Holiday meals get the best of me

Cliff and I have both gained weight over the past year. I still cook the healthy, low-fat stuff most of the time, and we like those dishes. I hardly ever make desserts when it's just us: Cliff has to have something sweet after meals, but usually he just has a bowl (1/2 cup) of ice cream.

The things that get us in trouble are eating out too much (probably only twice a week, but those buffets add up), and cooking for company occasionally.
When it's time for a holiday meal, or when family guests are here, it isn't their fault that I cook unhealthy stuff: I use them as an excuse to cook and eat all that stuff I never make otherwise.

Yesterday's Thanksgiving meal left us with a heap of leftovers, many of which I pawned off on the family members: Granddaughter Amber loves noodles, so I sent those home with her; I'm sure her mother will help her eat them. Of course, I saved out a little for Cliff because I hate to see a grown man cry. Amber also took some pumpkin pie.

Her brother took quite a bit of the Oreo Dessert home with him. My daughter ended up coming back and getting the mashed potatoes (again, I saved out one serving for Cliff) and the broccoli-and-rice casserole.

The apple pie remained. And although I should have, I didn't press anyone to take any. Why not? Because I love it so! Cliff does too, but then he likes all desserts. Nobody else makes apple pie to my satisfaction, so when I've baked one, I can't leave it alone.

Today I had to decide when I would have my daily piece of apple pie. You see, I can limit myself to one piece a day until it's gone. I decided to have it, ala mode, for breakfast. That takes care of a couple of the food groups, right? Fruit and dairy? Ya think?

Sigh.

One thing about it, the remains of the holiday turkey will not go to waste here: I'll freeze it in appropriate amounts to use in my healthy versions of gumbo and jambalaya . The turkey frame and bones are waiting right now for me to make turkey frame soup. Low-fat, low-calorie, and chock-full of vitamins.

Maybe the oldest grandson will drop by at some point and have a couple of pieces of apple pie, or the rest of the Oreo Delight. Somebody needs to save us from ourselves.