Fat lose: How to survive in a feast of Thanksgiving South Beach Diet phase 2

Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request

Oct 22, 2010 Vickie Ewell

Thanksgiving Holiday Tradition Won't Harm Fat Loss - Photo by littlefishyjes

Thanksgiving holiday traditions in the US herald in a nice-sized, crispy roasted or deep-fried turkey with stuffing, steamy mashed potatoes topped with giblet gravy, and fluffy white dinner rolls dripping with melted butter. These holiday traditions also include additional high-calorie, high-fat side dishes that end with an extra-large slice of pumpkin, pecan, or apple pie sitting beneath a scoop or two of melting vanilla ice cream.

For many individuals following one of the South Beach Diet phases, deciding whether to stay on plan or splurge for that Thanksgiving holiday dinner is a difficult decision. While hosting a Thanksgiving dinner meal creates less of a problem, (a Thanksgiving menu adapts easily to South Beach Diet phase 2 recipes), traveling to a family member’s home doesn’t have to threaten South Beach Diet’s success.

Making That Thanksgiving Holiday Decision: Stay on South Beach Diet or Indulge

No one wants to regain the pounds they have worked so hard to lose, but most folks don’t like the discomfort of feeling left out of Thanksgiving dinner either. For that reason, the holiday season is often viewed as a time of the year when it’s acceptable to abandon a diet. For most folks, however, the holidays begin with Halloween, carry over through Thanksgiving, and don’t end until Christmas ushers in the New Year.

During that 3-month period, if a dieter abandons the South Beach Diet phases completely, a lot of ground can be lost. However, the choice doesn’t have to be one of being on or off of a diet. Taking a more flexible approach to phase 2 can result in greater possibilities for South Beach Diet success.

For South Beach Diet Success Begin to See a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Differently

South Beach Diet success hinges on the permanent changes a dieter incorporates into life. A Thanksgiving dinner menu, even a high-calorie, high-fat traditional one, is not responsible for making a dieter fat. Excess body fat results from consistently overeating more than the body needs. It doesn’t come from enjoying an occasional holiday meal.

While some dieters insist that staying on South Beach Diet phase 2 throughout the holidays is a necessity, as there will be another Thanksgiving turkey dinner next year, expecting perfection can easily backfire. The purpose of any diet plan is to teach new eating patterns that result in better health, but those with rigid dieting tendencies often look at anything less than perfection as failure.

A few extra calories eaten at Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the caloric nightmare many believe. However, there’s a big difference between maintaining the principles that South Beach Diet phases teach and indulging to excess.

For South Beach Diet Success Use the Tools Learned in the South Beach Diet Phases

Most Thanksgiving holiday traditions include high-calorie, high-fat foods; but dieters can survive the meal by using the principles learned throughout the South Beach Diet phases. Strictness and perfection is not necessary for diet success.

On phase 1, a dieter learned that removing high-glycemic carbohydrates lessened food cravings by reducing their basal insulin levels. It did this by focusing on lean protein, vegetables, dairy products, and nuts. On phase 2, the dieter began adding back carbohydrates in a limited, controlled manner. This helped the dieter learn which foods could be eaten freely, which foods could be eaten occasionally, and which needed to be eliminated completely.

How to Eat a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Without Blowing Your Diet

When looking over a traditional Thanksgiving dinner spread, a relaxed approach to the menu doesn’t mean total freedom to gorge on unhealthy foods. Being selective is the key. If that nice crispy skin isn’t particularly important, leave it be; if it’s the best part of the bird then take some. It’s low glycemic and even though it contains a bit of saturated fat, indulging isn’t going to wreck your whole diet or ignite any cravings.

The idea is to focus on lean protein (turkey breast and ham) and vegetables, just as the South Beach Diet teaches. Include a little cheese or a few nuts or olives, if available. Then pick and choose a small portion or two of your particularly favorite foods that make Thanksgiving dinner special.

Maybe that’s a small scoop of mashed potatoes and gravy, half an ear of corn on the cob, or a bit of turkey stuffing. Whatever it is, make sure it carries enough enjoyment for the calories you spend. While a little extra fat won’t hurt, if dessert is important, keep that in mind when making choices.

Enjoy Thanksgiving Holiday Traditions But Don’t Toss South Beach Diet Lessons Aside

Thanksgiving holiday traditions can hinder South Beach Diet phase 2 success if healthy habits the South Beach Diet phases attempt to teach are tossed aside. However a traditional Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be a stumbling block. While it’s perfectly fine to remain on plan throughout the holiday season, and wait for a later holiday to indulge in favorite foods, for many dieters that is not a realistic approach.

The long-term success of any weight loss plan depends on what a dieter does consistently. It doesn’t depend on whether or not a dieter remains true to their chosen plan on holidays. While healthy food choices are always best, a few extra calories now and then won’t prevent anyone from reaching their weight loss goals. In fact, relaxing self-judgment and taking a mental break can actually help, more than hinder.

For a better understanding of the glycemic index and why it's important to the South Beach Diet, read How the Low Glycemic Index Benefits the South Beach Dieter. On phase 1, but not sure if you want to move to phase 2? Check out Can Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet be Followed Long Term. If on phase 2 and experiencing a stall, When South Beach Diet Phase 2 Isn't Working can help. If you want to bring your own homemade salad dressing to Thanksgiving dinner, How to Make South Beach Diet Regular and Low Fat Salad Dressings will give you lots of ideas.

Sources:

Agatston, Arthur S., MD, The South Beach Diet: The Delicious Doctor-designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, Rodale Press, November 2003

McDonald, Lyle, A Guide to Flexible Dieting: How Being Less Strict With Your Diet Can Make it Work Better, Lyle McDonald Publishing, 2005

Web MD, “Top 10 Holiday Diet Tips of All Time,” by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD (accessed October 20, 2010)

Woman’s Day, “Joy Bauer’s Guide to Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain,” by Joy Bauer, RD, October 17, 2010 issue

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.