Lisa,
Interesting what you said about your kids seeing you eating 'normally' on Thanksgiving. Kind of strange when you think about it - normal for that holiday is stuffing oneself (pardon the pun), then laying down on the couch. Or is that just MY family's version?

I do agree, however, one should celebrate it as intended - a feast. That doesn't mean making ourselves sick, of course, but enjoying a bit more on that day - of food, family and friends.

How old are your kids? I have two girls, 7 and 3. My oldest told me one time, "You're not going to get old like grandma because you exercise." Funny she would come to that conclusion. I try to let my kids see me exercising and I don't talk about weight loss in front of them. My hope is that they grow up thinking this is simply something you do to take care of yourself, like brushing your teeth.