“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Every Saturday morning in the WLGW Program, we get together from all over the world to study God’s Word, pray, support one another, encourage one another, and hold each other accountable. It’s an amazing sisterhood.
On a recent call, a few sisters shared that they had some anxiety about overeating and blowing their diet during Thanksgiving. What’s even worse is that some admitted they might not get back on track until months into the new year, if at all!
I remember those days well. I’d gain 8-10 pounds during Christmas, and it would take me until almost Spring to lose it. And so it went year after year.
I’m grateful for learning the biblical reset principles that helped me break that frustrating cycle once and for all. And although I occasionally relapse and fall back into old habits, now it only takes me a day or two to get back on track.
With a bit of planning and preparation, you can also enjoy this season without feeling as though you’ve blown all your hard work in a matter of days.
Put Some of These Tips into Practice
1. Write out a few memory verses and keep them handy for when you need them.
Choose scriptures that speak to your need—overcoming temptation, gluttony, anger, loneliness, overwhelmed. For example, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Cor. 10:13
2. Fill half of your plate with salad.
Leave the other half of the plate for other foods.
3. Be prepared.
Spending all day in the kitchen may leave you a little stressed, and you may find comfort in food. Try planning some meals and freezing them.
4. Bring a dish that you know is low calorie and healthy when invited out.
One example is to substitute mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes—it’s delicious and nutritious!.
5. Take the focus off of food.
Make the day more about fellowship and giving thanks.
6. Set a firm boundary.
Don’t deprive yourself, but set some hard rules such as no bread, no alcohol, no seconds, only one dessert (if any).
7. Get up from the table once you’re finished eating.
Don’t linger at the table. Socialize in another part of the house.
8. Share the joy.
Allow your guests and family to take home the leftovers, especially the desserts.
9. Load up on your vegetables and protein.
Go light on the starches and fried foods.
10. Get accountable In our WLGW program.
We all plan to connect again next week to make sure we get back on track. Make sure you have accountability.
Bonus tip: Visualize your success!
Prepare your mind in advance for how you are going to handle particular social situations. With prayer and planning, you don’t have to feel stressed about sabotaging your health goals.
If you like any of these ideas, or if you have a strategy that works for you, be sure to share it in the comments section below. I would appreciate hearing from you.
Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to all of my American friends.
P.S. If you are tired of circling the same mountain over and over and want a Christ-centered approach to lasting weight loss without feeling guilty, deprived, or overwhelmed, be sure to sign up for our video course program right away at cathymorenzie.com.
14 Comments
Thank you for the thanksgiving tips. I will definitely use them. I love reading your prayer and devotion books. I will join the last of December.
You’re most welcome Ann 🙂
Great ideas Cathy
I have prepared food marinated and alloted our portions
Only cooking what we say we enjoy and will eat
Also planning treats and will portion those out too
We will not be having a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We are going to my son’s house and hopefully ordering in and not going out because it is a very, very hot spot. I plan on ordering a salad on the light plates. And trying to add grilled chicken as well. I will use salad dressing but a great tip is to not pour the salad dressing on the salad but on each bite dip and put just a little bit of the dressing from the cup they have given you. You will be amazed at how much less dressing you actually use. Saving many calories. I am trying to think of a plan B if we do something different. The church is having a Thanksgiving dinner and I was going to skip out but my sister signed me up so I will eat the vegetables and a small portion of the turkey and gravy because they serve the plate already with everything on it. I will have no cranberry because it is from a can and no stuffing because of the bread. Martin usually makes homemade cheesecake and I will have to have at least 2 bites because it is absolutely amazing.
I generally host Thanksgiving, this gives me the opportunity to plan on having more healthy versions of family favorites and with practice over the years they taste better each try! 😂 My family knows there will be gluten and dairy free options available for many items and I don’t offer any fried foods. I decide as I plan the menu which items I’ll choose to have on my plate that holiday which helps me stay focused on healthier choices beforehand and instead of making choices based on my stress level or need for comfort the day of!!
That’s great that you provide gluten and dairy free options Candace. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
God led me to Fast 24 hours yesterday. Overcoming fear and with God’s help I got through it. First time in nearly 40 years! Like the Israelites taking way to long to reach the promise land! God revealed today that he can shrink my belly without any surgery! So again today another 24 hour Fast! One day at a time and His perfect time right before us Americans almost worship FOOD on Thanksgiving! Lord help us all to be thankful this year for more than just the abundance of food! Amen
Wow! Congratulations Paula. Continue to let the Holy Spirit lead you as you continue to put your faith before food.
Thank you Cathy for this friendly reminder for all the events that are coming up for me. Yes, I admit I’m the type that likes to mingle and try all the delicious platters of different foods or when someone says “oh here try my dish it’s a family recipe” ok guilty for not saying “no thank you my plate is already full” or “I’m sorry but my stomach feels like a Turkey that’s been over stuffed, but thank you it looks really yummy” Thank goodness my family knows I am eating healthy now, and even my church friends are asking how am doing it. I let them know “Healthy Weight Lost through God’s Way” Putting God first. And when I don’t, oh believe me I feel it in my stomach when I eat certain foods or over eat for that fact.
Please Lord get me through this, when food looks inviting to my eyes, please whisper loudly in my ears ” you’ve come to far in your healthy eating to let it all slip away back to your old eating habits of yesterdays. Keep going strong my beautiful daughter, I got you and I will be here for you every step of exercises and every calorie counting and every healthy portions of foods you place upon your plate or eat. I Am here for you and so very proud of the Mighty woman of God and beautiful daughter you have become. Be the light of Jesus and example I’ve instilled in you onto others who struggle food addiction and healthy eating habits. You can do this my beautiful daughter I Am here with you guiding you every step of the way. Thank You Lord Jesus for hearing and whispering that prayer of encouragement over my mind, my body, my soul and my heart, Amen!
May all you have a beautiful and healthy Thanksgiving filled with blessings of joy, laughter, love and happiness flowing throughout this Thanksgiving and other holiday events coming up. Enjoy all the beautiful blessings our heavenly Father God is bestowing upon all you and your family.
With Much Love and Blessings to all,
Rhonda G.
Thanks for your honesty and transparency Rhonda. Continue to offer your prayers up to God and do as He directs you. Happy Thanksgiving!
What a Beautiful prayer! It touched me and I will pray it often. Thank you
Thank you Cathy! I am excited about tomorrow, I am hosting so I set the menu. My extended family over eats horribly. But they are so respectful of my healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. My nieces haven’t seen me since summer…so they will see the new me tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Hope it was lovely. I’m sure everyone was surprised to see the ‘new’ you.
Thanks for this Cathy – I am committed to not sabotaging my goals this year!
Comments are closed.