Starting A Diet At Xmas, Good Idea???

Let's put it this way...there's always going to be a holiday...or a birthday party...or a potluck...or a BBQ...etc, etc, etc. I'm pretty much a big picture guy...I don't get all bent out of shape over one day...I simply don't worry about it. I started just a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving (not on MFP, but I started)...I didn't worry about Thanksgiving day itself, or even that weekend for the most part...I didn't go nuts, but I endulged a bit...enjoyed more beer than usual...ate a lot of turkey and stuffing...and turkey sandwhiches. Now, a month later, and I'm still losing weight. I've lost 12 pounds since I started my lifestyle change in late October. One day here and there isn't going to de-rail you...it's not the end of the world if you endulge a bit; it's life and you have to live it and enjoy it.

For me, this is all about an overall lifestyle change, not an "I'm gong to lose xx Lbs by such and such a date"...and then put it right back on when that goal has been met. Remember, it's but one day of 365...and weight loss/weight control is not a linear thing...it's a long range trend.

There is never a bad time to start a diet. The good news is that you won't have an extra 5 or 10 pounds to lose which you would have possibly gained during that time.

I say go for it. That is what I am doing since just before Halloween.

No time like the present!

My diet started Monday. Everyone at work (and at home) thinks I'm nuts doing this a week before Christmas. I really don't care. It's a personal goal and I'm ready. Still, it will be tough to avoid all the yummy foods. My family has a very ethnic Christmas with Slovak foods as far as the eye and stomach can see. Endless dishes with breads, cheeses and potatoes! Oh my!

Stay strong and excited about your goal!

Yes. Just don't be all ba humbug about the holiday food. Start now. Then take 1 day off. Then go back to doing what you gotta do.

I think starting a healthy eating plan going into the holidays is a smart thing to do. Even if you stay the same thru' the holidays, you're ahead of the game. I can usually count on gaining 5 lbs during Thanksgiving or Christmas, esp Christmas as there are so many eating functions to attend. Vacations do it to me too. I started before Thanksgiving and altho' the loss has been slow, I don't exercise, at least I'm 7 lbs lighter a week before Christmas than I was before TG. The main trick to sticking to it is being faithful to journal your foods and be honest about your food intake. It doesn't matter what you write down, cause if you cheat your body will reflect the truth. I'm trying to end the yo-yo cycle of gaining and losing by being accountable to myself for the choices I make. And, I do allow myself treats, making sure to journal them. I have fought weighing and measuring food for a long time, but bought a good food scale, not expensive, and keep it on the counter. It's not easy to lose weight at 71. Any form of exercise is not a part of my daily routine yet, but my metabolism is so slow that I may have to choose some form, but it has to be free. Will not pay anyone ever again to lose weight or exercise. Altho' it feels good to lose the weight, the trick is to learn to keep it off which I haven't mastered yet. I'm hoping that by keeping track with myfitnesspal foot intake chart, I will continue with it to keep it off too.

hi,

I've just joined MFP as I've heard loads of great stuff about it, so hoping it will give me the extra push and motivation needed... Starting the diet TODAY!!! So I'm already for a positive start to the new year without it being a real shock to the system!

Anyone else starting or recently started a diet.... any tips would be great.... I've got about 2 stone to lose and hoping I can do it withing 3 months... :noway:

I started just BEFORE Thanksgiving... of 2011.. by New Year's Day I had a 6-10 pound head start and was on maintenance by July. I recommend starting now whenever "now" is.

I have been around MFP and WW for many years but have not been on a healthy eating lifestyle for quite some time. I have lost 40 pounds twice in the past 10 years, only to give up and gain it all back again. I am miserable. I have about 75 pounds to lose. I don't care how long it takes me I just want to get healthy. I think it is a good idea to start today. After reading all of the posts I am convinced. I was not sure and that is why this thread caught my eye. It has to be a lifestyle. It is true that there is always going to be a holiday, a birthday, a special occasion. I plan to start using my food journal no matter if I go over my calorie goal. I have to start somewhere. Today is the day.