How are you doing so far?
madifehling
Posts: 71 Member
We are a few weeks into the Holiday Challenge, and we have made it through Thanksgiving! What strategies are working for you? Have you tried any new exercises or healthy recipes? Share your progress, successes, struggles, and strategies. We can all benefit from each other!
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Portion control. Smaller plates and smaller meals. i made it through Thanksgiving at my maintain weight which is a victory for me! Now I need to hold on and try to lose the few pounds I'd like before Christmas.0
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Crharris13 wrote: »Portion control. Smaller plates and smaller meals. i made it through Thanksgiving at my maintain weight which is a victory for me! Now I need to hold on and try to lose the few pounds I'd like before Christmas.
WOW! A Victory indeed, congratulations CrHarris! Keep up the great work, being mindful, using smaller plates and controlling portions will help throughout the holiday season and really throughout the year
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Way to go, Crharris13. Prep helped me with Thanksgiving. I had my meals planned. And, since I was in charge of the menu and cooking, I didn't get blindsided with anything. I offered all desserts to departing guests. I tossed the leftovers that only I love. I did not get my walks in though. I missed those!0
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Using MyFitnessPal has helped me track what I eat and try to control my portions!0
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Way to go, Crharris13. Prep helped me with Thanksgiving. I had my meals planned. And, since I was in charge of the menu and cooking, I didn't get blindsided with anything. I offered all desserts to departing guests. I tossed the leftovers that only I love. I did not get my walks in though. I missed those!
Way to go Evinston! That is exactly it! Planning ahead of time, knowing what will be there and incorporating healthy options. Not keeping tempting items around too and having guests take home desserts is a great idea. Even if you did not get your walks in, it is still something to celebrate! Keep up the great work and keep us posted with your progress! 0 -
I had to go to three separate Thanksgiving dinners (divorced families pose extra challenges!). I made sure to drink a high fiber green smoothie before going to visit each of my families. During meals, I kept my portion sizes in check and didn't have seconds on anything. When it came to the multiple desserts offered, I tried to limit myself to just one. When too difficult to choose, I opted for a half serving of each. Back at home, I made sure to keep up with my exercise routine (brisk walking and bike riding).0
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I used a smaller plate for myself and stayed hydrated to maintain that full feeling. I gave away all deserts so they would not be around to tempt me. I made it!!!!0
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Rubygirl614, I like the green smoothie prior to your Thanksgiving stops. That's a good idea for pre-events all year long!0
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I've lost 3 lbs since 11/16 by staying under my calorie limit most days and walking 10,000 plus steps daily.0
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rubygirl614 wrote: »I had to go to three separate Thanksgiving dinners (divorced families pose extra challenges!). I made sure to drink a high fiber green smoothie before going to visit each of my families. During meals, I kept my portion sizes in check and didn't have seconds on anything. When it came to the multiple desserts offered, I tried to limit myself to just one. When too difficult to choose, I opted for a half serving of each. Back at home, I made sure to keep up with my exercise routine (brisk walking and bike riding).
VERY impressive Rubygirl! Those are excellent strategies, thank you for sharing! Great idea to drink a green smoothie before you go, this can also be done before going out to eat with friends or going to any type of holiday party. That way, you won't be starving when you get there and can better control what, and how much, you eat. Great plan! And love the way you handled dessert- and you were still able to enjoy once a year treats! Keep up the great work!
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I used a smaller plate for myself and stayed hydrated to maintain that full feeling. I gave away all deserts so they would not be around to tempt me. I made it!!!!
