Today I'm loaded with turkey, taters and all
sorts of things that aren't good for you, so who knows how many pounds of
rolling thunder I truly am.
I don't know about other runners, but I try not
to fret about weight fluctuations during Thanksgiving week. Just like the
weight won't come off in big chunks, you're not going to put it on in big
chunks, unless, of course, you don't get back out there moving again for a
while.
My Thanksgiving strategy? One plate, one time
through. Take what you want and enjoy and then don't worry about it. It's
usually the second and third times through that kill most people.
And while you might float up a few pounds on the
scale over the next few days, if you get back to walking, running, biking or
whatever your preferred exercise regimen, and drink plenty of water, you should
get back to normal soon.
The second key, don't let yourself eat too much
of what I call accidental food. You know, the accidental doughnuts at the
office. The accidental handfuls of party mix at your family gathering. Or even
the accidental third piece of pie that tempts you from across the room and then
slathers itself to your belly.
This is a great time to be thankful for family,
friends and the fortunes of being alive. While it's easy to get caught up in
the hectic nature of the holiday season, stressing out over what you eat
shouldn't bring you down. You're going to take it off again after the holiday,
and this year we have five weeks between Turkey Day and Christmas.
I have to say at this time of year I'm thankful
for running because when you're out pounding the pavement you don't have to
deal with Black (Thursday) Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday or Tapped Out
Friday. Plus, you're doing something healthy for your body by going on the
move.
So today is my family's holiday gathering, so you
might not see the world's slowest human out on the streets, but if you do,
don't be a turkey. Give me a waive.