Looking for Holiday Success Tips From People Who Have Lost 50 + Pounds

Alex · October 2017

Our blog team is doing an article on member strategies that have helped people lose 50 pounds or more.

Have you lost 50 or more pounds? If so, what strategies do you use to eat healthy throughout the holiday season? Share your top tips (the more unique, the better!) and we might include you in a story on our blog!

Skylara · October 2017

I've lost 120 pounds (and still going), and here's what I've found that works for me both throughout the holiday season and all year:

NEVER drink empty calories. It adds up way too fast. Diet Green Tea plus Crystal Light individual serving flavor packets are DELICIOUS. As is water.
You don't have to go for a super high protein diet, but even making sure to get about 75g of protein a day helps me stay full longer, cuts WAY down on carb cravings, and who doesn't love bacon?!
I hate breakfast. Hate it. I feel bogged down when I put food in my stomach that early. But I love coffee. So that's my breakfast. Here's how I do it for the most punch: I drink one 16oz cup of coffee with sugar-free creamer in it until I have about 2oz (give or take) left in the cup. I use a cup, not an insulated mug, for this next reason: The coffee is cold by then, so I then add a scoop of vanilla-flavor whey protein powder (with 25g protein). Adding whey protein to hot soups and beverages makes for a lumpy mess. Adding the whey to cold coffee enables you to get a nice smooth mix. Then I fill my cup with hot coffee. No more creamer. It's sweet and delicious and has a ton of protein. (This is particularly important during the holidays. I can do this before going to a party or dinner and NOT attack the carb-laden foods offered.)
I eat when hungry, which is about every three-four hours. If I'm not hungry and four hours has passed, I eat a small snack. Otherwise, I'll be devouring the fridge the next time I actually feel hungry.
And this may be controversial, but ah well. I DON'T exercise. I have a more active lifestyle (riding my bike with my son, walking the dog, parking far out in the parking lots, yoga every now and then, etc.), but I don't suit up, go to the gym or out my front door, and sweat it out. If you are early in your weight loss, exercise can actually hinder progress, because you'll be hungrier. Exercise is best for after you have a handle on your improved eating habits, or to help maintain a weight. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. Healthy weight starts in the kitchen.
I use tools to help me. MyFitnessPal for food logging and macro tracking and the scale at least weekly to ensure I'm staying on track. I also had weight loss surgery, but it's only a tool as well, as my problem was portion sizes and constant hunger. The surgery helped with that. If your hunger is head hunger, or your portion sizes are small, but you're putting high-calorie food into your stomach every 30 minutes, weight loss surgery is not a tool that will help you.
Finally... holiday-specific... I eat EVERYTHING I want to. Here's the key though: I LITERALLY put one-two bites of each thing on my plate. People look at me like I'm nuts, but I want to enjoy the delicious food without overindulging.

Alex · October 2017

@Skylara Thank you for posting and sharing your inspirational story and your fantastic tips!!!

halfmill1 · October 2017

I too hate breakfast. With my meds I always end up puking if I eat before 11. After 11 I am fine. I can have a banana or a coffee before 11 and be ok. I start and end my day with a coffee with cream and sugar. I look forward to it the beginning and end of my day. My second cup I have around five or six. Then I usually work out. I know when I have my coffee it is the start and end of the day. It helps me feel full and make me happy. I have not had a soda of any kind all year. Just water mainly. Occasionally a sweet tea is ok. Also just tracking my calories makes me aware. Sometimes when I really want something I shouldn’t have I will start to track it and that’s enough for me to change my mind and not eat it.

zharptichka · October 2017

I've lost 70lbs.

1. Plan in advance as much as possible! I know dinners during the holidays aren't going to always have the healthiest options so I make sure that my breakfast and lunch are on track.

2. Squeeze in extra workouts when possible. Holidays are about bonding with the family right? So why not bond with the family while taking a walk? Jumping in leaves or playing in the snow (or occasionally in the sand if it's one of our 80 degree days in Virginia) or dancing around the house to holiday music.

3. Log everything. It's better to know and odds are good that you haven't messed up as badly as you think you have. When you don't log, it's easy to get into the mindset of it doesnt count or I've already messed up I might as well have another cookie/drink/piece of pie. When you log even if you go over everyday during the holidays, you're still holding yourself accountable and there's an element of mindfulness present that will make it easier to get back on track once the holidays are over.

4. Enjoy the holidays. Don't let stress over food ruin the festive season. Log your food, make good choices when you can and have fun with your family. It's only a couple days just be ready to get back on track when they're over.

estherdragonbat · October 2017

86 lbs and counting.

