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DASHING THROUGH DECEMBER — HEALTHY HABIT CHALLENGE

77tes
77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
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December can be a challenging month for building healthy habits. On the other hand we are nearing the finish line of this marathon of the year 2024. With holiday events and time commitments, let’s not take our eyes off the prize of better health! Let’s prioritize exercise (and sleep!) which often get squeezed out when we’re busy. Our healthy habits will help us deal with the holiday stresses.


So rather than facing 2025 with a few extra pounds and too little exercise, let’s keep our healthy habits going.

What do you want to accomplish this month? How do you want things to be better for you in 2025? What can you do this month that you can carry into the new year? What WILL you do now?

Let's make this wrap up of 2024 a month of triumph!

Replies

  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    edited December 2024
    This month my goal is to increase the diversity of my plant-based foods, with a goal of 30 different plant foods per week.

    Today I made it to 13, which is pretty good. However, these are mostly my regular choices. This will mean I will need to find 17 other plant based foods.

    Plant-based food
    December 1-7
    1. Peppers 🫑 🌶️ red green
    2. Green onions 🧅
    3. Tomatoes 🍅
    4. Blueberries 🫐
    5. Fuji Apple 🍎
    6. Chick peas
    7. Spinach
    8. Artichoke
    9. Celery
    10. Carrots 🥕
    11. Peanut Butter 🥜
    12. Broccoli
    13. White Potatoes 🥔
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    @77tes Like the pb food ideas, an area that I try to work on, how about tofu and tempeh? Both a good source of protein and blend well with what you are cooking.

    I would like to shed the last it of weight but will be pleased with myself to just maintain an accomplishment for December. Still focusing on good choices, exercise and daily movement.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    @snowshoe072 , so far I haven’t found a tofu that I like, right now I’m just striving to increase the diversity of my choices. Good choices through the holidays is a fabulous goal. That’s pretty much what I was hoping for., but I decided to add in the plant variety, too.

    December 2

    It was a very busy active day, I took a long walk. I also did some strength training and yard work. I even did a spin workout while the puppy was napping.

    14. Prunes
    15. Great Northern Beans 🫘
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    December 3
    Another busy day, but not as much exercise as yesterday. Meetup exercise at the park and strength.

    16. Oatmeal 🥣
    17. Honeycrisp applesauce (not sure if different varieties of apples should count)
    18. Guavas
    19. Pumpkin pie 🥧
    20. Chocolate 🍫
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    Got a fast paced lunch time walk in windy on the way back but it’s the Adirondacks! Waiting for snow 4-6” by morning maybe a quick snowshoe tomorrow.

    Food choices good, added some resistance band work for my knees. Funny how we often forget what our P/T provider encourages me to do, once began again almost immediate relief.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    edited December 2024
    @snowshoe072 Bravo on the windy walk. Being a California girl, I have no idea how people in cold climates get outside. But your handle seems to be quite fitting!

    December 4 - I’m loving this month’s challenge. It’s really pushing me to include different vegetables and fruits. Collard greens are totally new to me!


    21. Banana 🍌
    22. Sweet potato 🍠
    23. Collard greens 🥬
    24. Almonds
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    Whoo Hoo! I hit my goal this week, and I may get a few more today.

    25. Eggplant 🍆
    26. Olives 🫒
    27. Brown rice 🍚
    28. Romaine lettuce 🥬
    29. Red leaf lettuce
    30. Spinach
    31. Avocado 🥑
  • Interbeing
    Interbeing Posts: 59 Member
    Great December challenge. Just dropped under 200lbs for the first time in quite a while, it surprised me that I was able to get through the Thanksgiving break without too much difficulty. 15 lb loss over the past three months. Feeling pretty good! Hoping to continue the course through the Christmas holidays.
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    Snow shoveling and more 6” of fresh fluff this morning on top of what we got depending on where I stand it’s over my knees😂😂 but no time for snowshoeing with Christmas coming.

    I made a really good Moroccan chick pea stew from simply quinoa web site enough left for dinner tomorrow and froze some. I did double the recipe. Staying to my post it but need to re focus it’s ok a new week. I know I got this ❄️❄️☃️
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    @interbeing wonderful! Congratulations making it to Onederland. Hitting that milestones after Thanksgiving is quite a feat! 👏👏

    @snowshoe072 I need to check out that chick pea stew . I usually get my chick peas in hummus, but I’d love another option.

    New week - new goal of 30 fruits and veggies, Fortunately, I can use last week’s list for ideas.
    This week will be more challenging since I’m doing all clear liquids today and I didn’t lay in enough juices.

