Jimmy Moore's '30-In-30' Challenge

It's the week of Thanksgiving as we check in for Week 16 of the "30-in-30" Low-Carb Weight Loss Challenge. Did you do well this week? Here's my current progress in the challenge:



That would be NO CHANGE in my weight last week, but that's a good thing headed into Thanksgiving week. Millions of people will be stuffing themselves until they're full and beyond on Thursday and then grazing all weekend on the leftovers.

Sure, the turkey and ham are good for you to eat, but what about all the rest of that spread of high-carb foods like dressing, cranberry sauce, homemade pumpkin pie, and so much more that we Americans have become accustomed to on Thanksgiving? Food, food, and more food is EVERYWHERE!

DOES THIS DAY MAKE YOU GO ABSOLUTELY BONKERS OR WHAT?!

Don't worry because we're all in this thing together. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you have made this a permanent lifestyle change that you can and will live with for the rest of your life. There's no use in trying to conform to societal standards when you are trying to lose weight, get healthy and stay healthy. Who cares that everyone else will be shoving food in their mouths so fast they can barely stop and savor the reason for this special day of gratitude.

I for one am looking forward to Thanksgiving. Part of it has to do with the fact that my wife Christine and I will be traveling to visit my mom, sister and brother Kevin for the holiday (we are surprising my brother since it may be the last time we see him alive) and the big meal will be taking place at my sister Beverly's house. They know I am on low-carb, so they are planning to do some special dishes just for me. Awww, ain't that sweet!

In fact, after I wrote in my book about how Beverly bought me the fat-free version of Ranch a couple of years ago thinking it was "healthier," my dear mother was so nice to call me BEFORE we came to visit and ask what they can get me to eat while I am there with them.

"Can I just buy you a bunch of meat or something?," she asked. Laughing out loud, I told my mom that she can also get me some nice fresh greens like spinach leaves, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, and salad fixings! Also, full-fat versions of Ranch dressing, cheese, and so much more to make my stay a nourishing one. I also told her that if she is going to buy some diet sodas to make sure they have Splenda in them and not aspartame.

One last item was low-carb candy: don't buy any that have maltitol in them. She agreed to just avoid getting ANY for me and that's a good idea. :) I'm bringing some ChocoPerfections bars with me to make some low-carb chocolate covered bluberries. Mmmmm!

I don't like putting people out, but mom was nice enough to ask before just assuming what I wanted. This is an important step for people who are on low-carb to remember--people can't read your mind or may not understand what low-carb living is all about, so share what you can and can't eat on your low-carb plan. Don't get to Thanksgiving day and then say, "Oh shoot, there's nothing to eat here except turkey and ham!" That's YOUR fault if it happens for not planning ahead.

And for goodness sake, don't take the day off of your diet on Thanksgiving. Sure, there are wonderful smells in the air and everything looks so good, but you will feel miserable afterwards and the resulting weight gain that happens. It's just not worth the heartache and pain, so eat the low-carb choices that you can and leave the rest for everyone else to get fattened up on.

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and I want you to honestly evaluate your life over these past few months here at "30-In-30." Do you feel excited about what is happening to you? Is this becoming the lifestyle that you always wanted to live to lose weight and keep it off forever? Has low-carbing become almost automatic for you? If so, then WONDERFUL and CONGRATULATIONS!

But you may one of those who is struggling with cravings for carbs and finds a way to sneak in a bite or two (or three or four) of those foods you know you don't need. In my podcast show this week, I even mentioned how I fell into this trap for a period of time earlier in the year which is what led me to begin this challenge in the first place.

We've all been there, but it's no time to give up on the low-carb lifestyle. Instead, you should use these temptations as a motivating reminder of your commitment to better living and double up your efforts to get going again on reaching your goal and remaining focused on what is going to be important 3 months, 6 months, and even a year from now--permanent low-carb weight loss success! Envision that happening in your mind RIGHT NOW! You won't want to mess up if you do.

Nobody ever thinks about the consequences of gorging themselves at Thanksgiving and Christmas until January rolls around and you've put on 15-20 pounds. Don't be one of those people! You're stronger than that and will survive, even thrive at this time of year if you trudge forward with the knowledge that everything is going to be okay if you don't go hog wild at the dinner table on Thursday and for the next five weeks. You'll be so relieved that you avoided the BLAH feeling that follows that meal and I want you to think about that ahead of time.

Come Thanksgiving, you'll be armed and ready for any temptation that comes your way. Don't give in even a little and then reap the rewards of your steadfast desire to be healthy for the rest of your life. YOU CAN DO IT!

Do you have any comments to share about your Week 16 or want to provide some Thanksgiving day tips for resisting temptation? Click on the comment link below and let us know!

Labels: 30-in-30, challenge, food, Jimmy Moore, low-carb, temptation, Thanksgiving, weight loss