Christmas struggle - tips?

noodlesno

It is only the 3rd Dec but the struggle of Xmas parties is already taking it's toll. Out from breakfast and lunch today. Was at massive party at the weekend. It is so tough to stick to a diet plan when the social events are every night. What is everyone else tips for keeping on the weight loss wagon over the Xmas period?

Machka9

Well ... since Christmas is in the middle of summer, there's usually lots of fruit at Christmas morning teas. I tend to go for that.

Also, as the weather gets nicer, I tend to be outside more ... walking, running, cycling, hiking, etc. etc.

TavistockToad

noodlesno wrote: »

It is only the 3rd Dec but the struggle of Xmas parties is already taking it's toll. Out from breakfast and lunch today. Was at massive party at the weekend. It is so tough to stick to a diet plan when the social events are every night. What is everyone else tips for keeping on the weight loss wagon over the Xmas period?

I have just switched to maintenance, as all the festivities start this week for me.

i am working on the basis of enjoying myself, indulging a little, and keeping up to my workout routine as much as i can.

gymth0ttie

My family LOVES baking. My mother and my sisters all included. They love the cookies, the pies, it’s nonstop every time we get together. I think portion control is my real objective. It’s so hard to say no to my moms home cooked meals, so instead I go for the tiny portions and make sure I continue to exercise

Lounmoun

I don't go to events daily but December has anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas so definitely more than normal.
I will probably have some maintenance days.
Have you considered just working on maintaining this month and stressing about it less?
Limit the number of events you attend each week.
Make an effort to eat or drink lighter at these events. Take smaller portions. Drink no calorie or low calorie drinks. Don't take food home from events.
Eat vegetables. Bring a veggie tray or salad if these events are potlucks or something.
Don't hang out by the food if you are tempted to nibble. Put some gum in your mouth. Get busy taking pictures, cleaning, playing with kids, dancing, whatever.
Stay active.
Get enough sleep.

noodlesno

Great advice. Especially not hanging by the food. Don't want to stress about but don't want to not socialise. What's the point of having a banging new bod if I can't show it off!!

concordancia

At certain events, I choose not to eat. I have a snack or meal before I go and just socialize.
For others, I decide ahead of time what kinds of foods I can have: Sunday I had some cake, but tonight I will not be having dessert.
I remind myself of my goals/mantras before I enter the party.
This year, I am not drinking anything with calories at parties. I do recognize that this is easier for me than for most, since I don't drink much besides water in the first place, but it is a conscious decision to avoid those calories.

OddDitty

Smile a lot and nibble a little. People usually don't pay attention so you won't be offending by not eating much. But if you're tempted to over eat, try remembering how far you've come and ask: is this worth the work I have to do to lose it again?

Crafty_camper123

I have no intents of even trying to lose this time of year. With christmas parties, multiple family events, and baking up gift baskets (which I need to sample 'cuz quality control), it's pretty hard for me to think of losing. Right now it's all about maintaining my progress until after the new year. So I'm trying to weigh regularly, and be mindful of my portions, and keep my activity level up. It's not always easy though. For xmas parties coming up I'll keep my normal rule for buffet style meals. No more then 1 plate of food, in 1 layer. So if it doesn't fit, and I have to heap, I wont eat it. And then I'll allow for 1 dessert item. And try to stick to low or no calorie beverages.

Ninkasi

I pre-log and eat less before a party. At the party I look at the food on offer - if it's homemade and looks delicious, I will have a serving. I find store bought items easy to pass up - I can get those any time - but I might never have the chance to try my coworker's Aunt Ida's Secret Recipe Toffee again so I'm going to go for that. If I don't like it after all, I leave the rest of it on the plate. If I go over my calorie allotment for the day, I try to eat a little less for the rest of the week.

But I log everything as best I can and don't beat myself up if I blow it out. It's a couple days out of the year, it'll even out.

elisa123gal

I'm different than those who cave into the holidays. I've decided not to let the holiday allow myself to gain weight. I've stopped myself in my tracks. Why let holiday cookies and most foods ..which are ? okay average at best.. undo all the hard work of losing weight this past year.

missysippy930

Better choices (usually fresh fruit and veggies available) small portions, have tastes of foods instead of servings, water instead of alcoholic beverages. I was never much of a drinker, besides I would rather chew my calories. Log as best I can. I consider it a victory if I maintain during the holidays. Back to business as usual January 1st.

Kimmotion5783

It's tough this time of year to try and stick to our guns. I'm throwing a small holiday party for my friends this weekend and trying to keep as many healthy options on the table as I can. Things like whole grain tortillas, veggie/fruit platter, salad, and I'm thinking of making a whole grain baked ziti. As a hostess, it's easier for me to control what goes on the table and I try to keep things somewhat healthy. But as a guest it's harder. I say go for the fruit and veggie platters if there are such, fill up on veggies when possible, and stick to portions. Easier said than done, I know. I get you. But most of all, don't beat yourself up. Allow yourself to have a good time and enjoy the holidays- they will pass!

cbstewart88

I make sure I up my workouts. Also, I pick my "splurges" very carefully. For me, the treat is alcoholic beverages. So I indulge (within reason - LOL) and stay away from cookies and goodies. At this point in my life, there is not a Christmas cookie, appetizer, snack or any other morsel that I have not already tasted along the way anyhow. If something unusual DOES pop up, and it looks especially tasty - I eat it and move on. It's balance, I think. Don't want to stress about it, but don't want to face the New Year with an extra 10 lbs either.....

cariwaldick

My husband had a mantra that rings true now: Most people can't remember what they ate a week ago. It's only food, and it's meant to fuel your body. If you can't remember it, why eat it? It's temporary, instant gratification.

noodlesno

I have upped the work outs and as best as I can only drinking once a week. Boy this time of the year is tough, especially next week when I have 3 BIG party in a row. Great tips from everyone. Unfortunately, in the UK health fruit and veg platters are not something they bring out often!