1. Plan and pre-log as much as possible
2. When eating meals out, acknowledge that your logging won't be as accurate, but do your best. This may be a time to schedule a diet break.
3. Exercise. I try to get in a 2-hour walk every day.
4. If cooking for yourself, make foods you like and can moderate. Keep desserts to 200 calories/serving
5. If you end up going overboard, relax, log and move on. You didn't gain everything in a week. You won't gain it all back in a week either.

aftab241281 · October 2017

hi, i am Architectural Draftsman. and 12 hrs. continue i am working as a same place. i have no time for walk in work time. but after office. i go to home then start to hard workout 1 hrs - 1:30 hrs. and i am follow my diet plan. my mussels r very good. but i am worried about my stomach. can any one suggest me or give me any ideas about my belly fat.

theabsentmindednurse · October 2017

THIS IS ME BEFORE I STARTED MFP 30TH AUGUST 2015 AT 313 POUNDS

THIS IS ME NOW AT 220 POUNDS

MY TIPS:
Be prepared:
The holidays are a busy time.
FILL THE FRIDGE WITH HEALTHY SNACKS AND MEALS
I live in Australia.
So for us, it's always pretty hot.
So I always have veggie sticks, hommus and fresh fruits.
-Containers of mixed salads.
- Cold meats and quiches.

For my northern MFP family:
- Batch cook soups and casseroles.
- Keep some in the fridge and freezer.
- Quiches
- Left over roast meats

Having food at the ready, will stop the urge for reaching for fast food on those busy days.

rrecordztj22 · October 2017

Before and after picture 375lbs to 225lbs. It’s been a long journey but with discipline and dedication I have been able to change my life to this great transformation.

brookielaw · October 2017

I am down 243 from my absolute highest in 2012.
I'm sure the tip about planning ahead will be shared many times (BTW, PLAN AHEAD, PLAN AHEAD, PLAN AHEAD!), so here are some others:
1. Try to schedule a fitness-related event around the holiday. This year we have a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving but last year we did virtual 5Ks on Christmas and New Years. With a virtual 5K you can set your own course, starting time, etc...and there are some neat companies where you can get bling. Medals are a great motivator for my family---whatever it takes. We're Star Wars Nerds and have collected the Jedi Academy series. Get your whole family involved! I'm so proud that my husband, sister-in-law, and daughters join me now.
2. Wear clothing that doesn't allow for overeating. Ditch the comfy sweatpants and go for the jeans that become uncomfortable when you overeat.
3. LOG IT. Whether it's something you planned or not, log it. Hold yourself accountable.
4. Don't beat yourself up if you aren't perfect with your holidays. It's not just the holidays that count, it is also every single day in between. The trick is to dust yourself off and keep going. It's not all-or-nothing, because life is a marathon, not a race.

sparklyglitterbomb · October 2017

Down 83-ish so far..

For holidays I go through the holiday menu (I do the cooking) and leave some things as is for tradition's sake and sub in lighter options for others things. Usually in the form of roasted veggies (I now make these really delicious roasted potatoes rather than mashed.. not all the butter and cream added). This way all the traditional flavors are there that make the holidays more of an occasion (like my mother's stuffing) than other meals.

I started making small mini versions of desserts so it is easier to have a tiny taste of pie than a large slice.

I sign up for my local turkey trot on Thanksgiving, it was a great way to start the day and allowed me some extra calories for the meal later.

I also make sure to take a few moments and remind myself how far I have come and that while the holidays are festive and fun, I don't want to have to go back and start over again.

Since I love seeing friends around the holidays, I still go to parties but limit myself to one or two glasses of wine and small tastes of the food offered. It's more about the time with people than the food.

Balance things out a little with light breakfasts (fruit, oatmeal, etc.) to keep you sated until larger meals.

Stick to your guns. Don't let friends or family guilt or cajole you into eating something you don't have planned or more than you put on your plate. You can make your own food choices and decisions, it's none of their business.

This year, I am already looking at half marathons for 2018 - the one I am about to sign up for in February will be a nice incentive to remain active during the holidays.

JeromeBarry1 · October 2017

I began using MFP January 25, 2016. I've lost more than 50 lb. I have for several years purchased a fruitcake from the Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, TX for my Christmas holiday. In 2016, I purchased the fruitcake in individual portions. Each tiny portion weighed about 1 oz and delivered 100 calories. I was able to include a holiday fruitcake in most of my meals during the holiday season, and since no-one in my family helped eat that thing, I almost made it to March Madness with fruitcake. My weight during mid October-early February seems to have been steady. I do not use alcohol. I did purchase from Collin Street Bakery that year 1 pie, 2 fruitcakes, and another package of individual fruitcake snacks. I failed to keep the pie in my plan, I did succeed to keep the fruitcakes in my plan.

CSARdiver · October 2017

Down 50+ pounds since I started.

