October 14
Mrs_Hoffer
Posts: 5,194 Member
Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes?
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day?
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank?
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day?
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank?
0
Replies
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Most people feel a lot of stress and anxiety during this time of year. It's also a time when some lose some track of their diet and fitness (intentional or otherwise). The reasons for the stress, anxiety, and setbacks in diet and exercise are almost countless. It's really all a perfect setup for all of those New Year New You ads and sales starting right after yet another traditional holiday splurge-a-thon where we all make our resolutions to ditch the Santa outfits and get that beach bod going! 🤣 (Sorry, may have had a bit of fun there, when really this is all quite tragic for some and not fun at all).
I have always found it easiest to navigate this time of year when I focus on managing my stress and anxiety levels. It helps me make clearer decisions. Sometimes that decision may be to take a "pass day", but at least I was a lot more thoughtful about it and am less prone to let that one choice become a "season of pass days". So I'll start by sharing this advice for dealing with stress and anxiety which to me seems like solid pointers. But I also know that this amazing bunch right here probably has a few fantastic ideas of their own!
So what are your holiday plans in regards to diet and fitness? Do you have any pointers to share with your fellow UAC members to help them as they head into "the most wonderful time of the year"?4 -
Great topic @WhatMeRunning
Stress and anxiety for me personally? Well I had to work on putting myself 1st and loving my self 1st so I then in turn cld care and love my loved ones.
I got extremely unwell and almost didnt make it after the birth of my baby and one of the epiphanies i had was that most of the decisions i made was due to guilt and feeling sorry for others. So I had to let go of guilt and learn to say no.
Not putting so much weight on wat others think of me helped with my stress levels too.
Realising I needed to spend less time fixing those around me and instead look within.
Journal writing to dig deep, understand myself and get to the bottom of my feelings and triggers.
Gratitude and my faith helps a lot. Not trying to control everything and leaving my worries in the hands of god.
Lastly with the holiday season/summer In the past i wld hve ppl come stay all the time as we live in a beach house. This is exhausting and throws my routine out esp food and exercise wise as sometimes they stay for weeks at a time. All our spare time was taken up constantly hosting ppl whilst hubby and i also worked full time. I am not even sure how we managed to do it... This year I promised myself I won't be doing thatl..I will be very selective with who I have stay..
All of the above is a work in progress 4 me... Thanks for allowing me to share I' think I well and truly over shared. Ha ha. Look forward to hearing urs. Xo8 -
*Follow UAC rules 👍
*Continue to maintain weight 👍
* Actively use grazing container daily👍
* Stretch as much as possible 👍
* Monitor sugars👍
* Journal write👍 1st time in a while feel so much better for it too.
* Hve me time👍
* Use complaints free braclet👍
* Keep phone usage to a minimum👍
Night all xo7 -
donna25trinity wrote: »Great topic @WhatMeRunningStress and anxiety for me personally? Well I had to work on putting myself 1st and loving my self 1st so I then in turn cld care and love my loved ones.
I got extremely unwell and almost didnt make it after the birth of my baby and one of the epiphanies i had was that most of the decisions i made was due to guilt and feeling sorry for others. So I had to let go of guilt and learn to say no.
Not putting so much weight on wat others think of me helped with my stress levels too.
Realising I needed to spend less time fixing those around me and instead look within.
Journal writing to dig deep, understand myself and get to the bottom of my feelings and triggers.
Gratitude and my faith helps a lot. Not trying to control everything and leaving my worries in the hands of god.
Lastly with the holiday season/summer In the past i wld hve ppl come stay all the time as we live in a beach house. This is exhausting and throws my routine out esp food and exercise wise as sometimes they stay for weeks at a time. All our spare time was taken up constantly hosting ppl whilst hubby and i also worked full time. I am not even sure how we managed to do it... This year I promised myself I won't be doing thatl..I will be very selective with who I have stay..
All of the above is a work in progress 4 me... Thanks for allowing me to share I' think I well and truly over shared. Ha ha. Look forward to hearing urs. Xo
@donna25trinity you didn't overshare at all! I think it's important to have a place (like the UAC!) to share your thoughts - and even voice your frustrations occasionally! Lol. I'm very GLAD that you've had the epiphanies that you have - it sounds like you've come a long way!
I appreciate YOU my friend!
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I'm excited about heading into the holidays..... because I have a plan!! Lol. And it did work well for me last year.......
