I.M.120 Helping you to BE YOUR BEST SELF

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the premier "eat until you can't move" holiday.  For those of you born with a butterball metabolism, one day of indulgence can set you back several weeks in your objective of achieving a healthy weight.  This is especially true for those of you have recently lost significant amounts of weight.  Remember, fat cells never go away, they just shrink. In some ways, they are like a dry sponge, waiting to inflate rapidly when given the opportunity.

So how can you enjoy this holiday and make sure that the only thing that ends up stuffed is the turkey?

1.  Pre-Feed

Do not arrive at your holiday banquet with an empty stomach. Far better to take a protein shake, a protein bar, or some other high-protein, low-carb snack immediately before arrival.  This will prevent you from having hunger-driven over eating.

2.  Use Water!

Take two 8 ounce cups of water before leaving for your feast. Make it a point to have another 8 ounce cup of water between each course of your meal.  This pattern of water usage has been shown to decrease consumption of food.

3. Premeditate You're Eating Strategy

Engage in "virtual reality" practice session before the meal. Picture what food will be available, and divide them into two categories. One category are foods you will eat in small portions as if just to taste. The other category are foods that you can eat with less concern.

Corn, mashed potatoes, squash, and desserts fall in the first category. Turkey meat, and vegetables fall in the second. Visualize yourself at the meal. Imagine what you want your plate to look like. Practice phrases you will use for pushy relatives that want to see you overeat.

You'll notice there are no foods that are completely off-limits. Remember, this is a holiday and you should enjoy yourself. Deprivation is not part of the I.M.120 Method! People have spent hours preparing this food for you to enjoy. Indulge them and taste a little of everything.

4. Use Your Supplements and Medications

Be sure to take any appetite suppressing medications or supplements on your usual schedule.

5. Use the Scale

Resolve to check your weight before you leave for your holiday meal, resolve to check it again the next day. This part of your premeditated discipline will help you to avoid overindulgence.

6. Throwaway Leftovers

Especially the carbohydrates and desserts. Leftover turkey meat is less dangerous as long as it is portioned properly. Do not let the Thanksgiving celebration turn into a four day eating festival.

7. Enjoy the Holiday Toast!

Adult beverages such as wine and spirits are certainly allowed. Use your usual discretion while consuming alcoholic beverages, but don't feel they are off-limits. On the other hand, soda, juice, other caloric or artificially sweetened beverages are strongly discouraged.

So I.M.120 Method-ites, have a joyful and celebratory Thanksgiving. Remember, with the I.M.120 Method it's okay to leave the reservation in a pre-meditated fashion, just don't stray too far and come back soon.  All of your goals are still there waiting for you to achieve.

To your best health,
Dr. Stephen Petteruti