[Jules]

Alright everyone. We have a big holiday coming up -and one that started because of people getting together and eating. Anyone else feel like they're gearing up for a battle?

I'm headed to my parents with my fiance V and my 2 dogs, and mom's going to make him a "proper" Thanksgiving meal since he's Australian and never had Thanksgiving before. He was here last year, but I had to work so we ate pizza. This "proper" meal will consist of all the traditionalthings like cornbread stuffing, turkey, giblet gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, peacan and pumpkin pie. And I've got to stop myself from gorging myself on my mom's fantastic cooking.

It's going to be fun, but stressful elements in there too. We're also going shopping the day after (for wedding stuff) and we usually get up, eat big breakfast, shop all day, then have a huge dinner at a nice restaurant (usually Italian) and go home late. Not too healthy eh?

So, my plans for dealing with food this Thanksgiving:
1) Pack some healthy snacks for the shopping day and order smart at any restaurant
2) Estimate calories and serving sizes for Thankgsgiving foods before I go
3) If pushed to eat more food, remind my family I have to fit into a wedding dress the next day while shopping
4) Drink lots of water/hot tea to feel too full to eat lots
(Any other tips would be appreciated)

Plus I'm going to talk to my mom about health; I love her and am concerned for her. She's been overweight since she had kids. She's also been on a "diet" ever since I can remember, the latest being Atkins. She's also never lost any real weight that stayed off. She's overweight by atleast 100 lbs, though I don't know exactly. I've been talking to her about the BL show, but she hasn't watched it I think -she's not big into TV. So I'm taking her my BL book, a BL DVD, and I'm going to try and talk with her. I hope I can help motivate and encourage her -and maybe get her to start using the DVD. Wish me luck -She wants to lose weight for my wedding but she needs help. Luckily she's happy with herself, but I'm concerned becaues diabetes and heart problems run in my generally overweight family. Wish me luck with my mom and everything!

Cheers, Jules