YES!! You did make it, way to go Lucky88! Great strategies to set yourself up for success- using smaller plates, drinking lots of water, and not being tempted by desserts. Very smart!0 -
I'm actually having a harder time than everyone else it seems. Had to travel 1000 miles for Thanksgiving, cooked the meal, and now have two family Christmas dinners to fix. I've gained a couple of lbs., but hope to get back to walking every day and selecting smaller portions for myself also. Work has been stressful and I'm finding it really hard to get motivated to exercise.....0
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I feel great! Survived Thanksgiving! Weighed in this morning and had lost another pound so very excited. I started my most recent journey Oct 1. Lifestyle change because my husband has heart failure and we need to do this for him to live! I have lost a total of 21 lbs since starting my journey. I am super excited. I have a total of 59 to goal so it will take a while but I will get there. I love this challenge and this group because it helps me stay focused in what is the hardest time of year to do this! Thanks everyone for all the support and best wishes to you all!0
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Thanksgiving was definitely a challenge, but I was able to maintain. There were so many tempting dishes, but I tried to fill my plate with my favorite vegetables and lean protein and while I didn't skip the dessert table, I did take much smaller portions. I just can't resist my aunts butterscotch pie!!0
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Thanksgiving was also a challenge for me because this year we actually cooked dinner at my house. So, there was leftovers and such. The good thing is that I kept up with my exercise routine. I went to the gym everyday. Thanksgiving Day I did a 5K Turkey run which was fun. I haven't lost anything, but I haven't gained anything either.0
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ukwildcat28405 wrote: »I'm actually having a harder time than everyone else it seems. Had to travel 1000 miles for Thanksgiving, cooked the meal, and now have two family Christmas dinners to fix. I've gained a couple of lbs., but hope to get back to walking every day and selecting smaller portions for myself also. Work has been stressful and I'm finding it really hard to get motivated to exercise.....
Thank you for sharing ukwildcat and for being honest! I think sometimes these groups make it hard to share struggles and easy to share successes. Does NOT mean people aren't in the same boat as you-- we ALL go through ups and downs and face different obstacles. It's hard to travel and continue your healthy patterns, and host for others (or attend parties). It's all about small steps and taking it one day at a time. For hosting or attending parties, make sure there is a healthy dish for you to enjoy and maybe a big salad to go with it. Drink lots of water and eat small meals throughout the day. When life is stressful and work seems to be consuming, especially fitting everything in before the holidays, it is important to stay active to relieve that stress. Even if it's just a quick 10-minute walk during a break in your workday, and then another one in the evening, all the steps add up. Take it one day at a time and one step at a time. We are all here for you and cheering you on! You can do it!!
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huntersmom825 wrote: »I feel great! Survived Thanksgiving! Weighed in this morning and had lost another pound so very excited. I started my most recent journey Oct 1. Lifestyle change because my husband has heart failure and we need to do this for him to live! I have lost a total of 21 lbs since starting my journey. I am super excited. I have a total of 59 to goal so it will take a while but I will get there. I love this challenge and this group because it helps me stay focused in what is the hardest time of year to do this! Thanks everyone for all the support and best wishes to you all!
WOW!! Congratulations Huntersmom that is incredible!! You and you husband have a great motivation to keep each other on track and accountable, and it is wonderful you are doing it together! What strategies have you found helpful so far? Keep up the great work! 0 -
michelledunn72 wrote: »Thanksgiving was definitely a challenge, but I was able to maintain. There were so many tempting dishes, but I tried to fill my plate with my favorite vegetables and lean protein and while I didn't skip the dessert table, I did take much smaller portions. I just can't resist my aunts butterscotch pie!!
Way to go Michelledunn! That's the key, to not deprive ourselves of the things we love but to enjoy each bite by taking smaller portions. Great job filing up your plate with veggies and lean protein- very impressive when I'm sure there were other tempting items. Keep up the GREAT work!0 -
Thanksgiving was also a challenge for me because this year we actually cooked dinner at my house. So, there was leftovers and such. The good thing is that I kept up with my exercise routine. I went to the gym everyday. Thanksgiving Day I did a 5K Turkey run which was fun. I haven't lost anything, but I haven't gained anything either.
