I’m seriously not even trying. There’s something about The Eating Season that makes people bring in rich breads, cakes and all manner of treats for coworkers and friends. The holidays are upon us whether we think it’s too early or not, and all the Susie Homemakers of the world are positively giddy about the sugar-coated possibilities.
OK. Me, too.
Food is all everyone seems to be talking about right now, and it’s certainly become the focus of my life lately as my Mom, sister and I talk about who’s doing what for the big holiday feast. For civilians, this is just a wonderful, family holiday filled with food, laughter and fun. For the rest of us engaged in the ongoing weight war, Thanksgiving is as welcome as a rash.
For years, I’d obsess about the coming holiday, mostly about how much weight I’d likely gain. For weeks before, I’d try some sort of fad diet or quick weight-loss plan to drop a few pounds before the inevitable Thanksgiving weight gain.
It’s especially hard for anyone with, or recovering from, an eating disorder. If you’ve struggled with bulimia like me, the challenge used to be how to enjoy the meal with family and friends without worrying how quickly and when you can stick your fingers down your throat.
This year, I’m just planning on having a good time. I haven’t weighed myself in over two weeks, haven’t been back to the gym in four, so avoiding the scale seems like the smartest thing for me to do until after Turkey Day.
That doesn’t mean I’m not going to monitor my intake; quite the opposite. This year, all those “tastes” to check on doneness, spiciness, etc., are going to count. Often, by the time dinner is served, I’m really not the least bit hungry, but I prepare a plate, anyway.
Not anymore.
Come dinnertime Thursday, if I’m not hungry, I’m not going to eat. It’s just that simple. I’m bringing at least three bottles of N.C. wine for the holiday, and though I doubt the day will be as stressful as last year – when my mother had hurt her foot and I ended up making just about everything for two dozen people – I did enjoy just sitting in a corner of the kitchen, sipping wine while everyone served themselves.
That may be my new Thanksgiving tradition.
Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. ~ Erma Bombeck
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Leslie J. Ansley is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur who blogs daily for TheRoot. She lives in Raleigh, NC.