What's -your- plan?

I'm pretty close to my goal at this point (8 lbs to go) but, I know that last few come off the hardest!   And the holidays and winter are often when people gain wieght so, What is your plan for keeping on the straight an narrow path?

Tips, tricks, great low cal. festive recipes? 

Thanks for sharing.

You have a good point.  I've thought about it.  My strategy for this year is that I can eat anything I want on the actual holiday, however all the other treats all season long have to fit into my calorie goal for the day.  I'm hoping this will help me feel festive, not deprived and not "dieting", while still avoiding the majority of the calories.  I hope it works!

I get a couple cooking magazines and I look forward to what my healthy cooking mag will suggest for low cal. festive desserts.  I'm hoping to have thanksgiving at my house this year and I'll be incontrol of some of the dishes. Luckily my husbands family is mostly on board about watching there weight so, I going to try and shave some cal.  watch the butter a little and maybe do two healthy sides along with the standard candied yams etc.

I've read that you should mingle at parties with a glass of water  or low cal. drink in your hand while your visting so, you won't be tempted to walk around eat. One hand for shaking hand one for your water.

I am terrified of the upcoming holidays.  I am such a dessert nut!!  My plan includes my hubby.  He knows my goal weight and knows that the house is pretty much a sugar free zone until I get there so he has been good at, nicely, asking if I would prefer some sliced fruit from home before we go out to a family dinner.  I have also asked my family to help out and not go so hog wild on the deserts when I am around.  Other than that it will just be low low cal days before the big dinners, a quick walk around the block after dinner, and portion controling the deserts I do have. 

Kim- It sounds like you've got a great plan.  Sugar is what kills me. I LOVE the sweet stuff!  I've started making Mini muffins instead of full size for protion control.  It helps because for me I know I can't just eat one full size muffin and I trick myself with those mini ones.

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I decided to do something to change my life. I will be teaching an aerobic class called Zumba starting in December. To prepare my self, I attend 3 classes a week and to be honest I love it!! I am the only person in my circle that wakes up at 7:30 AM on Saturday to go to class. I am dedicated!!

I will be using this website to track calories and remain honest about what I eat and what I do. Also I have decided to throw in a 2mile or more walk 6 days a week. I fit in the time when and where I can.

As for foods I am swearing off ALL fast food. If I eat out it will be at a resturant, i.e. somewhere without a drive thru window. I will be cooking on Sunday's. I am taking the pressure out and bringing the fun back!! I have tried many things but this time I trying what I like and love for life. Portion control is key. All things in moderation. SO good luck. I will unload pic this weekend.

Holiday

The Zumba class sounds like a great idea. I need to look into join our local class.It's funny but, when I know I money tied up in a classes I'll go!

I've kind of messed up recently. (rough last week)  and it's got me really thinking about getting back to a pre-planned dinner menu and trying to regage how much I'm really walking in my average day with a cheapo pedometer which resurfaced recently. ( It's amazing how things do that when you have kids? lol )

flexibility- if one thing isn't working try another.