    32. Peaches 🍑

    December 8 - 14

    1. Applesauce 🍎
    2. Avocado 🥑
    3. Peaches 🍑
    4. Spinach
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    @77tes if my memory is correct you are also part of the Hogwarts challenge, if so go to last weeks food section and it was in the spoiler for Kwanza food ideas along with the black eyed peas and slab bacon that was also very tasty.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    edited December 2024
    Thanks @snowshoe072 , I am part of the Hogwarts, but I already found the recipe on the recipe website and I’ve added the ingredients to my shopping list. Maybe I’ll try it next week. I like your idea of making a double batch and freezing one. Before I retired, I did that a lot.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    5. Celery
    6. Peanut Butter 🥜
    7. Sweet potato 🍠
    8. Brown rice 🍚
    9. Banana 🍌
    10. Blueberries 🫐
    11. Green onions
    12. Tomato 🍅
    13. Bell Peppers - green 🫑 and red 🌶️
    14. Chick Peas
    15. Artichoke
    16. Orange 🍊 (yay, the citrus in my yard is ripe)
    17. Carrot 🥕
    18. Almonds
    19. Walnuts
    20. Romaine lettuce 🥬
    21. Green and red leaf lettuce
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    All going well exercising eating well and limiting holiday stress
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,264 Member
    edited December 2024
    I am pleased that I returned to my maintenance range in November

    I like the plant based foods idea. It will be interesting to see how many I eat.

    My other focus this month has been consolidating my solid nutrition and exercise habits. I am concentrating on short HITT sessions. My exercise of choice is dancing.

    💃🧑‍🎄🎄❄️🎄🧑‍🎄💃
    🧑‍🎄💃 DANCING 💃🧑‍🎄
    💃🧑‍🎄 THROUGH 🧑‍🎄💃
    🧑‍🎄💃 DECEMBER 💃🧑‍🎄
    💃🧑‍🎄🎄❄️🎄🧑‍🎄💃
    5 x HITT session weekly
    💃💃🚶‍♀️💃💃🚶‍♀️💃
    💃🚶‍♀️💃💃💃💃

    Consolidating Heathy Habits
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

    Plant based foods
    1. Oatmeal
    2. Dried fruit
    3. Blueberries
    4. Soy milk
    5. Lettuce
    6. Tomatoes
    7. Cucumber
    8. Apple
    9. Broccoli
    10. Cauliflower
    11. Carrots
    12. Parsnips
    13. Brussels sprouts
    14. Mixed sweet peppers
    15. Crab apple jelly
    16. Tomato relish
    17. Olive oil
    18. Avocado
    19. Green beans
    20. Garden peas
    21. Baked beans
    22. Red onions
    23. Courgette
    24. Olives
    25. Brazils
    26. Almonds
    27. Cashews
    28. Chocolate
    29. Clementine
    30. Banana
    31. Leeks
    32. Celery
    33. Mushrooms
    34. Wholemeal Granary bread
    35. Herbs and spices
    36. Hazelnuts
    37. French beans
    38. Garlic
    39. Lemon juice
    40. Pesto
    41. Grapefruit
    42. Coffee
    43. Tea
    44. Prunes
    45. Grapes
    46. Houmous
    47. Chocolate
    48. Dulse (seaweed)
    49. Popcorn
    50. Potatos
    51. Potato Crisps
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    @TerriRichardson112 , I love the dancing through December theme! Dancing is the best exercise ever!

    I just enjoyed my dance class Christmas party last night - lots of goodies. And of course lots of dancing.

    Yay I hit my goal of 30 for the week, a persimmon from a dancing friend put me over the top.

    22. Oatmeal 🥣
    23. Flaxseed
    24. Prunes
    25. Sunflower Seeds 🌻
    26. Eggplant 🍆
    27. Olives 🫒
    28. Pumpkin
    29. Broccoli
    30. Persimmon
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    Week 3 - another opportunity to eat a wide range of plant foods

    December 16- 22

    1. Applesauce 🍎
    2. Spinach
    3. Celery
    4. Peanut Butter 🥜
    5. Carrots 🥕
    6. Green onions
    7. Tomato 🍅
    8. Bell Peppers - green 🫑 and red 🌶️
    9. Chick Peas
    10. Artichoke
    11. Sunflower Seeds 🌻
    12. Banana 🍌
    13. Blueberries 🫐
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    Maybe I should try your 30 on foods a week let me think on that one. Nice walk at lunch seems odd no snow where I work but plenty where I live ❄️❄️. Holiday lunch for work tomorrow and goodies after definite will need to focus.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    edited December 2024
    14. Flaxseed
    15. Oatmeal 🥣
    16. Walnuts
    17. Prunes
    18. Bok choy 🥬
    19. Ginger 🫚
    20. Rice 🍚
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    edited December 2024
    I didn’t make it to 30 this week. I was so busy with Christmas preparations that I didn’t make the extra effort.

