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snorklee
POSTED: Tue, 11/23/2010 - 9:08am
Celebrating the Holidays, French Style
Hi, all... I've been trying to plan my French maneuvers for navigating the holidays. There is so much to plan for. It seems that all the special, once-a-year food, cookies, candy, etc. are all compressed into the last four weeks of the year, making it seem like a marathon of celebration. It's so easy for me to get into the habit of sampling everything I see, much to the dismay of my pants zipper. :)I usually use the 3-bite-rule, but last night I went to a holiday potluck dinner, and served myself the usual 3 bite portions, only to find out at the end of the table, that my plate was still heaping, just because of the quantity of the offerings. So... I have to do more vigilance to handle these kinds of situations, apparently. lol.
What game plan do you all have for remaining French at this time of year?
Deb
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Sheri
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 7:32pm
Game Plan
Interesting question. Since I'm still learning French eating, I've been applying the same plan to holiday meals as others...I didn't really think about a separate game plan. I'm just focused on asking what I really want of the offerings, and if something doesn't taste fabulous, select something else instead, when I'm no longer hungry stop. I'm finding it is actually easier -- because when there are 30 great items, I'm not settling for the "ok" pie I would usually have eaten, because there is an even better one available. And, there's no need to over-do in the moment, because everyone wants to send you home with a plate, so I can always have more later. Good question -- I'll think about how to use this time to my advantage. Thanks for asking the question!Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 1:34pm
Hello All
I hope your day is going well.Yesterday,I went to my first Xmas gathering.It was lovely.I had a plan and had mixed success sticking with it.I went a bit hungry(WRONG!)and had more snacks than I should have.At dinner time I took a small plate(RIGHT!) and gave myself 3 bite portions of everything(RIGHT!)It filled me up and I felt good.Then the desserts came out.It was mostly squares,3 bite size,and I had too many,but now I realize not as many as I used to have.(IMPROVING!)I had a small glass of white wine.It wasn't good,so not worth it.On the whole,I felt successful and pleased with the effort I put in.Then I had a rather uncomfortable aftermath,I woke up with cramps in both legs at different times.Most miserable.I think this was caused by having more sugar/carbs, than I am used too(the squares,the wine and some of the snacks).A lesson learned.Nothing is worth pain.Today, it is compensation day with plenty of water.Thanks for this topic.It is really helpful.OXOSheri
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 7:33pm
congrats
on all you did right and improving. What a fun journey we are all having!MrsHonniB
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:38pm
Hello you (-;
You make me smile because you do like me......putting those labels: WRONG, RIGHT, IMPROVING. Glad to know I'm not the only one! And reading your story I think you did really well. I hope you had fun and enjoyed the foods you had too? How are you feeling today? Are your legs better now?hugs!Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 4:13pm
Hello My Dear
It is good not to be alone and thanks for your kindness.My legs are fine,thanks for asking.How are you?OXO Jeansnorklee
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:34pm
Awareness is victory
Hi Jean. It sounds like you put a lot of awareness into your plan. That makes it a "right". :) You approached the evening with mindfulness, and it's a lesson plan for all, when faced with an evening of party food and wine. I will bring your experiences with me when I am at the next gathering, and will approach the event with "mindfulness ala Jean". (Sorry to hear about your leg woes... are they feeling better?) DebVintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 4:17pm
Hi Deb
Never connected to the awareness piece,but that is true.Thanks for noticing.Legs are fine.I take Co Enzyme Q10 with the Crestor and that usually prevents it.But this time I really believe the increased sugar made an unpleasant difference.Live and learn!Take care.OXOvickie2
POSTED: Fri, 11/26/2010 - 5:05pm
Hi Everyone
Deb, this is a great thread indeed! Yes, it can be difficult to stay on track between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Yesterday during Thanksgiving, I really tried to implement some of the 50% solution and three bite rule, but I did have a little more than usual. Today, I am focusing on lots of water, staying active, and small portions. Tonight, we will be having some delicious pork roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, and pumpkin pie, but I will try to keep my portions small!Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 11/27/2010 - 10:59am
Hi Vickie2
You did a fine job dealing with Thanksgiving.Congrats.vickie2
POSTED: Sat, 11/27/2010 - 12:19pm
Thanks Jean
Although I feel that I've had more indulgences than compensations lately! I'm workig on it :)meneia
POSTED: Thu, 11/25/2010 - 5:22am
Hosting
I'm hosting christmas again this year, so I get to pick what we eat. That definitely makes it easier. Plus, it will be summer here so lots of walking and swimming.jas
POSTED: Thu, 11/25/2010 - 4:29am
holidays
I also think about this a lot and have struggled with it. This year I think it is going to be very different. (we will see if it holds true) This year there is a deep determination and grounded energy in me. I've shifted a lot in my attitudes about food this year. I've also shifted in my experience of food. I have become so aware of what feels good and doesn't feel good in my body. Vegetables work for me, vinegar seasonings work for me, LOTS and Lots of veggies work for me. Sugar doesn't work for me, certain grains work for me, while others doesn't. I feel my digestion and when it is good and what foods keep it that way. I really know how I like my body to look and feel. This is more important to me than that rich cake or creamy something else. And I'm finally ok with being different. With simply saying that doesn't work in my body. I used to be very self conscious (bordering on shame) of being different, eating different. This is changing for me, because my body and looks are very different from others my age around me and they are different because of what I eat and how I eat. Thanks for bringing up this discussion Deb...I needed to think and write about it. Jassnorklee
POSTED: Fri, 11/26/2010 - 9:58am
Hi Jas
How have you been? It's nice to see you here. It's so great to know who we really are. I still struggle with that, although I'm getting better at it. It seems we spend the better part of our lives apologizing for being different. It's only when we get to this age that we fully come into our own, sometimes. But once we get there, there's no going back. No compromise... especially on who we are. :) Have a great holiday!jas
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 7:06pm
Thanks Deb
It was good to read your reply. Thanksgiving went very well. I do think that a good part of getting older is being able to come into our own, and you are right once we get there there is no going back. JasVintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 11/27/2010 - 11:11am
Deb and Jas
Loving this discussion.It is so good to think deeply and grow.I agree being different is a challenge and also a gift.Stay on your path and be you and only you.My life as a child was spent being "The new kid"as we moved frequently.It taught me a lot and it has taken many years to appreciate that experience.Spent a lot of time trying to fit in and now I could care less.I am who I am.I still have inner struggles but most of the time I can deal with the world on my terms.jas
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 7:07pm
being different
That's neat Jean you are dealing with the world on your own terms. I'm learning. Step by Step I'm learning. Today it has been about standing in anger. A very hard thing for me to do...but not as hard as it used to be. Jascoco1960
POSTED: Wed, 11/24/2010 - 7:45am
Happy Thanksgiving..Dear French Sisters!