Here's a list of small things I've implemented since beginning that have paid off:

Drink 1-2 cups of water 30 mins prior to mealtimes.

Taste everything. In your first pass through the line take a small spoonful of everything you want to try. Sit down and really enjoy the food. Take your time, socialize.

You're not going to be able to weight food - get over it. Estimate calories and if it really bugs you enter in 1.2 instead of 1 for the entries. It's one entry on one day and not going to amount to anything over time.

I think of this in big picture terms - there are 365 days in the year. No one gets overweight from eating surplus calories 10 out of 365 days. It's the day to day 250 kcals that adds up over time. So in saying this - enjoy the Holidays! Log it - eat it - don't look back. Tomorrow go back to your plan and eat within your budget, work out - do your thing.

Schedule activities to keep you honest and motivated - 5k, 10k, bike hikes, indoor triathlons, Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, etc. Build a larger goal to put some purpose into the weight loss.

tscblue · October 2017

How come i cant post my story

mjglantz · October 2017

I've lost over 80 lbs & going into my 7th holiday season. I don't change my eating all that much; continue to track my food and choose to eat healthy & within my calorie goal as often as I can. I also make sure that I get in my exercise EVERY day. The first two years I actually lost weight and since I've been at maintenance I've pretty much stayed right where I want it.

Don_WM_ · October 2017

I've lost 60+ pounds since I started and this will be my third holiday season since I began. I am currently not logging but maintaining around -60 to -65 pounds from where I started.

During the past two holiday seasons, I logged everything, but I also ate pretty much whatever I wanted with an eye on how much of each and in total I was taking in. Yes, I did gain some pounds, but the paying attention (logging) and my increased activity level (which I made every effort to keep up during the holidays), made short work of any gains. I now like to say the whole point of getting to a maintenance level is so you can break the rules on occasion without great consequence. Three of the big things for me during my weight loss (before I started logging calories) holidays or not were:
Reasonable portion sizes.
Never, ever eat anything after dinner.
Eliminate most breads and sugars (I would still sparingly eat whole grain and eat as much fruit as I wanted).

For the most part, since reaching a maintenance level, I have been using an 8/16 intermittent fasting schedule. While this isn't a diet, it seems to keep me on track and make keeping a calorie deficit easier and thus I keep my maintenance weight range. I'm hoping it will also see me through this holiday season with little to no change from past holidays when I was logging everything. Of course I will also continue working to keep my activity levels up.

oOKJLOo · October 2017

I've lost a total of 110 lbs but I find now more than ever that the number on the scale means nothing, its all about body composition.
I don't eliminate anything from my diet. Consistency and modestly is key for me. Once I found the correct calories that my body needs for cut/maint/bulk through trial and error I am unstoppable. If I want something special I plan ahead for it, but I never deprive myself in order to binge. It's important to find balance and I find that in the 80/20 rule. I strive to get at least 80% of my daily calories from good whole healthy foods, and 20% I allow to treat myself.

ek0513 · October 2017

I’ve lost almost exactly 50 lbs now, so I would like to think that I have found success in the things I have been doing. Holidays definitely are a difficult thing to navigate when you are trying to lose weight. Some of the things I do to try to minimize the holiday “diet damage” is to try to stay moving, and keep busy when there are snacks nearby. If there’s things to do to prep for a party, I volunteer to help. Just moving around and doing something like setting the table, and then cleaning up after dinner keeps me active, and helps me avoid any snacking because I’m focused on something else. Before going into the holiday season, I also just have to think about things that are going to be a problem for myself, and just do my best to try to avoid encountering those things... which means I have to tell myself no when I think it would be a good idea to make peanut butter balls for the family. Its best to just keep some things out of the house.

brittaney10811 · October 2017

Skylara wrote: »

I've lost 120 pounds (and still going), and here's what I've found that works for me both throughout the holiday season and all year:
NEVER drink empty calories. It adds up way too fast. Diet Green Tea plus Crystal Light individual serving flavor packets are DELICIOUS. As is water.

You don't have to go for a super high protein diet, but even making sure to get about 75g of protein a day helps me stay full longer, cuts WAY down on carb cravings, and who doesn't love bacon?!

I hate breakfast. Hate it. I feel bogged down when I put food in my stomach that early. But I love coffee. So that's my breakfast. Here's how I do it for the most punch: I drink one 16oz cup of coffee with sugar-free creamer in it until I have about 2oz (give or take) left in the cup. I use a cup, not an insulated mug, for this next reason: The coffee is cold by then, so I then add a scoop of vanilla-flavor whey protein powder (with 25g protein). Adding whey protein to hot soups and beverages makes for a lumpy mess. Adding the whey to cold coffee enables you to get a nice smooth mix. Then I fill my cup with hot coffee. No more creamer. It's sweet and delicious and has a ton of protein. (This is particularly important during the holidays. I can do this before going to a party or dinner and NOT attack the carb-laden foods offered.)

