I don't see why some people find holidays so difficult.

Unfortuately, many of us have difficulty resisting the temptation and eating sensibly and avoiding calorie laden foods that are abundant and traditional at these holidays that are centered around food and eating.

Well, don't go on "one of those" holidays then...

Are you serious? You think those holidays are avoidable? They have permeated into our society.

For freaks sake... just support each other in our weaknesses. This thread is utter BS.

Eating till you pop is not mandatory nor are holidays. I don't see any reason to make the excuse because it's holidays to pig out. I pity those people who can't control themselves if food in in front of them, they are the ones with no hope in keeping their weight off. Bit like saying they are forced to eat it cause it's there..... isn't that how they got fatter in the 1st place?

Wouldn't it be grand if we were all as perfect as you.

Unfortuately, many of us have difficulty resisting the temptation and eating sensibly and avoiding calorie laden foods that are abundant and traditional at these holidays that are centered around food and eating.

Well, don't go on "one of those" holidays then...

Are you serious? You think those holidays are avoidable? They have permeated into our society.

For freaks sake... just support each other in our weaknesses. This thread is utter BS.

Eating till you pop is not mandatory nor are holidays. I don't see any reason to make the excuse because it's holidays to pig out. I pity those people who can't control themselves if food in in front of them, they are the ones with no hope in keeping their weight off. Bit like saying they are forced to eat it cause it's there..... isn't that how they got fatter in the 1st place?

Wouldn't it be grand if we were all as perfect as you.

Hardly perfect, but know enough to know that a holiday is not an excuse. Make an excuse today & you will find a reason to make one tomorrow.

We all have our struggles with different things, some with food, some other things. Your superiority attitude is belittling those who struggle with food. Obviously most are trying to get healthy or they wouldn't be on here, but there is no reason to make someone feel bad for having a struggle with something that you do not struggle with.

Edited: For spelling

It may not be hard for YOU, but it doesn't mean it's not hard for others. Different people have different relationships with food. For some people, food was a friend, a confidant, etc. Also, families tend to put a lot of love into their meals and mealtimes. Food is something we need to survive and it can bring a closeness and warm and fuzzy feelings when shared with family, especially ones you haven't seen in a while. I''ll put it into perspective. Let's say that certain foods are like an amazing, beautiful delicious smelling ex bf/gf. You know, the type that was always there for you when you needed them, comforted you, but deep down, you knew that seeing them too much could be harmful to your health. Heck, your family even loves them.

With that being said, they are always there when you visit your family for the holidays. Again, they look amazing as always, smell amazing, but sometimes it's hard to be around them because you haven't seen them in so long, but there they are, looking perfect again at your family's dinner table. Your choices are to stay away, bring your other "bf/gf" as a substitute aka healthy bf/gf, or flirt with your food ex/bf by taking them in smaller doses.

Some people are weaker around foods after all, it was a long relationship. So breaking up with certain foods is certainly hard, especially if you don't see them usually and you're doing so well without them. Some people over indulge over the holidays, some don't. Either way, their struggle (which is not yours) is their own and you should respect it no matter how non difficult you think it may be.

Me personally, I will be taking it in doses. As long as it fits in with my daily goal, I'm going to have it.

ETA: To those of you who aren't dealing with a food demon, good for you, but let's not forget you didn't come on this site completely void of faults and you certainly weren't born that way. Things of this nature are learned. You may be strong with avoiding certain foods, and may lack in other areas. The point of this site is to encourage and uplift and better yourself. Stop trying to "pity" those who haven't learned or conquered their weaknesses...yet.

I love the assumption that I do not have a battle with food..... my ticker does show how much I lost & needed to lose right? I'm guessing that made me a fan of food...and still does. But making an excuse to over eat again just cause people put food there in front of me & don't want to offend is kinda how I got there with the need to lose weight.


Funny though how just cause I have some control now on what I put in my mouth comes across as a perfect person with no empathy. I have no SYMPATHY for those who make the excuse though. Don't eat it. You can't complain how hard it is then. Eat it & then you complain about how much food you were 'forced' to eat right?

:yawn: :noway:

You have to understand that not everyone is at the same point in their lifestyle change as you. I do agree that once you have started making the changes it gets much easier to resist temptation, but in the beginning it can be very challenging. It's not about the fact that you can have some control, its your attitude about others who are struggling with that same thing...

