Thanksgiving is basically the national holiday of gluttony. It’s that special time of “excessive indulgence.” And we’re not just talking turkey! This is the week when many of us suddenly feel wildly inspired to cram in one more recipe, one more store, one more house cleaning, one more errand, one more visit, and one more everything. Apple and pumpkin pie please!
That “just one more thing” instinct is a classic case of our saboteurs—the Pleaser, the Restless one, and the Hyper-Achiever who thinks the cranberry sauce must be artisanal or everyone will perish. We do this, despite research showing us that when we overload our plates (literal or metaphorical), we don’t digest or enjoy any of it as well. Too much noise, too little nourishment.
So here’s my gentle, entirely loving challenge to take Thanksgiving from gluttony to gratitude: Take one thing off your plate this Thanksgiving.
Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Pick something you’re only doing out of guilt, habit, or because some little inner gremlin told you you “should.” Sweep that off the plate instead.
Nutrition science agrees we actually feel more satisfied when we focus on the handful of things we truly love and consume them slowly and intentionally. Turns out “fullness” isn’t just a stomach thing; it’s an attention thing.
This year, I’m savoring my health and grateful my the JCC wellness community who shows up, tries, learns, unlearns, laughs, struggles, tries again, and keeps me doing the same.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carolyn Kontos
Carolyn Kontos, MS, ACC, Leadership and Wellness Coach, offers Wellness & Nutrition Coaching at the JCC through her Eat Well Programs. For more information, contact Carolyn at [email protected]