|
|
Hi,all:
Is it too early to discuss how we're going to maintain during the holidays? Originally my goal was to lose 30 pounds by Christmas, and I met that goal last week. So now my goal is to NOT GAIN any weight through the holidays, then resume strict dieting after New Year's. My plan:
1) Keep basically a diet-based food plan.
2) Indulge in some treats and special meals (on Thanksgiving and Christmas) - I don't want to live in a world where I can only eat a turkey breast and a carrot on T-day. But keep no treats in the house so that I am "treating" instead of "eating" contraband foods.
3) Keep same exercise plan.
4) Weigh in weekly, as I have been, to keep from going into denial about how much I'm eating.
For me, it really works if I stick to a plan (even if that plan involves some yummies) because it's when I eat impulsively/compulsively that I go off the wagon. How about you?
Mad4moon: Congrats on losing 30 lbs already! Did that take long?
We have the extended family here for Thanksgiving. I have been thinking about this also.
For me.... the things I want to remember are:
1. Eat slowly and savor the flavors -- esp the desserts. (I plan on tasting everything, but that is it -- tasting -- meaning extremely small portions on the desserts)
2. Remember that overeating on Thursday will make me very unhappy with myself on Friday. There is plenty of food. It will still be there when I'm allowed to eat next time. (don't have to gorge now)
3. Don't taste test while cooking/baking. (save the calories for the real meal).
4. One thing I might do is go ahead and log my food ahead of time. This will give me time to really think out what I want and have the time to make decisions. I'll probably even make a little cheat sheet and put it in my pocket for the meal. I'm afraid if I am doing it in my head at the table, I will get frustrated and lose the fun of being there with everyone. So -- like you said, a plan is best for me too so I can relax and enjoy it.
I think that I will plan on eating my "maintenance" calories that day instead of trying to lose.
So this is what has been rolling around in my mind so far. Am interested to hear others' thoughts.
I started on 9/1/08, so the weight is coming off incredibly fast. I am eating 1500-1700 calories a day, and making my calories "count" (i.e., ensuring high protein and/or fiber in what I eat). I figure monitoring the calorie total keeps my carbs and fat in line so I pay no attention to that.
Plus I exercise - 4 hours of aerobics and 1.5 hours of upper body weights a week.
I like your plan, drchap, and play to incorporate some of your tips into my plan. Especially remembering that gorging makes me feel sick and unhappy later. I CAN act as if every morsel of food is my last, unless it's a vegetable!
Anyone else out there planning ahead for the holidays?
7