Packin’ It Up
Well, I’m packing up all my goodies to leave the house at 6am tomorrow for my flight to London. It’s always sad to go but this has actually been the perfect amount of time here. I miss Matthew!
Last night we had a big family dinner to send me off! Since I won’t get to celebrate Thanksgiving here, Mom made a big turkey…
I totally thought of Miss Gliding Calm and Mama GC’s roast birds!
And my sis brought this amazing salad with persimmons, avocados, onions, walnuts, and a homemade citrus dressing. I had TONS.
My camera battery was going dead so I didn’t get any more photos of the food 
There was cranberry sauce, cornbread, broccoli, and a green bean casserole. It was all delicious!
I tried to stick to mainly turkey and vegetables, but I did have some cornbread and two glasses of wine, too. I figure, I won’t be home for several months so I can go back to my normal routine when I am back in the UK!
I keep forgetting to post about the deals I got last week when I went to Whole Foods! I was after two things: Barney Butter and Annie’s WW Mac and Cheese. Look what I found!
I couldn’t believe that both were on sale 
I wanted to try Amazing Grass but I couldn’t get over the cost of it. I think I’ve been out of the country too long, because prices on everything seemed a lot higher than I remembered! I didn’t even think to bring back some for my UK bloggie friends I was just so excited to even be there.
Well, that’s it from me for the next couple of days. I’ve really got to get back into healthy habits when I get back! I know I’ve gained a few pounds in these last few days. Grandma’s food, Mexican food, and Chinese, all in copious amounts! Ahhhh! I have managed a few runs with Mom, but nothing that’s enough to make up for all the damage that’s been done. I will really have to crack the whip starting Thursday (first day back).
How do you recover after a period of over-indulgence?
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Haha, I doubt there was too much damage, Lana! Don’t sweat it too much…Just cut back about 100-200 kcal less for each day and you’ll be fine! It all balances out!
Aww I’m so glad you had an awesome time and could get a couple of good deals! As for getting over a period of over-indulgence: I find that once I’ve had 1 day of a little exercise and my own food, I already feel much better. I always find it best just to go back to my normal routine – somehow the extra weight just dissappears – it’s often just water weight anyway!
i love that your mom made a turkey since you’re missing thanksgiving with the fam…my mom still had a piece of turkey in the freezer for me when i visited in march. i gain weight every time i visit too…i think food just tastes better in california
!
I love that you had such a great time with your family. 10 days really is a nice amount of time and I think this has shown you that its easy to just jump on a plane and go! Safe travels Lara!
There’s got to be something similar to a Whole Foods here…
…right?
I am just catching up now- glad you had such quality time with your family
Yay Amercia *cheers*
That’s so fun … I’m glad you got to have “Thanksgiving” with your family early : )
And I’m sure your splurging is all worth it for this occasion!
Hey there, I just noticed that you were after some amazing grass. I have some packets from when they sent me some to review. I can ship you some when you get back if you like
HOW FUN!!! My friend’s sister left for Africa on Sunday, so they had a Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday… and they couldnt find a turkey1
Have a safe trip home love!
so glad you had such a great trip! yes, i feel as if i’ve gained a few lbs lately too, need to step up nutrition a notch, and work on my fitness. i’ve got to move more
It’s hard to recover from a period of over-indulgence, so I just take it slow. I know it’s hard from going from eating everything and anything to eating like I normally do, so I lower my expectations. So if it takes me a whole week to get back into the swing of things, it’s ok! As long as I am putting some effort into it and not just making excuses.
So there is almond Barney butter?? I haven’t even had the nut butter yet, but I’d love to try it!
Have a safe and wonderful trip!
Hope you have a lovely flight back to London. I’m sure it’s hard to leave the fam. I only live 3 hours away from my mom and dad, and still get homesick sometimes
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite meals just because of the turkey. I think I might have to add a version of that salad though! I think the best thing to do after some extra indulgence is just get back to your normal routine. It all evens out. xoxo
That’s SO awesome about your mom making a turkey and the great deals at whole foods! That stinks you won’t be home for Thanksgiving but I’m sure you’ll be glad to get back to Matthew!
I’m glad you had some quality time with your family though!
Have a safe flight back!!
Ugh, I’m going through the same thing right now — I’ve called for a week of detox (healthy eating) and after lobster, beers, meat meat meat and more, the husband is on board!
Vacation is great, but man do I feel sick now!
That turkey is making me crave Thanksgiving!
mmmm Thanksgiving!!
I’m SO glad you had such a great time with the fam in Cali! have a safe flight girly
Sounds like you had a great time at home! I’m with you on finding deals on your favorite foods – I LOVE when I find things on sale!!! As for “recovering” from over-indulgence, the healthiest way is to just go back to your usual healthy habits at home. Watch your portion sizes, eat everything in moderation, and get in regular amounts of exercise. Good luck!
That’s awesome that you got a pre-thanksgiving dinner…what a sweet mother you have.
I think a little extra eating with the family is ok; you’ll get back on track when you are home. It’s good to lavish in it while you can
Getting back to the basics really helps me after days of indulging which for me means lots of veggies, lean protein, fruit, smaller amounts of whole grains and good fats. I skip booze and sweets (with the exception of square or two of dark chocolate) for a week.
I LOVE Thanksgiving!! After a day of indulgence I like to exercise and hydrate!! Tons of water, fruits, and veggies!
damn i cant find barney butter in any stores! thats at Whole Foods? its not in my whole foods!!! I want to try some so bad but the shipping costs just as much as the jar itself! I have a hard time justifying that ya know??
yum that thanksgiving feast looks muy delicioso!!!
