*LOSING* weight during the holidays.... ?

2»

Replies

  • mmm_drop
    mmm_drop Posts: 1,126 Member
    Move more.
    Continue to track your calories.
    Drink water.
    Don't make everything about food; enjoy the company of the people around you.
    Don't stress about it so dang much.

    And again...count your calories.
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    3

    3 holiday threads...
  • dacspace
    dacspace Posts: 109 Member
    As a person who cooks Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, I will be using some healthier alternatives in my recipes. This is a bit challenging as I'm pretty sure a few of my family members are bloodhounds and can sniff out anything healthy within a two mile radius!

    On Thanksgiving day, I have signed up for a 5K run that morning. I plan to throw the turkey in the oven, head to the event then be back home to start the other food for the day. That way I can have a bit extra without feeling too guilty. I hope to find another event close to Christmas too!

    I'm going to log everything even on Thanksgiving and Christmas so that I don't go overboard. Logging is sanity for me and will definitely help me on those two heavy eating days. I don't expect a lose the weeks of Thanksgiving or Christmas but I also don't expect a gain. There is no reason I can't have a lose for the weeks in between. Thanksgiving and Christmas are only one day; a logged cheat day as I like to call it; so I'm going to treat it as such.

    Since I am the cook, I plan to have a veggie tray out early so that I can snack on it instead of little "sample" bites of this or that as I'm cooking. I will probably pop a piece or two of minty gum to keep my mouth busy too!
  • EMSchell2009
    EMSchell2009 Posts: 17 Member
    I make a list of things that are worth extra calories. Then I carefully decide what I am going to eat. For me turkey is hit or miss, but I will want some pumpkin custard and whipped cream. mashed potatoes are wonderful and Gluten free stuffing are a must, but I can easily skip gravy. Planning is key.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    So how long is "in the holidays" cause last time I checked only 2 of those days are "eating days" and a couple days of a party or two on top of that isn't going to derail your efforts either. Thinking of the holidays as an entire season vs just a few days is the kind of thinking that will though.

    ...says someone who has never worked in a school environment. Haha. There will be at least 3 or 4 "Thanksgiving" meals for me this month (work, friends, family, parties), plus a plethora of cakes, cookies, pies, etc, dropped off in the break room for all faculty to eat.

    Christmas is even worse... it'll start the first week of December and go through New Year's.

    Willpower and planning.
  • nickalow11
    nickalow11 Posts: 99 Member
    I've found that if the food isn't absolutely amazing, it just isn't worth eating. Fortunately for me, there's only 1 meal out of the 3 or 4 that will be THAT good. Keep moving, it will all even out.
  • Saezimmerman
    Saezimmerman Posts: 93 Member
    So how long is "in the holidays" cause last time I checked only 2 of those days are "eating days" and a couple days of a party or two on top of that isn't going to derail your efforts either. Thinking of the holidays as an entire season vs just a few days is the kind of thinking that will though.

    ...says someone who has never worked in a school environment. Haha. There will be at least 3 or 4 "Thanksgiving" meals for me this month (work, friends, family, parties), plus a plethora of cakes, cookies, pies, etc, dropped off in the break room for all faculty to eat.

    Christmas is even worse... it'll start the first week of December and go through New Year's.

    A lot of people talk about just eating on the day of, but that's a difficult thing to do when so much of our social life revolves aroung potlucks. I try to keep in mind the following:
    1) I know what my dish tastes like - no need to waste the calories on it.
    2) cookies break - if i have to try it, I'll split with someone.
    3) don't stand near the chips and dip - get a plate and walk away
    4) stick to water - less wasted calories and better judgement come time for dessert

    The other thing to consider is that a lot of the attendees at these holiday parties are on here too. Maybe we could make a challenge to healthy up our favorite recipes.
  • ruffnstuff
    ruffnstuff Posts: 400 Member

    ...says someone who has never worked in a school environment. Haha. There will be at least 3 or 4 "Thanksgiving" meals for me this month (work, friends, family, parties), plus a plethora of cakes, cookies, pies, etc, dropped off in the break room for all faculty to eat.

    Christmas is even worse... it'll start the first week of December and go through New Year's.

    I'm a school counselor, so I get what you're referencing. HOWEVER, you and I both know there are options. First, with the four Thanksgiving meals - turkey is a lean protein, so go nuts. If you like and want to indulge in some of the higher calorie sides/desserts, pick and choose which are the best from the four different meals and have each option only once. Still gets you out ok.

    Second, let's discuss the staff lounge. Most of that stuff is crap...and I don't mean in the "food and sugar is evil" way. I mean, most of the stuff dropped off at the lounge is not so great tasting. I'm an admitted baked goods snob, but let's be real. Some grocery store cupcakes with greasy frosting are not worth the cals. If you know a certain parent or local bakery is dropping something off that is guaranteed to be out of this world, then have some. If it's your regular, run-of-the-mill cookie, let it go.

    Realistically, there's only one way to get throught he holidays without gaining weight, and that's to count cals and exercise some will power. OP, look how far you've already come with your weight loss!! Let that little ticker be your motivation when the going gets rough.
  • karinschoultz
    karinschoultz Posts: 50 Member
    I try to really increase my exercise during this time. Lots of towns have a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Then when its time to eat, I only eat the items I LOVE! Mashed poatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, just not tons of it!!
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    All of the above. Plus, it helps me if I start eating with the lower calorie items first. Keep in mind I only eat what I like - I'm not advocating filling up on something yucky just because. Also, don't eat quickly - enjoy what you're eating to the fullest.

    Thanksgiving dinner? Start with the salad if there is one. Then turkey/ham/etc + lower calorie veggies (if any). Follow with high calorie sides (mashed potatoes, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, etc). End w/ dessert + coffee.

    For me, that ensures I fill up on the things that won't blow my calorie budget. I'm then happy with smaller portions of the higher calorie stuff.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    3

    3 holiday threads...

    And it's only the first week of November...

Categories