    21. Pumpkin
    22. Almonds
    23. Multigrain Bread 🍞
    24. Broccoli 🥦
    25. Romaine lettuce 🥬
    26. Arugula
    27. Lemon 🍋
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,264 Member
    I am pleased that I returned to my maintenance range in November

    I like the plant based foods idea. It will be interesting to see how many I eat.

    My other focus this month has been consolidating my solid nutrition and exercise habits. I am concentrating on short HITT sessions. My exercise of choice is dancing.

    💃🧑‍🎄🎄❄️🎄🧑‍🎄💃
    🧑‍🎄💃 DANCING 💃🧑‍🎄
    💃🧑‍🎄 THROUGH 🧑‍🎄💃
    🧑‍🎄💃 DECEMBER 💃🧑‍🎄
    💃🧑‍🎄🎄❄️🎄🧑‍🎄💃
    5 x HITT session weekly
    💃💃🚶‍♀️💃💃🚶‍♀️💃
    💃🚶‍♀️💃💃💃💃💃
    🚶‍♀️💃💃💃💃🚶‍♀️💃
    💃🚶‍♀️

    Consolidating Heathy Habits
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄😂

    Plant based foods
    1. Oatmeal
    2. Dried fruit
    3. Blueberries
    4. Soy milk
    5. Lettuce
    6. Tomatoes
    7. Cucumber
    8. Apple
    9. Broccoli
    10. Cauliflower
    11. Carrots
    12. Parsnips
    13. Brussels sprouts
    14. Mixed sweet peppers
    15. Crab apple jelly
    16. Tomato relish
    17. Olive oil
    18. Avocado
    19. Green beans
    20. Garden peas
    21. Baked beans
    22. Red onions
    23. Courgette
    24. Olives
    25. Brazils
    26. Almonds
    27. Cashews
    28. Chocolate
    29. Clementine
    30. Banana
    31. Leeks
    32. Celery
    33. Mushrooms
    34. Wholemeal Granary bread
    35. Herbs and spices
    36. Hazelnuts
    37. French beans
    38. Garlic
    39. Lemon juice
    40. Pesto
    41. Grapefruit
    42. Coffee
    43. Tea
    44. Prunes
    45. Grapes
    46. Houmous
    47. Chocolate
    48. Dulse (seaweed)
    49. Popcorn
    50. Potatos
    51. Potato Crisps


  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    A more challenging month but still working on resetting, exercise and wise food choices they’re setting pretty much accomplished
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    Wishing everyone a very happy safe and happy holiday season 🎅🎄
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    I’m trying to finish up 2024 without too much indulgence. On Christmas Eve, the library delivered the audio book Fiber Fueled. Ha Ha 😆! Just in time for holiday treat consumption. I’m listening and pushing myself to eat more plant based foods. However, I also enjoyed those homemade goodies.

    December 23- 31
    1. Peanut Butter 🥜
    2. Apple 🍎
    3. Celery
    4. Carrots 🥕
    5. Pecans
    6. Chick peas
    7. Artichoke hearts
    8. Spinach
    9. Cucumber 🥒
    10. Banana 🍌
    11. Olives 🫒
    12. Pumpkin
    13. White potato 🥔
    14. Avocado 🥑
    15. Multi Grain Bread 🍞
    16. Cauliflower
    17. Broccoli 🥦
    18. Blueberries 🫐
    19. Blackberries
    20. Lemon 🍋
    21. Orange 🍊
    22. Oatmeal 🥣
    23. Walnuts
    24. Sweet Potato 🍠
    25. Tomatoes 🍅
    26. Scallions
    27. Jalapeño
    28. Pinto beans 🫘
    29. Tangerine 🍊
    30. Limes 🍋‍🟩
    31. Tortilla Riquísimas
  • snowshoe072
    snowshoe072 Posts: 5,307 Member
    Ahhh the candy is almost gone I stayed pretty consistent with food and choices, I would have exercised more but I think I am having a painful OA flare I hope it doesn’t last long I really don’t want to break out the “big” brace but I guess if it reduces pain…stay tuned.
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,264 Member
    I am pleased that I returned to my maintenance range in November

    I like the plant based foods idea. It will be interesting to see how many I eat.

    My other focus this month has been consolidating my solid nutrition and exercise habits. I am concentrating on short HIIT sessions. My exercise of choice is dancing.