Last year as it got closer to the holidays, I decided to put my daily calorie goal up closer to a "maintenance" level. I figured I'd rather do that and MAINTAIN throughout the month of Dec, then feel frustrated and even perhaps give up because I couldn't stay under my cal goal every day. Doing that helped me to STAY in the HABIT of tracking everything I ate, and still having a goal to try to stay under - which is what I needed in order to not go completely off the rails!!!! When the holidays were over, I had not gained any weight - I had held the same. AND I was STILL in the daily habit of tracking every single thing! WHICH MADE ME VERY HAPPY!
In past years, it's been very hard for me to get BACK into the habit of logging after the holidays (IF I came back at all!!!!) Plus, last year I found that on many days I WAS ABLE to stay way under (closer to my original, lower calorie goal), but on the days that I needed a little more grace - it was already built in to my food diary. Just a thought.....Another thing that I sometimes do to try to "trick" my brain....... is when I have a Christmas cookie or two (or another sweet) and find that I'm wanting another, and another...... is to quickly PUT THEM AWAY and GO OUT FOR A WALK!! Yes, GET OUT OF THERE! Layer up and go outside, or even go downstairs and do an aerobic workout!! I MEAN, RIGHT NOW! Even if it's only a short workout! It focuses my mind on something else other than more sweets!! And by putting them AWAY (OUT OF SIGHT) before I leave, then, when I do come back into the kitchen, I don't have them staring up at me to instantly REMIND me!
I've even asked my hubby to HIDE goodies from me. (I DON'T go looking for them, because I DON'T want to find them!)
I sometimes will TALK TO MYSELF as though I'm an 8-year old and will say things like
"No, not now. You can have 2 cookies after dinner". (And SOMETIMES I can even continue to put my little 8-year old self off throughout the day!)
Or, "Go walk 4 miles first, and THEN you can have 2 cookies!" (again, postponing, instead of telling myself "no" which doesn't work for me if I really, really want something........ you get the idea!)
I don't have a lot of other stress at the holidays. Being a great-grandma to 4, grandma to 8 plus 8 significant others, mom to 4 plus their SO....... we have a very large family. I no longer buy Christmas gifts for everyone, just the little ones. For everyone else, I take them out on their birthday for dinner at the restaurant of their choice - instead of spending all that money at Christmastime! It's worked very well for me. On Christmas day, we do have a big meal and have everyone over (potluck style) and I will make gluten free and keto stuff for myself. We have a large family gift exchange, so I only have to buy one gift for that. I can usually have all my gifts purchased by thanksgiving weekend and go into December just enjoying the season.
Sorry - I guess it's my turn to be long-winded! 10 -
October 14 (wedding anniversary for us)
Exercise: Yes - 30 minute dog walk
Calories under: Yes
Tracked all: Yes
My goal for the holiday season is to keep up with this group, even if I have multiple pass days. I need the ongoing accountability of staying honest.10 -
October 14 (wedding anniversary for us)
Exercise: Yes - 30 minute dog walk
Calories under: Yes
Tracked all: Yes
My goal for the holiday season is to keep up with this group, even if I have multiple pass days. I need the ongoing accountability of staying honest.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
And great job staying under on your anniversary! That's not an easy task!! 4 -
Well, Christmas will be difficult this year. It is our first Christmas since my son died earlier this year. Last year the UK government cancelled Xmas, we couldn't get together. It was the last year my son was alive. In December 2019 we were all reeling from the shock of his diagnosis, but it did bring us all together.
My DIL is going home to the States with the children from Dec 20th to April. I'm happy for her to spend time with her family as she hasn't seen them for nearly 2 years. So my mum and I will spend Xmas with my daughter and her children.
I don't know how I will deal with it.
I will stick with UAC and just get through it.17 -
@donna25trinity Thank you for sharing 💛 You have really done a lot of personal work and have identified issues and challenges that get in the way of your well-being and success. Be strong for yourself and your husband and baby. The boundaries you identified are so important.
And all those “thumbs up” for today — way to go! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻3 -
@jjjcat Happy Anniversary!2
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lesdarts180 wrote: »Well, Christmas will be difficult this year. It is our first Christmas since my son died earlier this year. Last year the UK government cancelled Xmas, we couldn't get together. It was the last year my son was alive. In December 2019 we were all reeling from the shock of his diagnosis, but it did bring us all together.
My DIL is going home to the States with the children from Dec 20th to April. I'm happy for her to spend time with her family as she hasn't seen them for nearly 2 years. So my mum and I will spend Xmas with my daughter and her children.
I don't know how I will deal with it.
I will stick with UAC and just get through it.
