We didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Scotland, but we have for nearly a decade in Rye, and it’s become one of our family’s favorite holidays. The difficulty is that it’s only one of a number of holidays enjoyed here with large quantities of rich and high-calorie food. The holiday season is a challenge for people watching their weight – it’s not uncommon to gain five to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year!

 

By Lee Sandford

 

We didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Scotland, but we have for nearly a decade in Rye, and it’s become one of our family’s favorite holidays. The difficulty is that it’s only one of a number of holidays enjoyed here with large quantities of rich and high-calorie food. The holiday season is a challenge for people watching their weight – it’s not uncommon to gain five to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year!

 

At Boot Camp we have a diverse group of people, whose backgrounds, traditions, and holidays present their own challenges. I am always interested to learn more about the history and significance of the Jewish holidays. It makes me laugh when the opening line of explanation is: “Well, it’s known as the cheesecake holiday” (Shavu’ot, when dairy foods are eaten), or “We prepare and eat fried food” (oil is significant in the celebration of Hanukkah).

 

The Lubin family used the October date of their son Noah’s Bar Mitzvah as a goal for improving their health and fitness. Noah shed many pounds over the summer and, although getting taller fast, looked about a foot taller at his celebration because he was so slim. Through sensible eating and lots of hard work at Boot Camp, mom Robin lost 20 pounds and enough inches that her dress had to be taken in two sizes. They inspired dad Matthew, who lost an impressive 30 pounds. Their big day was even more special as a result.

 

Tomoko, a Japanese friend, shared a funny story about over-indulgence. Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world, which is attributed to their healthy diet. When she was a child and lived abroad, she loved visiting the houses of American friends and reveling in the forbidden treats they had in their cupboards. She once ate so many chips and drank so much soda that she was taken to the hospital. She remembers her sister crying when she saw her tummy because she actually thought she was going to explode!

 

My background of “waste not, want not”, and sitting at the table until you clear your plate, is fine because portions are small in Scotland. But that scheme doesn’t work well in America with large portions and doggy bags.

 

My advice going into the holidays is certainly not to shun the celebrations. Remember, however, that there’s a big spectrum between deprivation and gluttony. Remember too that the holidays shouldn’t be an excuse for sloth – embrace that other tradition of a family walk on Christmas morning!