Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with that comes food. Lots of it. At this point in my life, I've embraced the idea that I'm going to eat on Thanksgiving and enjoy it. While there may be those of you out there who think it's fun to make a fat-free and heart-healthy meal every fourth Thursday in November, I'm not one of you. This year, I bought (count 'em) twelve sticks of butter for my various recipes, four of which alone are being used to coat the turkey, along with some rosemary, sage, and thyme. We aren't having anyone extra over for the meal, either- just the family of five- and yet I'm making enough food for twenty. But, isn't that how it is? A day to feel grateful for all we have, and a fantastic table spread to prove it.
Now, of course I don't eat like this every day. Most days, I'm sensible with fresh veggies and lean cuts of meat, healthy oils, and whole grains. I exercise four or five days a week, try to get enough sleep, and take some personal time for me each day. But, I've still come to a place in my life where I enjoy the flavors and nuances of good food much more than I enjoy the struggles of dieting the pounds away. I turned forty this year, and with that birthday came a realization that I am not twenty five anymore, nor have I been for, well, you do the math. When I got married, I fit nicely into a size eight dress, and I had literally worked my butt off for six months to do it. Now, I'm in a size twelve. Could I lose a few pounds? Sure. But, I can't have it all. I either get to enjoy being a foodie, savor the flavors of my meals and my life, or I get to be a dieter, weighing myself daily and eating small portions of ugly food.
You may argue that I am going to polar extremes here. Logicians would call this a logical dilemma and yell at me that there are other options than my either-or. And here is the option I'm working with. Love my body. Take care of it by exercising and eating well, but enjoying the flavor of a deliciously fatty and glorious food when my body craves it or when holiday traditions demand it. Embrace my curves. Watch the scale to make sure things aren't going downhill, but not stress about the numbers. Stare at paintings from the Renaissance, at the rolls and curves created by Rafael or Michelangelo. Tell myself I'm beautiful, even when I'm naked. Avoid punishing myself.
Perhaps I'm in denial. My health-obsessed friends would probably call me a quitter. But, the only thing I'm quitting is self loathing. Today, I embrace my body, and on Thanksgiving this Thursday, I plan to indulge.