@lesdarts180 Boy, this sure has been a rough year or so for you. It sure seems like the "blows" just keep coming. Ugh. I'm so sorry. But as difficult as it seems, you will get through it - you are a very strong woman. 6 -
OCT 14
Exercise ✅ [1:30 h walk]3 -
That was a big realization I had to come to as well. Thank you for sharing all of that great knowledge and experience (I don't think we can share too much of that sort of helpful info). And CONGRATS on getting all thumbs up, you're doing amazing!donna25trinity wrote: »...I had to work on putting myself 1st and loving my self 1st so I then in turn cld care and love my loved ones...
That is a really good strategy! I also like how you plan the events for the large family (inside your spoiler). I feel like my family is shrinking now but can definitely recall a time when I it would have been nicer if we all did things like that, so much less to worry about and can focus more on celebrating the time together (what it should be about for adults anyway)!Mrs_Hoffer wrote: »...Last year as it got closer to the holidays, I decided to put my daily calorie goal up closer to a "maintenance" level ... I found that on many days I WAS ABLE to stay way under (closer to my original, lower calorie goal), but on the days that I needed a little more grace - it was already built in to my food diary. Just a thought...
Happy anniversary and congrats on the 3 yes day @jjjcat and please do keep up with us through the holidays, even if they turn out challenging. That's what makes this work long term!
@lesdarts180 I don't have the words, of course, and my heart breaks for you. I agree with @Mrs_Hoffer and many others about your admirable strength and perseverance. May you find many smiles and cheer amidst the difficulties this holiday season.
Congrats @oh_jackie6 -
14 Oct
Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? yes
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? yes
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? yes
Pass days used:0
Holidays. wow. interesting reading and I think Mrs H has the best one yet because it gives her ROOM mentally to not go off the rails. I see SO MANY people who just go all out crazy with food starting with Halloween thru Thanksgiving and Christmas/holiday of choice season and mentally they think "I will restart Jan 1". I learned quite a long time ago that doing that only made it worse and of course when I failed on 3 Jan I was in a much worse position. The same holds true when I hear folks say "I am just going to finish up all this bad stuff I already have in my house and then I will start".. Typically I never hear the after part of that as a success either. But advice is just that. I think we make our own decisions and experience is usually the best teacher.6 -
Another day of walking. We were on a trail laid over an old railway that skirted the shoreline. Didn't manage Mrs Hoffers' 12 miles but I was tired when we got back to the hotel.
Tracked - sort of, had to estimate dinner.
Calories ok.
Thanks for the kind words. I have to say, I'm not "strong", there is no choice but to get through the days. I still cry a lot, have some days when I really struggle. One day at a time is a all you can do.12 -
✅ - Exercise 20+ Minutes: 93 minutes, aerobics/walking/circuits/tai chi/dancing
✅ - Calories within budget
✅ - Tracked everything
3️⃣ Pass Days left
Since embarking on my new fitter/healthier lifestyle, my usual December routine has been to continue to track, and eat under maintenance except on Christmas Day. I do extra workouts on days where I am socialising.
My plans for Christmas this year are very fluid. Up until Covid our home was the focus of many family gatherings, as we are the seniors of our tribe. We took over this role when DMiL/DFiL were getting older and it was too much for them. Christmas dinner was for 15, and we would have half a dozen family members staying over the Christmas period.
Last Christmas was the first time in over 30 years that we didn’t have guests, and due to lockdown, we couldn’t have family gatherings, except for a Christmas Eve walk, and coffee, mulled wine (non alcoholic for the drivers), etc, and seasonal goodies in our garden afterwards. (The weather was mercifully dry and sunny.)
Although we missed our usual family celebrations, I have to admit that we enjoyed the lack of hassle immensely, and I was grateful for the lack of the usual surfeit of seasonal goodies, as I had sent most of the Christmas fayre home with the family on Christmas Eve.
My daughters had been suggesting that they could do the family honours at Christmas, so maybe this year I will finally pass over the reins to them.
@WhatMeRunning <> I use all the stress relievers suggested in that article apart from the counselling. I find meditation particularly helpful.
@Mrs_Hoffer <> I only take off Christmas Day from tracking (I do it a couple of days in advance, and adjust as necessary), so don’t have the hiatus of having to get back to it.
I also use distraction if I feel the munchies. My exercise of choice is to put on some rock music and boogie. 😂 it gets those feel-good endorphins into play.
@lesdarts180 <> (((Hugs))) You are a amazing and resourceful, the way you have dealt with all of that. As Teresa said, you are a strong woman and you will get through it.6 -
Yes x3
I don't find holidays too bad but I find it's best to pre prepare.
