holidays & you: plan to gain, lose or maintain?

OregonLaurel

I've been through 12 holiday seasons now where I actually think about what I'm eating and how much activity I'm getting. Over the course of my -125 loss/maintaining my weight every year has been a little different. Some years I was really on fire with weight loss and was able to turn down special treats and meals with no problem but other years I was grumpy and resentful about having to "deny" myself. A couple years I allowed myself to gain a few pounds and really enjoy the holiday foods with gusto. Last year my goal was just to maintain within a pound either direction.

I'm thinking ahead to next week which is really more of the start to the holidays in our house (people say it is Halloween now?)... my birthday happens to fall on Thanksgiving this year which I think is an advantage. The celebrating will be one day rather than two different events with two different high calorie meals or treats. We also have our youngest daughter's birthday in mid-December, our anniversary with a second honeymoon after Christmas and the usual holiday parties, socials and traditional meals.

I think my goal is to enjoy within reason the times that are to be enjoyed and stick to clean eating the rest of the time. I don't think its the parties and holidays themselves that "get" me... it's the mindset that you can throw caution to the wind and eat over your calorie range day after day for weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. If there isn't a party or celebration on a given day, I'll stick to my usual eating habits and exercise plan... on the days there is something special, I'll enjoy but do my best not to over do it. If I come out in January at the same weight I am now, I'll be satisfied and not feel like I have anything to beat myself up about.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?