    💃🧑‍🎄🎄❄️🎄🧑‍🎄💃
    🧑‍🎄💃 DANCING 💃🧑‍🎄
    💃🧑‍🎄 THROUGH 🧑‍🎄💃
    🧑‍🎄💃 DECEMBER 💃🧑‍🎄
    💃🧑‍🎄🎄❄️🎄🧑‍🎄💃
    5 x HITT session weekly
    💃💃🚶‍♀️💃💃🚶‍♀️💃
    💃🚶‍♀️💃💃💃💃💃
    🚶‍♀️💃💃💃💃🚶‍♀️💃
    💃🚶‍♀️💃💃💃💃🚶‍♀️
    💃🚶‍♀️
    Consolidating Heathy Habits
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄😌🎄🎄🎄🎄
    🎄🎄
    Plant based foods
    1. Oatmeal
    2. Dried fruit
    3. Blueberries
    4. Soy milk
    5. Lettuce
    6. Tomatoes
    7. Cucumber
    8. Apple
    9. Broccoli
    10. Cauliflower
    11. Carrots
    12. Parsnips
    13. Brussels sprouts
    14. Mixed sweet peppers
    15. Crab apple jelly
    16. Tomato relish
    17. Olive oil
    18. Avocado
    19. Green beans
    20. Garden peas
    21. Baked beans
    22. Red onions
    23. Courgette
    24. Olives
    25. Brazils
    26. Almonds
    27. Cashews
    28. Chocolate
    29. Clementine
    30. Banana
    31. Leeks
    32. Celery
    33. Mushrooms
    34. Wholemeal Granary bread
    35. Herbs and spices
    36. Hazelnuts
    37. French beans
    38. Garlic
    39. Lemon juice
    40. Pesto
    41. Grapefruit
    42. Coffee
    43. Tea
    44. Prunes
    45. Grapes
    46. Houmous
    47. Chocolate
    48. Dulse (seaweed)
    49. Popcorn
    50. Potatos
    51. Potato Crisps




  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,264 Member
    6th January is my 10th anniversary on MFP. I did have a streak of 3200+ until MFP removed the newsfeed earlier this year, when it reset to zero.
    SW: 227 lbs
    UGW: 140 lbs
    Aug 2017: Started maintaining < 155 lbs
    Continued to drop slowly
    Nov 2019: Final maintenance range < 140

    December & 2024 Review
    🔹Solid Habits maintained in December 👌
    💎 Reduced weight to prep for Christmas 👌

    🔹 2024 Focus:
    My aim is to maintain health and fitness by developing/consolidating supportive Solid Habits. Trying to keep joints as flexible as possible as wear and tear takes its toll.
    🔹Consolidation of habits 👌
    🔹Maintenance 130 < 140 👌

    Current Stats:
    • Terri, in Northern Ireland: age 78
    • 5’2”
    • Working on strength/stamina/flexibility
    • All my stats are in the normal range for my age/height.
    • Weight < 140
    • Fat% < 22%
    • Muscle% > 27%
    • CI < CO
    • Steps > 5,500
    • Intentional exercise > 50 mins daily
    • Active hours > 6 daily
    Daily Solid Habits I like to frame my aims in positive terms.
    Food
    🔹log All food and drink; stay under goal; balance macros/micros; Hydrate adequately; limit ‘empty’ snacks
    Exercise:
    🔹5,500+ Steps daily
    🔹50 + minutes intentional exercise
    Mind/Body/Soul/Spirit
    🔹Daily Mindfulness Practice/Meditation
    🔹Practice Self-care
    🔹Positively reframe thoughts
    🔹Learn something new
    🔹Communicate
    🔹Create/adapt positive habits
    🔹Puzzles/Art/Craft/Write/Read
    🔹15 mins Daily Declutter session
    569147nmlfkdnzlz.gif
    THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES OR SHORTCUTS to achieving permanent change.
    REMINDERS One or two thoughts which might give heart to some of you.
    • Daily weight fluctuations are normal, and can be more than
      2 lbs a day for no apparent reason.
    • A general downward trend is what we are looking for.
    • Eating out can cause apparent weight gain because of high sodium levels, but usually goes quickly. Drinking extra water helps with this.
    • The human body does not react instantly to what we do to it. Sometimes it can take several days to see results.
    • Plateaus are a normal part of the process. The body is consolidating and adapting to your new way of eating/exercising.
    • The closer you get to your goal weight, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight, as your body becomes more efficient at using what you feed it.
    • When you exercise you build muscle, which takes up less space than fat, so use measurements as well as weight to assess your progress.
    • Getting/Staying fit and healthy requires a lifestyle change for most people.
    Stick with the process. It DOES work! But it does take time, effort, and most of all, patience!

    Terri
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,603 Member
    @TerriRichardson112 , your post is so inspiring! I too am reaping the benefits of long term investment in my health!

    Grateful for all the strides I’ve made this year and looking forward to a perfect 2025. Because the number 2025 is a perfect square mathematically, perfection will happen, and I won’t even have to try. 😉🤣

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