I will pre decide on days when I'll eat a bit more and I'll normally save some calories from the week leading up to it if that makes sense. So go under by an extra 50/100 calories to allow for a buffer. It also helps knowing in advance that I'll have lovely things just not today... In a week return I've planned it.5 -
Exercise - yes 15 mins yoga, 40 mins walking
Tracking - yes
Calories - no…just plain hungry today so I went over and I’m still going to bed hungry (should have had more fibre / protein!)
I think the holiday season is easier in the uk now I’ve read all these entries - it’s just Christmas and new year. December is busy and festive and fun but that’s when it starts. If we had thanksgiving too that would make the whole thing longer (and probably more stressful!).
@donna25trinity I think I’m the same as you, a pleaser. It’s second nature to put other people before me, I too am trying to get better at that. I really have to stop baking for everyone all the time, it’s a time sucker and sometimes a slippery slope to a sugar filled rubbish day. I think the sugar makes me stressed too!
@jjjcat happy anniversary
@lesdarts180 you’re right, one day at a time is the only way. And you might not think of yourself as strong but you have consistently kept up this group and your healthy habits at a time when everything must be so difficult. And by doing that you are also doing your best by your mental health and hence your family. Honestly, I think you are an inspiration.
@TerriRichardson112 I’m so impressed by you only taking a pass day on Christmas Day! That’s discipline!
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Sound insights bON, learning from our own experiences does help navigate the vast seas of advice. Congrats on another 3 yes day @SummerSkier
Sounds like a great walk today @lesdarts180 to go with those three ✅✅✅
Way to go @TerriRichardson112 I have usually done a 5k run 10k walk on Holidays as well in order to have extra calories.
I like the idea of banking a few 100 calorie under days @Geneveremfp that seems pretty simple. Congrats on getting all 3 goals today!
@Katiecan2021 I can see how it would be easier in other countries without Thanksgiving or otherwise something else in there. Here in the states the stores have piles upon piles of candy and baked goodies literally everywhere from October through the end of December simply changing the motif from one holiday to the next. By the time the Halloween candy is gone people are dealing with Thanksgiving leftovers, and then everything else throughout December.4 -
Exercise for 20+ minutes: Yes! 45 minutes today of stationary bike + lots of squats, oy!
Tracking; Yes! I have gotten better with doing this right after my meals/snacks
Within calorie budget: Yes!
Good topic in holiday plans considering next month's eat fest. I usually maintain my 4-5 day exercise regimen but do indulge on Thanksgiving day and taper off shortly after. I never aim for any weight loss during this time - just maintaining. I abandoned the whole eat through the holidays and start fresh on Jan 1 long ago - - those last suppers never work out.
I am sure the November challenge will be interesting for us all - will definitely need the group support.
7 -
October 14, 2021
Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? Yes
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? Yes
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? Yes
Kitchen Closed? Yes
Did you go "nuts" with nuts today? No (13 days -free)
Over Sugar macro today? No (8 days)
Pass day 1/3 (this is for accountability to myself and my records).5 -
4
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Congrats @Jillygirl0220 - I debated if it was too soon, but figured it can't hurt to post a couple weeks ahead of Halloween in case it helped anyone to think ahead if they haven't already.
Another excellent day @victorious554 -
Yes, yes and yes
Typically I gain during the holidays with family events starting in October. Since I have lost my COVID weight gain, my current focus is to greet New Year's Day at this current weight (or better). So I guess for this year my mindset has changed as I am thinking forward to how I will feel when I wake up on New Year's Day already at the weight I want to be. That is my current strategy for the holidays and I admit it is new for me. 6 -
Mrs_Hoffer wrote: »donna25trinity wrote: »Great topic @WhatMeRunningStress and anxiety for me personally? Well I had to work on putting myself 1st and loving my self 1st so I then in turn cld care and love my loved ones.
I got extremely unwell and almost didnt make it after the birth of my baby and one of the epiphanies i had was that most of the decisions i made was due to guilt and feeling sorry for others. So I had to let go of guilt and learn to say no.
Not putting so much weight on wat others think of me helped with my stress levels too.
Realising I needed to spend less time fixing those around me and instead look within.
Journal writing to dig deep, understand myself and get to the bottom of my feelings and triggers.
Gratitude and my faith helps a lot. Not trying to control everything and leaving my worries in the hands of god.
Lastly with the holiday season/summer In the past i wld hve ppl come stay all the time as we live in a beach house. This is exhausting and throws my routine out esp food and exercise wise as sometimes they stay for weeks at a time. All our spare time was taken up constantly hosting ppl whilst hubby and i also worked full time. I am not even sure how we managed to do it... This year I promised myself I won't be doing thatl..I will be very selective with who I have stay..
