Yesterday was Thanksgiving — a food-filled holiday that used to leave me inflamed, uncomfortable, and disappointed in myself. But this year was different. I went into the day calm, confident, and proud of the work I’ve been doing these past five weeks.
For the first time in years, I didn’t wake up afraid of food or worried I would ruin my progress. I trusted myself — and my body — in a way I never have before.
🍽️ I Ate My Thanksgiving Dinner — And My Body Stayed Calm
Here is exactly what was on my plate:
- Turkey
- Green beans
- Corn
- Stuffing
- A roll with butter
- My gut-friendly cranberry sauce
- Gravy
And this is what happened afterward:
- I didn’t overeat
- I didn’t feel bloated or inflamed
- I didn’t feel sick, heavy, or uncomfortable
- My blood sugar stayed steady
- My digestion stayed calm
- My energy stayed stable
I enjoyed a real Thanksgiving meal — without spiraling, without guilt, and without losing control.
💛 This Was the First Holiday Meal I’ve Eaten Without Losing Myself
Healing the gut heals the mind. And this was the first holiday where I truly felt present, peaceful, and confident.
For the first time:
- I didn’t graze through the day
- I didn’t snack mindlessly
- I didn’t go back for seconds just because it was “the holiday”
- I didn’t use the day as an excuse to self-sabotage
- I didn’t end the night feeling defeated
I ended the night feeling proud. Strong. Clear-headed. And at peace with myself.
✨ The Biggest Win: I Felt Normal
I didn’t feel like the “person on a diet.” I didn’t feel deprived. I didn’t feel restricted.
And the cravings? Gone. Completely. For the first time in decades… there was silence where my food noise used to be.
My body was quiet. My mind was calm. I felt free.
🎯 Why This Thanksgiving Was a Turning Point
For most people, Thanksgiving is a setback. For me, it became a breakthrough.
Yesterday proved something powerful:
I am not dieting. I am healing. And that is why I stayed in control.
No spiraling. No guilt. No inflammation flare. No blood sugar crash.
Just peace — the kind I’ve waited years to feel.
🌅 This Is the New Me
Five weeks ago, I was inflamed, exhausted, and frustrated. Yesterday, I was strong, calm, and proud of myself.
If I can feel this good on Thanksgiving — one of the hardest food holidays of the year — then I know I can carry this strength straight into Christmas, New Year’s, and beyond.
And that feels like the greatest gift I could possibly give myself.
Stacey’s New Beginning 