I eat when hungry, which is about every three-four hours. If I'm not hungry and four hours has passed, I eat a small snack. Otherwise, I'll be devouring the fridge the next time I actually feel hungry.

And this may be controversial, but ah well. I DON'T exercise. I have a more active lifestyle (riding my bike with my son, walking the dog, parking far out in the parking lots, yoga every now and then, etc.), but I don't suit up, go to the gym or out my front door, and sweat it out. If you are early in your weight loss, exercise can actually hinder progress, because you'll be hungrier. Exercise is best for after you have a handle on your improved eating habits, or to help maintain a weight. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. Healthy weight starts in the kitchen.

I use tools to help me. MyFitnessPal for food logging and macro tracking and the scale at least weekly to ensure I'm staying on track. I also had weight loss surgery, but it's only a tool as well, as my problem was portion sizes and constant hunger. The surgery helped with that. If your hunger is head hunger, or your portion sizes are small, but you're putting high-calorie food into your stomach every 30 minutes, weight loss surgery is not a tool that will help you.

Finally... holiday-specific... I eat EVERYTHING I want to. Here's the key though: I LITERALLY put one-two bites of each thing on my plate. People look at me like I'm nuts, but I want to enjoy the delicious food without overindulging.

WONDERFUL!!! You've done awesome, and look like a completely different person!! Thank you for the tips! I also am not exercising at the moment, but getting a handle on my nutrition. I never thought about the fact that it could hinder process, but as I think about it in my own situation, you're completely right!

rainbow198 · October 2017

Great thread! I lost 80 pounds in 2012- 2013. Have kept it all off without any regain since and have stayed in my maintenance range as well.

Here are my strategies for surviving the holidays:

1. Stay on my plan. This including planning out my meals in advance as best as I can, continue tracking and being aware of my calorie intake. Also continue with my daily workouts/staying active. No excuses.

2. Don't drink calories and stick to water and unsweetened tea. Sounds boring, but I'm used to it....plus it saves me a lot of room for food and desserts.

3. Only eat things I want to eat. Don't give in to pressure or eating just because it's there. It's okay to say no to food and treats, even if it offends. Sometimes the food or treat is not really worth the calories.

4. On the other hand I eat things I enjoy. Sometimes I will eat a little of everything at parties and other times I will eat a lot of a couple of things. Bottom line is that I never, ever feel deprived or sad because I feel like I can't eat something. Portion control is key for me.

5. Banking calories or saving up some calories during the week works well for me and it gives me some extra wiggle room to play with my calories.

6. I learned early on that I do not have to eat everything on my plate. I can take it home or leave it. Listening to my hunger cues and stop eating just when I'm getting full works great too. However, it took me years to develop this skill. I know it's not easy.

7. If I know going to eat higher calorie things, I will put in the extra work for it.

8. Lastly, I have a pair of shorts that were getting tight on me when I first began losing weight. Now I can fit into one leg with ease and with a little room. I try these on from time to time to remember l how far I have come and to remind myself to stay strong and keep going with maintaining my weight.

(Edited to add) 9. I wear non-stretchy, fitting clothing at events and parties. I find this lessens the chance for me to overeat because I can't!

Spliner1969 · October 2017

I lost around 115 lbs in 420 days. I started at 305 lbs and hit 190 on day 420. I set myself at a 2lb/wk loss rate, exercised, and ate back 50% of those calories, sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less. Worked great but was tough to keep the calorie count that low. I weighed everything with a scale, and logged in grams if possible, ounces if not. I didn't bother with any weird diets, just CICO. Overall in the first year and a half I lost 126lbs going below my goal weight to 178 at one point. I've been using MFP ever since to maintain my weight but I'll be honest, I did not use MFP's calculations for macros for very long. I switched to another site, and basically entered my macros in MFP manually. I felt MFP was adjusting my protein too low, and I wanted to stay near 1g/lb of my target goal weight (190g/day). I still try and keep that goal and stay between 170-200g/day of protein. I'm coming up on a 1000 days of logging with MFP before the end of the year. I currently weigh around 186-190 and have put on quite a bit of muscle I never had in the past. I still stay at or below my original goal weight which is within a normal BMI range for my height/weight/age.

hoping32 · November 2017

I’m down 88 pounds and still going. Best advice?
1 Don’t stop! One bad day or week didn’t stop me. I kept picking myself up and continued the journey.
2. I changed my food plans several times to find what works for me.
3. Make exercise a part of your life. Put it on your calendar like any other appointment and keep yourself accountable.
4. Dietbet!!! Amazing how motivating money is!

Looking for Holiday Success Tips From People Who Have Lost 50 + Pounds

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