And that is the goal!!! Way to go ylyde!! Very impressive that you were able to stick to your physical activity routine and do a 5k- how fun! Keep up the great work and keep us updated with your progress! 0 -
Christmas Day is almost upon is, gift giving is speeding up; I'm faced with people who give baked goods as a gifts- the temptation is hard. I'm so worried, I want to be able get past this time, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 0
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Well, walking more (again) and being more aware of what I'm eating (portion and content) but once again, stuck at the same weight. Thankful I haven't gained in awhile but still haven't lost anything either.... :-/ Would love some realistic ideas for a FT (desk job) momma with 5 kiddos age 5-14.... thanks so much! Keep up the AMAZING work ya'll - WE can DO THIS! even, if we are 'maintaining'...0
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Christmas Day is almost upon is, gift giving is speeding up; I'm faced with people who give baked goods as a gifts- the temptation is hard. I'm so worried, I want to be able get past this time, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
That is so true, Luckey88, that Christmas Day is almost here and gift giving is speeding up. It's hard to avoid the unhealthy gifts, especially when we don't want to hurt the giftgiver's feelings. We recommend letting your friends, family, and coworkers know now that you are trying to be mindful of what you are eating and to please not gift you with food. Instead, a hand written card or just time spent together is much more meaningful. If you do receive a tempting gift, have a small amount (pre-portioned, not from the container) and put the rest away out of site and hidden, re-gift it, or throw it out. It is unfortunate to do that, but it's not worth the extra calories or the guilty feelings it will bring. You can do it Lucky88- let us know how it goes! 0 -
Well, walking more (again) and being more aware of what I'm eating (portion and content) but once again, stuck at the same weight. Thankful I haven't gained in awhile but still haven't lost anything either.... :-/ Would love some realistic ideas for a FT (desk job) momma with 5 kiddos age 5-14.... thanks so much! Keep up the AMAZING work ya'll - WE can DO THIS! even, if we are 'maintaining'...
Way to go Xena871! Maintaining our weight is the goal of the Holiday Challenge and you are on the right track! It can be hard and discouraging to lose weight during this season of the year, so that is why we recommend just focusing on maintaining your weight until the New Year. That deserves to be celebrated! Celebrate and notice the way you are feeling, the energy you have, how your body moves and the eating choices you are making, even if the numbers on the scale aren't exactly what you want to see. For a desk job, we recommend taking breaks and walking throughout the day. Even just using the stairs instead of the elevator, going down a floor to use the restroom, walking to a coworker instead of sending an email- these steps will add up. Set a reminder to get up and stretch or walk every hour, and here are some fun exercises we love: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/health/workout-at-work/. Now is a great time to be active with your kids; walking around the neighborhood to see the lights, ice skating, dance parties, jumping jacks during commercials, have them join you in your activities. Keep up the GREAT work and keep us updated-- we are cheering you on!! 0 -
You know what really gets set aside for me during holidays?...sleep. And, sleep is so important to achieving a healthy weight. I find that a lack of sleep can result in weight gain or at the least a halt to weight loss. So I'm trying to make an extra effort to sleep a little bit more.0
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You know what really gets set aside for me during holidays?...sleep. And, sleep is so important to achieving a healthy weight. I find that a lack of sleep can result in weight gain or at the least a halt to weight loss. So I'm trying to make an extra effort to sleep a little bit more.
YES evinston! Sleep is so important, and often something that is pushed aside. That is an excellent point, and sleep has a direct effect on our weight. You might find this webinar we recorded on Sleep very insightful-- you can find it here (toward the bottom of the page): https://esmmweighless.com/newsletter-webinars/0 -
I can't claim to have been hyper vigilant about logging for the past several days, but now that company is all gone I'm back to normal. Getting right back to what I know I have to do is one of the most important lessons I've learned on this journey to better health. I've failed at perfection repeatedly, and I'll continue in those occasional missteps. But, making the turn back, as soon as possible, to the right road is critical. Blessings to you all today 0
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After I seen that I was gaining again I made up my mind to start counting the calories and of course the holidays are the worse time to even try. Well my will power and small portions brought me through. I weighed and have lost. YA!!!! thank you Lord for the strength to over come the temptations. Hang in there guys we can do it.0
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I have maintained throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas. The last week of the year has been a bummer since I have to actually go on a one week prep diet for gastro tests. I cannot eat foods high in fiber. I feel sluggish, bloated and put on a couple pounds. Hoping to loose it after test on Monday.0
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I think I have maintained through out the holidays. I won't weigh in until Monday the 4th being that I actually started a few days before the challenge began. One thing that kind of held me accountable was logging my food intake on myfitness, If I went over I felt awful, and it helped me plan what I was going to eat even more.
I wished we checked in here more than we did, but its always next time. When will be the next challenge?
Thank you all who participated and all of your support.0