I was wondering if there would be a holiday thread for our community. Deb..thanks for the 3 bite rule..what a great idea! this year I plan to enjoy the holidays. I lost my sister last year on Dec. 20 and had spent the holiday season at an ICU. For some reason the holidays are when I tend to lose loved ones but I still love the holidays. My auntie says it's my way of saying "bring it on and I will survive"...lol..very wise woman. So thank you dear sisters for letting me write and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I am so thankful to have you all as inspiration and pen pals. xoxo MJ ( short for Mary Jane)snorklee
POSTED: Fri, 11/26/2010 - 9:53am
MJ
Thank you for sharing that there is more to the holidays than food. Our families are our anchor and our true focus for celebrating. I'm so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts are with you this year. DebVintage1944
POSTED: Thu, 11/25/2010 - 12:48pm
dearest Mary Jane
Your experience touched my heart.So painful but you have survived ,just as your Auntie says.Have a happy,healthy and joyous holiday season.OXO JeanVintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 11/23/2010 - 5:52pm
Are you sure?
Sure that I need a plan to get through the holidays?LOL.Of course I do!!I am glad you brought this up.I was thinking of ignoring the entire festive season but that won't work.So my plan?Walk and water and do more toning and be sure I relax each day.And remember food will always be there.Also,be sure I eat in a balanced way.Deep breath!!snorklee
POSTED: Fri, 11/26/2010 - 9:49am
Water and Walk
Excellent, Jean. I will remember these two things... and also that food will always be there. (Especially now that my fridge is filled with leftovers, including Mireille's flourless chocolate cake!) Can I count walking away from the cake as exercise? lol.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 11/27/2010 - 11:14am
Hi Deb
These words are my mantra as they are readily available and cost nothing.It does require minfulness,especially with the pressure of endless food.OH yes,walking away from the flourless chocolate cake is exercise.snorklee
POSTED: Sat, 11/27/2010 - 11:58am
It's a good thing
It's a good thing I only make the cake at Thanksgiving. lol. It is a rich and heavenly chocolate dream. Exercising restraint is a lot of work, but so far I've only succumbed twice, and small slices at that.Walking... drinking water... my new mantra, too. :)
Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 1:46pm
I say
it is very good thing that you have walked away from that fabulous cake.Two small slices is a victory.Well done.OXOsnorklee
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:37pm
The chocolate cake
By family vote, I've been requested to make the cake again for Christmas day. So more practice in moderation is in order. On the other hand, I get to have 2 small slices again in one month instead of 12. lol.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 11/28/2010 - 4:20pm
Smart Family
That is a wonderful cake and I know you do a fine job.I find it is deeply rich and a small piece,or two suffice.Enjoy it when you have it again.OXOsnorklee
POSTED: Wed, 11/24/2010 - 8:30am
WWMD?
Hi Ladies! All good ideas here, and lots of support. It helps me to read everybody's tips and treasures. I was browsing the site, and came across this article by Mireille. It's simply a week of meals that she had eaten, and shows exactly how she does it. What Would Mireille Do? Here it is... http://frenchwomendontgetfat.com/node/1708.Marilyn
POSTED: Tue, 11/23/2010 - 2:18pm
Luckily
We do not have the additional temptations of Thanksgiving on top of Christmas and New Year. I can only cope with the 2 of the celebrations. My problem usually revolves around sweet things as apart from chocolate and homemade biscuits I do not often have sweet things in the house. Of course Christmas brings the extra chocolate, scrummy desserts and cakes. This year we will be away for a couple of days so I will not cram my pantry with these goodies as we will not be here to eat them. I also find that if eating out either in a restaurant or at a house party I do not eat as much. So this year I will find it easier to be 'French'. Famous last words. The best idea is to remember moderation.snorklee
POSTED: Sat, 11/27/2010 - 12:09pm
Moderation
Hi Marilyn. It's like my grandma always said, "Everything in moderation." Her mother was French, so I'm guessing that's where she got her words of wisdom. :) Now that I look back, I remember her only eating the most delicious morsels, and fully savoring them. And then, she would compensate, eating light (and delicious) homemade meals on days when she wasn't going out and about. She also had the most magnificent berry gardens and fruit orchards, and lived on fresh fruit all summer. I remember when I was little, she would open small, faceted jars of shimmering berry jams in the winter, so I could spread a little on a slice of her homemade bread. Thank you for helping me to rediscover these memories. I'll carry them with me this holiday season. Hugs. Deb