I will get back to you after I get through the holidays. Very nervous about it. I did go on an extended vacation last month and managed to keep on the plan, so that gives me hope. But heck just the other day, my grown nephew was having a hard time hearing NO when he was shoving my favorite brownies into my face. Eat just one, have a little, come on auntie just one! ugggg. I managed to say no and he commented on how even peer pressure was not going to work anymore! LMAO Will power. I never want to go back to the person I was. Never. I read a meme the other day that said something about how losing weight was less about the weight loss and more about gaining our power back. I agree.

People who do have psychological issues with food are not superior to those who don't (or who have different ones) either. I see plenty of moralistic self-righteousness coming from both sides here.

what an odd comment. i am struggling to see evidence of self righteousness in anyone's posts about their struggles with food. perhaps you could evidence this claim?

personally i don't find the holiday season that challenging - i have strategies i know work, and i use them well. i'm happy to maintain, keep my workouts going and enjoy my time with my family. (my nemesis is jan to april - the long dark tea time of the year).

but that doesnt mean that i feel i have it licked, or can come and berate others for their struggles and imperfections. this thread is about as helpful as telling someone with depression to just pull themselves together, or instructing a person with anorexia to eat more.

Holidays are just like any other day as far as I'm concerned. Anyone who uses the excuse to binge or whatever just cause it's a holiday has no willpower or self control at all.

Snarky "moral" superiority like this has no place in a forum designed to help people.

Holidays are rife with family time which often creates massive amounts of stress for people; even if they *want* to stay on track, it can be very difficult. Add some booze in the mix, a lack of food scale, and piles of carb-intensive Xmas baking, and you could just have a very volatile situation. So, unless all the naysayers know *everyone* else's background, you can just keep the superiority bullsh*t in your own camp.

^^fantastic response^^

This is supposed to be a place of support and encouragement and your post doesn't sound like either of those two things. If anything, it's condescending and makes me believe you're a bit out of touch with how food addiction and overeating works.

This. Yikes. The holidays are super stressful for me. Being around my extended family is stressful for me. Money is tight and that's stressful for me. The obligatory "we are collecting for X" is stressful for me. Stress = eating. I wish I knew how to "just not do it" like the OP apparently does. It's not that easy. I really wish people would stop being so judgmental. Worry about yourself. Try to be a POSITIVE influence.

... says the person who has lost 0 lb.

^^ Another excellent response ^^ :laugh:

This made me laugh!

I just spent 3 hours making the most succulent Christmas dinner you have ever had, served it to you with impeccable plating on our finest china.

You're going to tell me you don't want to eat it? Why? Does it suck? Do I suck? Have I done something to hurt you this year? Why don't you love me? Why? WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!?!?!?!?

Unfortuately, many of us have difficulty resisting the temptation and eating sensibly and avoiding calorie laden foods that are abundant and traditional at these holidays that are centered around food and eating.

Well, don't go on "one of those" holidays then...

Are you serious? You think those holidays are avoidable? They have permeated into our society.

For freaks sake... just support each other in our weaknesses. This thread is utter BS.

Wot??????? Are you seriously saying people don't have a choice what kind of holiday you go on??? Surely it's my choice and my choice only if I lie on my behind all day on a cruise and stuff my face or go on a self-catering walking holiday.

You make that choice. Nobody forces you.

lol i refer you to my earlier point about the meaning of the term 'holiday' in the context of this thread.

no-one is talking about cruises.

two nations divided by a common language.

I just spent 3 hours making the most succulent Christmas dinner you have ever had, served it to you with impeccable plating on our finest china.

You're going to tell me you don't want to eat it? Why? Does it suck? Do I suck? Have I done something to hurt you this year? Why don't you love me? Why? WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!?!?!?!?

Grandma?!

I never want to go back to the person I was. Never. I read a meme the other day that said something about how losing weight was less about the weight loss and more about gaining our power back. I agree.

Great saying. I want to remember that one.

Coming from somebody that hasn't lost any weight. Looks like you have it all figured out in your head. Now try doing it!!!

I just spent 3 hours making the most succulent Christmas dinner you have ever had, served it to you with impeccable plating on our finest china.

You're going to tell me you don't want to eat it? Why? Does it suck? Do I suck? Have I done something to hurt you this year? Why don't you love me? Why? WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!?!?!?!?

^^^ Yep, that's it.

I'm invited to two Thanksgivings this year. One will be hosted by an 84 year old woman who bakes way ahead of time to make it all - towers of the most incredible fudge you've ever tasted, homemade pies, homemade whipped cream. She starts setting the table the day before with her gorgeous collection of old china. Try telling this lady you only want one cookie. I'm a sugar addict and this is a huge predicament for me.