to make the indulgences WORTH IT so that the side dish of guilt doesn't join the table.

And if I fail? If I end up eating a bit more than I meant to?

It's one day. Heck, it's one meal. There is nothing about one day or one meal that is going to derail the rest of my life--or even the rest of my week.

Again, you do what YOU need to do for Thanksgiving or for any other day. I would never presume to tell someone else how they need to handle their temptations.

But for me, my mother's pie tastes a lot better with coffee than it does with guilt. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!