Happy Thanksgiving

I was up late last night and went off the rails. I had a snack late, several hours after I ate some very sugary cinnamon breadsticks.

I started by saying I would only have one. Unfortunately, I was eating in the living room, so I didn’t get up and throw away the rest of the breadsticks after I’d had the one. And because they were still there, I eventually caved in and ate the other two.

Yesterday, I thought I had kicked sugar’s butt. I guess not.

Today will be a hard day, anyway—all those pies.

If I can make a plan, I might be alright.

Leah’s Thanksgiving Plan

• Breakfast: 8g protein

• Morning snack: 20+g protein

• Lots of water throughout the day

• Thanksgiving dinner

  • Generous portions of:

    • white meat

    • non-starchy vegetable

  • Smaller portions of:

    • squash 1/2 c

    • potato 1/2 c

    • stuffing 1/4 c

    • unsweetened applesauce (still has a lot of sugar)

    • avoid cornbread or 1/2 square

  • One individual-sized pumpkin pie with sugar-free Cool Whip

Of course, I have to log all of this into Baritastic—the app I use to track calories, proteins, sugars, fats, carbs, water consumption, and other helpful information—before I can make my plan fully operational. I have to make sure my measurements translate to a reasonable amount of calories. If they don’t, I’ll have to tweak them.

I know this all looks nerdy and clinical, and it sounds like I’m taking all of the fun out of the holiday, but I’ve been doing some version of this for years. I’m used to it. Many people, even Weight Watchers members, try to get through the day and enjoy it. Some don’t track their food at all on Thanksgiving, and that’s fine for them. I have no criticism of this method. It just doesn’t work for me. If I say screw it and overeat on this day, I’m likely to start a pattern of multiple days of overeating, especially if there are leftovers in the fridge for several days afterward.

I like to plan. I don’t always plan everything, and sometimes, I wish I did. Although it may seem predictable and boring, planning helps me stay on track and focused. I need structure to function optimally, and if there is no structure, I have to create it. As an individual with ADHD, I get lost without a plan.

This is not to say I’m never spontaneous or unpredictable. Anyone who really knows me can tell you I’m a crazy little combination of everything. It’s what makes me, well…me.

So I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, surrounded by everything (or almost everything) you are thankful for. I wish you warm feelings and safe travel.