All of the above is a work in progress 4 me... Thanks for allowing me to share I' think I well and truly over shared. Ha ha. Look forward to hearing urs. Xo
@donna25trinity you didn't overshare at all! I think it's important to have a place (like the UAC!) to share your thoughts - and even voice your frustrations occasionally! Lol. I'm very GLAD that you've had the epiphanies that you have - it sounds like you've come a long way!
I appreciate YOU my friend!
Dido @mrs_hoffer I was so pleased the day I heard u were willing to step up and keep UAC going!!! Thank goodness!!! This place means so much to me and a lot others. Like minded ppl who alto we may different views and opinions there is still a abundance of respect, support and encouragement!! We are so lucky. Xo4 -
Exercise:
Tracking:
Calories: 4 -
October 14
✅✅✅
3 pass days used
Todays exercise was an upper body strength routine (same as Monday actually).
We get a lot of stress this time of year greatly exacerbated by the 3 autistic children's anxiety as these big treat and gift days approach. It's the season of meltdowns. So we cope with that.
As for food and exercise, normally I stick with it through the holidays and get a holiday cardio workout in to bank extra calories for any special meals. This year I may just have to eat smaller on the day. Not sure if I need to plan a pass day yet.
Outside of the counseling and journaling I follow all of those bits of advice in that article I shared. Although to be fair, running/walking and even posting here is therapeutic in a way, perhaps why I don't journal or do counseling. Although they are excellent ideas that serve many very well.6 -
@donna25trinity Good realization, consider less company too as your family grows. You won't get those years back.
@jjjcat Happy Anniversary! (That would have been mine also, except we couldn't get the hall we wanted on that night, so mine is a week later lol).
@lesdarts180, my heart breaks for you.
@victorious55 Great suggestions and yes, ty for the reminder, lately it's been too easy for me to forget where my focus should be (and especially since it's the reason for the season).
I'm not sure I can talk Christmas atm as I'm desperately trying to hang on to the longest summer I've ever had, lol, but I'll force myself... 😉
I usually don't have much trouble over the holidays if there aren't a lot of work functions and goodies brought into the office lunch room. For our family gathering, we do potluck and we have several wise choices filtered in. Eating normally before I get to the potluck helps prevent myself from bingeing once there (finally learned that one!). I've greatly simplified the holidays over the years as I needed them to be restful and not running from one function to the next (including the whole month of December). I also limit holiday shopping. I learned a long time ago that baking Christmas goodies ended with me mostly scarfing them down before the day ever arrived. So 2 years of that, and I stopped that tradition. I find it's very easy to control my environment while I have time off from work, including cooking. In her high school years and first 4 years of Uni, my daughter and I went to the gym together in the mornings and sometimes at night for a swim (since we were both less busy and had the free time during the holidays). That was always enjoyable. I canceled my membership when Covid hit and hers when she moved to a different province.
Yes x 3 today. Rain tonight, but luckily I went for a bike ride on lunch hour.
6 -
Excellent topic @WhatMeRunning
I treat my Christmas like every other celebration. I focus on the reason for the celebration. We just finished the Thanksgiving celebrations here in Canada. I plan, track, and make sure that I eat to fuel my body and not the reverse. No getting sick or guilt from too much eating. There are so many things to thank God for....
The focus for Christmas celebration is that God loves me so much as not to leave me the way that I am, He provided a saviour for me.
Should I then stuff myself so much as to be sick by getting fatter? I agree with @SummerSkier I have seen many people stuff themselves and then fall off the wagon for a long time or never get back up.
Have you noticed how full the gyms are in January and how empty they are by February? Oh O, I think I need to stop so that I don't end up writing a book here
Suggestions- Plan a pass day for Christmas day.
- Lose weight before the celebration period if possible or eat at maintenance.
- Put away treats (or give them out)
- Use all your knowledge of UAC. Come here everyday.
- Read today's suggestions from everyone and make a note for yourself. Things you will do differently.
- Shop online instead of moving from stores to stores. Stress has an effect on your weight and health.
- Prepare statements to say to food pushers when they come around your office with those treats (or put them quickly in the garbage)
- Make a list of things that you've done in the past celebrations that you need to change. Ask for suggestions from family members.
- Above all, remember that you are the only one that can "do" this healthy journey for yourself. This is one journey that nobody "do" for you.
5 -
10/14
Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? 👍🏻
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? 👍🏻
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? 👍🏻
Used 2 passes
Left 1 pass
~~~~~~~~
October goals
- Miracle Morning daily.
- yoga and strength training at least 3x weekly.
- average 30g or fewer net carbs per day
- No LNS daily, ONLY fruits6
