Anxiety about Christmas

Ne0Indigo

I began my weight loss journey over 1 month ago and have already lost almost 5 kg in that time (I think that's about 8 pounds?). I feel really lucky to have lost weight so fast but also know it was due to my shocking diet before of sweets, chocolate and soda. I necer drank water for as long as I can remember (I am 26).

Today i went to the airport for my business trip and struggled to find something appropriate I was able to eat as well as something I would eat. It was hard and even the thought of just grabbing one burger and promising myself it was just for today (I hadn't eaten anything earlier) I got extremely anxious and super worried because if I can lose weight this fast I must be able to put it on fast too right?

Now this has me super paranoid about Christmas. I want to be able to eat what I want within reason but the thought of not eating what I've been eating during this diet (avoiding any kind of sweets, soft drink, breads and pastas) has me panicking. It's taken me a lot of effort and pain to give up excessive sugar and caffeine habits I had. I'm worried if I eat what I want at Christmas I'll gain weight and lose faith. Has anyone got any experiences where this has or hasn't happened? What did you do?

Thanks in advance!

Sira125

Try thinking about what foods are really necessary for you to feel like Christmas. Then think about whether or not you need to eat them or just know they are there. If they are important to you, go ahead and plan them in. If they aren't important to you and they aren't particularly nutritious then let them go.

Be prepared with appropriate phrases to use if someone tries to push you to eat or questions your choices. Remember that attempts to lose weight may be countered with the dreaded "just one won't hurt" argument. If you haven't told your family you are making a change then over a holiday is not the time.

Possible phrases:
Not right now, thanks. I am going to let things settle a bit first.

Oh, that looks so good. I'll plan to have some in a little bit.

Yes, I am craving vegetables recently. It's kind of weird but I am just going with it.

Yes, I have lost a little weight. I am not worried about it, but if it looks like it is becoming a problem I'll see the doctor.

I wish I had room for it.

melaniedscott

I think most people have anxiety about XMas. Invite the people in your life to help you in your journey. Let them know where you want to go and what it means.

Look for lighter recipes for traditional dishes.
-a lot of baked goods call for a huge amount of butter...try subbing 1/2 the butter with applesauce, pureed pumpkin or mashed ripe banana (I do the applesauce and it works pretty well)
-a lot of savory dishes which require sauteeing stuff call for a lot of oil or butter...can it be reduced? I typically cut the oil or butter in half if the amount is more than 2 tbs.
-drain the fat off meat, use leaner cuts. I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork because I don't eat pork, but this is frequently a good way to cut calories.
-cut recipes in half, so there isn't as much to start with. I have a recipe for this amazing (but unbelievably evil) cranberry bread that makes 2 or 3 loaves...I make half the recipe, sub out some of the butter and make muffins instead of loaves. Makes it easier to just eat 1 serving and there isn't as much that "needs eating."

Figure out what a serving of each food you feel is holiday-important looks like in advance and, if there are so many options that a serving of each is too much, consider half servings. And if it's cookies, try to stick to just 1.

CurlyCockney

I don't weigh or log my food over Christmas. I'm not going to refuse any hospitality or temper hospitality I give (although this year I'm not hosting; I'm going to a hotel for the Christmas period). Relaxing with family and friends trumps dieting for these few days. I've got 51 weeks of the year to adhere to my diet, that odd week isn't going to make me gain it all back or prevent me from continuing my diet after the holiday.

lorrpb

Fact is, most of cannot eat whatever we want "within reason" because the "within reason" does not really go with "eat whatever". I suggest that you develop a plan for the holidays and for each event you are worried about. Use the time between now and then to develop skills of estimation and portion control. Also decide what is more important to you, eating whatever you want over the holidays or keep progressing towards your weight loss goals? Be prepared to live with the result of your choice - stalling of weight loss and possible gains or passing up food you would really LIKE to have. Either is fine, the choice is yours. If you can strike the perfect balance, more power to you!

vingogly

Have a plan, as others have said. If there is a place at work where there is tempting food, avoid it or minimize the time there. Learn how to say "no, thank you; I'm sure it's delicious". Have low calorie snacks available for when you're tempted. If you're going to a party or other get-together, make sure you have a way home if you feel uncomfortable, arrive late, and leave early.

Here's an example of a plan: I've just taken a pan of gingerbread out of the oven, and am going to give it a lemon icing glaze because folks are bringing food in for Hallowe'en. I'm going to have one piece, and nothing else tomorrow (I'm probably a better cook than most of the folks at work, to be frank). Anything left over I'm going to put on a plate in the kitchen for others to enjoy, and take nothing home.

ninergal76

I'm big into Christmas and do a lot and I mean A LOT of cooking. This year I too am worried. I don't want the kids to miss out but knowing there are Christmas cookies and things kicking around the house makes me question my will power which is pretty good except at home
Hoping to draw strength from the MFP community during the holiday.

PaytraB

I go on maintenance over Christmas. That allows me to make good choices at meals and leaves a bit of room for a glass or two of wine and/or a sweet or two. I also try to make sure I go for a walk every day to help....just in case there's an extra cookie or two ..or I don't log accurately enough.
Try to relax and enjoy the holidays and use it as a learning experience of making good choices during a festival time. There will always be family get-togethers, so we have to learn to maneuver through them.

You'll do great. Just stay aware.

lauracups

Holidays have become synonymous with excess. Going into debt and weight gain. ..whoohoo. My plan this year is to log everything and to focus on things other than food. Whether it's cold or not, as long as it's not freezing rain, I'll get out and do long walks before and after the big meal. There's tranquility in it and if I'm calm and away from the crazy (the family ) for a minute, I'm less likely to indulge to the point of discomfort.

TavistockToad

1 burger doesn't make you fat, just like 1 salad doesn't make you thin.