Christmas struggle - tips?

noodlesno
noodlesno Posts: 113 Member
edited December 2018 in Motivation and Support
It is only the 3rd Dec but the struggle of Xmas parties is already taking it's toll. Out from breakfast and lunch today. Was at massive party at the weekend. It is so tough to stick to a diet plan when the social events are every night. What is everyone else tips for keeping on the weight loss wagon over the Xmas period?

Replies

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,616 Member
    Well ... since Christmas is in the middle of summer, there's usually lots of fruit at Christmas morning teas. I tend to go for that. :)

    Also, as the weather gets nicer, I tend to be outside more ... walking, running, cycling, hiking, etc. etc.
  • gymth0ttie
    gymth0ttie Posts: 51 Member
    My family LOVES baking. My mother and my sisters all included. They love the cookies, the pies, it’s nonstop every time we get together. I think portion control is my real objective. It’s so hard to say no to my moms home cooked meals, so instead I go for the tiny portions and make sure I continue to exercise
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    edited December 2018
    I don't go to events daily but December has anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas so definitely more than normal.
    I will probably have some maintenance days.
    Have you considered just working on maintaining this month and stressing about it less?
    Limit the number of events you attend each week.
    Make an effort to eat or drink lighter at these events. Take smaller portions. Drink no calorie or low calorie drinks. Don't take food home from events.
    Eat vegetables. Bring a veggie tray or salad if these events are potlucks or something.
    Don't hang out by the food if you are tempted to nibble. Put some gum in your mouth. Get busy taking pictures, cleaning, playing with kids, dancing, whatever.
    Stay active.
    Get enough sleep.
  • noodlesno
    noodlesno Posts: 113 Member
    Great advice. Especially not hanging by the food. Don't want to stress about but don't want to not socialise. What's the point of having a banging new bod if I can't show it off!!
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    At certain events, I choose not to eat. I have a snack or meal before I go and just socialize.
    For others, I decide ahead of time what kinds of foods I can have: Sunday I had some cake, but tonight I will not be having dessert.
    I remind myself of my goals/mantras before I enter the party.
    This year, I am not drinking anything with calories at parties. I do recognize that this is easier for me than for most, since I don't drink much besides water in the first place, but it is a conscious decision to avoid those calories.
  • OddDitty
    OddDitty Posts: 248 Member
    Smile a lot and nibble a little. People usually don't pay attention so you won't be offending by not eating much. But if you're tempted to over eat, try remembering how far you've come and ask: is this worth the work I have to do to lose it again?
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    I have no intents of even trying to lose this time of year. With christmas parties, multiple family events, and baking up gift baskets (which I need to sample 'cuz quality control), it's pretty hard for me to think of losing. Right now it's all about maintaining my progress until after the new year. So I'm trying to weigh regularly, and be mindful of my portions, and keep my activity level up. It's not always easy though. For xmas parties coming up I'll keep my normal rule for buffet style meals. No more then 1 plate of food, in 1 layer. So if it doesn't fit, and I have to heap, I wont eat it. And then I'll allow for 1 dessert item. And try to stick to low or no calorie beverages.
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,324 Member
    I'm different than those who cave into the holidays. I've decided not to let the holiday allow myself to gain weight. I've stopped myself in my tracks. Why let holiday cookies and most foods ..which are ? okay average at best.. undo all the hard work of losing weight this past year.

  • missysippy930
    missysippy930 Posts: 2,577 Member
    Better choices (usually fresh fruit and veggies available) small portions, have tastes of foods instead of servings, water instead of alcoholic beverages. I was never much of a drinker, besides I would rather chew my calories. Log as best I can. I consider it a victory if I maintain during the holidays. Back to business as usual January 1st.
  • Kimmotion5783
    Kimmotion5783 Posts: 417 Member
    It's tough this time of year to try and stick to our guns. I'm throwing a small holiday party for my friends this weekend and trying to keep as many healthy options on the table as I can. Things like whole grain tortillas, veggie/fruit platter, salad, and I'm thinking of making a whole grain baked ziti. As a hostess, it's easier for me to control what goes on the table and I try to keep things somewhat healthy. But as a guest it's harder. I say go for the fruit and veggie platters if there are such, fill up on veggies when possible, and stick to portions. Easier said than done, I know. I get you. But most of all, don't beat yourself up. Allow yourself to have a good time and enjoy the holidays- they will pass!
  • cbstewart88
    cbstewart88 Posts: 453 Member
    I make sure I up my workouts. Also, I pick my "splurges" very carefully. For me, the treat is alcoholic beverages. So I indulge (within reason - LOL) and stay away from cookies and goodies. At this point in my life, there is not a Christmas cookie, appetizer, snack or any other morsel that I have not already tasted along the way anyhow. If something unusual DOES pop up, and it looks especially tasty - I eat it and move on. It's balance, I think. Don't want to stress about it, but don't want to face the New Year with an extra 10 lbs either.....
  • cariwaldick
    cariwaldick Posts: 189 Member
    My husband had a mantra that rings true now: Most people can't remember what they ate a week ago. It's only food, and it's meant to fuel your body. If you can't remember it, why eat it? It's temporary, instant gratification.
  • noodlesno
    noodlesno Posts: 113 Member
    I have upped the work outs and as best as I can only drinking once a week. Boy this time of the year is tough, especially next week when I have 3 BIG party in a row. Great tips from everyone. Unfortunately, in the UK health fruit and veg platters are not something they bring out often!

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