I’m glad you had such a great time! Your thanksgiving-y dinner looks really good
Don’t worry about the indulgences, just focus on eating well and getting some good workouts in. It should take care of itself 
Wow, talk about food overload! Delicious home cooked meals, Chinese food AND Thanksgiving!?!? Sounds like a foodie’s dream. Well, minus that whole pesky “calorie” thing!
I clean up my eats for a few days after indulging. Whole foods, no cereal, bread or processed anything. Fruits, veggies and grains without any added salt – keeping the sodium low seems to help me the most.
Good luck and have a safe trip back!
Yum, that salad looks awesome! I love citrus dressings.
The way I recover is too make sure and get a lot of fresh fruit and veg, and drink tons of water! I always feel more “pure” if I drink a lot. Cleans you right out!
I haven’t tried Amazing Grass either, because I too can’t get over the cost. Save travels back home!
(I get past over-indulgent periods with as many days as my body wants of pure, whole, healthy foods – lots of greens, beans, grains and more…which isn’t too hard following a vegan diet, but it’s still good to focus).
After I went to Asia early this year and ate tons (Chinese New Year) and exercised none, I watched my diet very carefully and exercised tons for quite awhile afterward.
If I feel like I’ve over-indulged (which I more often than not do after a vacay) then I just try and get right back to my normal routine. I’ve learned from past bad experiences that trying to “un-do” damage does not really work and only makes me concentrate on the so-called “damage” even more.
Now I try and re-think “damage” as a “damn good time” and just get back to normal activity and healthy eating. Before long I feel good again and the ugh feeling only ever lasts a couple days.
btw – your grandma’s cooking looks fan-freaking-tastic!! Lucky you!!
Lot’s and lot’s of water, fruit and vegies
Sounds like you’ve had an awesome holiday – getting back to “real life” is so hard sometimes!
It takes me a good few weeks for every one week I over indulge. Sigh.
Just get back to what you know works- it’s actually nice to get back to the routine- ya know?
“crack the whip” – you crack me up! That’s exactly what I do…just about every Monday. Well THAT was fun and overindulgent and now it’s time to get back on the plan, get to the gym and get ready for the next weekend – haha!! I’m so glad you had such a great trip – and nice deals!
Fast? Kidding, of course! But seriously, I do so much better with routine. Once you are home and settled you will prob undo the damage pretty quickly. And something about sharing good food with family makes me forget calories! have a safe trip.
whooop whooop for your trip to the states!!!
and over indulgence: stay motivated!!! just get to the gym/exercise as often as you can, even if it’s the little things, like walking to the store or taking stairs!!!
have a safe trip home!! that turkey looks incredible, i cannot wait for thanksgiving
when i am in recovery mode from vacation eating i CHUG the water to flush all that sodium!
Recovery mode for me means cutting back on starchy foods, drinking tons of water and laying off the sweets for awhile. And of course adding a bit more cardio in (maybe 15 minutes). Also, I find the scale might read heavier but after you do that initial weigh-in (or not), get right back on track and the number will go back to normal range within a week
Hey!!!
I am so excited for you to get to go to London! I love it there and so does my dad, I swear I would have been born there if my mom didn’t hate the weather so much:) I am back to blogging and I have a new site!!!! http://www.startingoffhungry.wordpress.com check it out! Have a safe flight!
How do I bounce back? I cut back on portion size and get a bit more movement in my day! I think everything is a balance, we can not be 100% all the time or we wouldn’t have any fun!! I also think a few indulgences are there to help us appreciate the healthful food, not the other way around!
Cassandra
Anytime after a weekend or vacation full of indulgences, I drink a TON of water and just go back to my normal style of eating. In reality you probably didn’t GAIN pounds, you’re probably just bloated! Don’t worry about it…just give it a few days and you’ll feel right back to normal!
Ahh, Lara, I’m in the exact same boat as you! Trying to get back on track after a few days of indulgence. I think you did the right thing though by celebrating fully with wine and treats. Hopefully you got to enjoy it all with no guilt
I just see it as the natural up and down of weight maintenance. This week, I’m a little up on the scale, but after being home for a couple weeks, I’ll be back down 
Just gotta ride the wave I guess!
What a perfect send off dinner with a big turkey! You’ll get back into the swing of things when you get back, no worries – glad you had such a great time back home!
You will get back on the LARA train, asap, no worries doll! The more you think of how emotionally, you were fulfilled on this vacay, the easier it will be, guaranteed! Focus on how you ADORED it, and the concept of indulgence won’t seem so tainted.
By the way, I am back to blogging and vlogging! Check em out if you get the chance.
XOXO
$6.99 for Barney Butter?!? That’s a steal! Nice. Oh, and don’t waste your time with the Amazing Ass stuff – it’s nasty.
Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful time at home, and I love that your family prepared a Thanksgiving meal for you. So sweet Lara.
After a vacation or a few days of “off” eating, I just try and get back into my old routine and not restrict myself. You’ll bounce back before you know it.
nice steal on the BB!!
I disagree with Heather- the amazing grass products that they sent to me were all really good- i mean they are greens and wheat grass- but decent tasting for what they are! I actually just bought a chocolate superfood bar this week for $3 – expensive but i really was in the mood for one!
that salad and chicken looked amazing- no worries on getting off track. you rock . no worries. travel safe.
MAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! HAHA YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOO SWEET!! Thank you so much for that cute shout out!!! I was just thinking of you today!! And telling my Mama Erin (care to eat) how much I adore you and how beautiful you are! No joke!!
Hugsssssssssss!
Oh that turkey looks soooo good!! Yum!! I overdid it at Thanksgiving too and the scale told me so! Eek! lol!! I’m up 2 lbs!?!? Down 1/2 lb today so far though. My plans for ‘recovery’, easy on the carbs and cut out night snacking! Wish me luck! lol!