Thanksgiving Healthy Eating Tips: Never!
By: Keith
I went to my son’s gymnastics class yesterday at our local community center (the North Boulder Rec Center). I was met by a big white-board at the entrance that had listed healthy eating tips for Thanksgiving. I read it and decided it was so hilarious that I had to write it down and report on it. I understand that the Rec Center’s job is to keep people healthy, but anybody following this list might as well be eating lunch on some random Thursday. I don’t look forward all year to eating a balance diet and watching my portion size! That’s crazy. If anything I don’t even eat the day before so that I can cram more into my belly on Thanksgiving. To me it’s a big eating contest and a celebration of a bountiful life. Here’s what the Rec Center would have us all do for our Thanksgiving meals and my response.
NBRC: Don’t go to dinner hungry.
Me: Don’t eat the day before Thanksgiving. That half starved feeling will power you through to a satisfying finish.
NBRC: It’s not an all you can eat buffet. Think 1/2 veggies, 1/4 lean protein, 1/4 starch.
Me: It is so an all you can eat buffet! If you have to fight someone for the last bit of stuffing then all the more sporting. And, if all you want is sweet potatoes and marshmallows then that’s your business.
NBRC: Go for skinless turkey pieces.
Me: Lather the skin in gravy and eat it by itself.
NBRC: Moderate portion sizes.
Me: The whole point of what I’m saying here is that Thanksgiving is not a time for moderation.
NBRC: Limit high fat items.
Me: I know they think this sounds like a good idea, but I’m 6 feet tall and weigh 160 lbs. I pig out every Thanksgiving. It’s not one day of gluttony that makes a person fat.
NBRC: Drink lots of water.
Me: Or egg nog, wine and apple cider.
Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the things we have. It is the one time of year that we celebrate our bounty. It seems the Boulder Rec Center would like us to not celebrate. Their plan would make Thanksgiving nothing more than a regular meal and leave no symbolism to our thankfulness. Worry about staying fit after the holidays; Thanksgiving is not time for moderation.
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That’s the spirit. Healthy eating on Turkey Day? An oxymoron, an unamerican idea, an iconoclastic break with established tradition. Oh no, not me. Have fun stuffing your face and enjoying a good drink or two, I know I will. =D
I totally agree Keith! The problem in American culture is that people think they should eat like every day is a “feast” day. As long as a person only feasts on true feast days, they will not be obese or unhealthy. Great Post! I think I will mention it on my blog and refer some people your way!
.-= Joan´s last blog ..You Don’t Have to be Rich to be Grateful =-.
LOVE THIS! (And go for some French Twist Mini Pecan Pie for dessert! With or without ice cream or whipped cream on top! Zero calorie meal, zero calorie dessert – of course!)
.-= BigLittleWolf ´s last blog ..Now a word about QUALITY =-.
Yes, yes– ice cream, pie, you name it! Thanksgiving is for celebration, not moderation! Who would dare eat fat-free items on Thanksgiving? How un-American!
.-= Dennis Yu´s last blog ..Have You Seen Sitelinks in Google AdWords Premium Ad Positions? =-.
Amen, let’s jam our face!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loyal readers!
Thanks, Everyone! I’m glad we can all agree on one thing. that is that cramming our faces in a very unhealthy way on Thanksgiving is a very proudly American thing to do! Happy Thanksgiving, people!
HECK YA! I’m ate with a ‘moderationist’ today, and thoroughly enjoyed the sideways glances of ‘ANOTHER peice of turkey?’ Yes, and pass those sweet potatoes……
Mitzi, a “moderationist” HAHAHAHAHA. I’ve never heard that before. Moderation is not for thanksgiving, and I’m going to start using that word now
Amen! I follow the weight watchers points system, but on holidays, ESPECIALLY Thanksgiving, I just eat whatever and how much makes me happy- in other words, i pig out. I’ve tried holiday meals the “dieting” way, and it’s just a miserable way to be.
Shannon, Now you’re talking! fat doesn’t happen in one day