Induction phase and the upcoming holiday

[lloydjason]

I am now on day eight of the induction and I have already lost 11 pounds. I am extremely modivated and excited to be on the diet, but the realization that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching has filled me with absolute dread. I have six people coming over for dinner and I am completely neurotic that I will slip and fall of the diet. Was this a mistake to start the diet during the holiday season? Is anyone else worried about Thanksgiving besides me?

[liv]

Thanksgiving and Holidays generally require some planning and thinking ahead but they are completely doable. You CAN do them.
If you have people coming over you are particularly good position. This means you are in control of the menu and can make all kinds of legal treats for yourself. Non low carbers usually appreciate these additions as well.

Here is a thread from the recipe forum where people are sharing ideas for things to prepare.

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ng-dishes.html (Thanksgiving Dishes)

[Skeptika23]

I'm prepping for Thanksgiving myself (I have been super worried about it), and what I have done is create as many Atkins-friendly substitutions in the meal as I could (my co-host - and sister - is insistent that we have mashed potatoes, bread, traditional dressing, macaroni & cheese, homemade cranberry sauce, and regular gravy as well as the other items which are all on plan).

So, I couldn't make the whole meal completely Atkins-friendly, but I have enough to enjoy thoroughly without worrying about the other stuff too much. And we are creating two Atkins-friendly desserts to enjoy as well.

My plan is while cooking, keep around snacks I can taste on that are induction-friendly (I'm on OWL but I'm trying to keeping a tight lid on Thanksgiving) when I get tempted by what we're cooking - basically a diversionary tactic.

Good luck!

[ceemarie]

I am going to a relatives for dinner and I find that I can quietly stay on play by eating turkey and veggies and just staying away from the breads and sweets. I am bring 'friendly" veggies and will move on from there. I never tell anyone I am on a diet, I just change the subject and let them know I am enjoying what I am eating.

[not2late]

Originally Posted by lloydjason

I am now on day eight of the induction and I have already lost 11 pounds. I am extremely modivated and excited to be on the diet, but the realization that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching has filled me with absolute dread. I have six people coming over for dinner and I am completely neurotic that I will slip and fall of the diet. Was this a mistake to start the diet during the holiday season? Is anyone else worried about Thanksgiving besides me?

Congrats on your loss!!!!!

You're lucky to be the host because you can control the menu---meaning, you can make certain you will have perfectly legal food to eat. Soooooo...

1. Make sure you have a legal protein dish, whether it's a turkey or a roast beef, etc.

2. Make sure you have at least 2 vegetable dishes you can eat. A green salad and a plainly cooked veg, like steamed asparagus or broccoli, is fabulous, especially if you pair the steamed veg with a flavorful sauce: butter mixed with fresh herbs or a homemade Hollandaise sauce.

3. If you are inclined to having a dessert, you can offer a variety of cheese to your guests or prepare a low-carb dessert like a low carb cheesecake or something of the sort.

If your guests want to bring something with them, allow it. BUT make sure you eat the foods you can eat on Atkins.

And remember, eating is only a part of the entire holiday. Being with friends and family should be enjoyable too and part of your holiday. So don't let food dominate your celebration.

Another thing is you might want to start a new tradition, like an after-the-meal walk. So you get some exercise into your day as well. I've found that after a holiday-type meal, I NEED some exercise and fresh air (after being locked in a house with my relatives----I really need some air! ) So I usually take a stroll to the park and back with a relative or two. It aids my digestion.

[lloydjason]

Fully understand needing to get out of the house after being with the relatives for most of the day. Thanks for the message. It made Thanksgiving less stressful!

[IrishIrish]

Since doing Atkins, I've begun a new tradition in my family .... faux-tatoes made with cauliflower and cream cheese ... my family much prefers these to mashed potatoes. The faux-tatoes get eaten and guests only "try" the mashed potatoes.

As far as asking whether it was a mistake to begin Atkins during the holidays you have to ask yourself, how much would you have gained had you not started Atkins.

Just keep reminding yourself that Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't just about the food, they are about family.