Tips For Staying On Track Over The Holidays

[MsJulie]

T'is the season is fast approaching. I thought it might be helpful to have a thread with tips on how to stay on track over the holidays.

-I have scheduled days at the gym, and I don't plan on cutting them out just because I'm on Christmas vacation.
-snacks are a big thing in my house, especially when watching holiday movies! I plan to have plenty of pre-cut veggies on hand. I bought a starfrit thingy that will cut them into pretty shapes and curly-cues.

More?

[josephz2va]

• Don't take leftovers
• If you are, portion it correctly and choose the healthiest options (no breads, candy, or starchy foods)

[MsJulie]

I LOVE to bake!
But this year, I plan to give most, if not all of it away.
I won't be licking beaters, bowls or fingers either 🙂

[lyro]

Well, I won't totally deny myself anything that I really, really want, but I will try to be a little more picky this year so I don't wind up with eater's remorse.  That being said, I hope to stick to my fitbit goals which includes logging ALL of my food.  I take responsibility for my actions, so if I eat it, I log it!  I also like to bake, but like you, it is mostly all given away.  I am really not fearing the season...bring it on!

[Maxit]

Keeping alcohol intake minimal will help me over the holidays, I know.  Tracking everything I eat helps, too.

[HelenaFitbit]

Cook for others

Share big meals.

Don't take leftovers. 

Be mindful of your food but don't put too much pressure on yourself. 

Relax! It's the holiday season, don't spoil your family/friends time by denying any goodies.

Dance! It's fun and you burn calories 

[traisfine]

I do not know if my plan is a very good one for coping with all of the temptations during the holiday, but I have to be realistic with myself.  My house is the gathering place for holidays, so resisting temptation and denying myself the worderful goodies will not work.  But, I plan on starting my day out with an hour workout everyday to help offset the excess calories.  At least that way I can maintain my calorie daily allowance without going over.

[HelenaFitbit]

Great suggestion @traisfine! Starting the day with a workout is a great way to face the day and avoid losing the holiday fun 

[BethS123]

I have been working on moving more everyday. But after there is a 3 mile family walk too. i know not every one can do so but maybe moving together is something good.

[karenstl]

Here's a good video with some simple and common sense approaches to the Holidays:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7GHDihPyvo

Definitely good tips. Enjoy!

[BethS123]

Thanks for posting this it was helpful.

[MsJulie]

You're welcome Beth.
My motives were somewhat selfish though.....I want to sponge up everyone else's wisdom 🙂

[Anna]

Just took a look at the Youtube clip, three great ideas to manage holiday celebrations. Very simple, easy and effective yet still allow you to enjoy the day. Thanks for the link.

[Marcy]

---

@helenarriaza wrote:

Cook for others

Share big meals.

Don't take leftovers. 

Be mindful of your food but don't put too much pressure on yourself. 

Relax! It's the holiday season, don't spoil your family/friends time by denying any goodies.

Dance! It's fun and you burn calories 

---

Your comments have me thinking.  Providing excess holiday food/goodies no longer seems the caring thing to do as this works against most loved one's struggle to say healthy and fit.  

[HelenaFitbit]

There might be a point of conflict, but my previous response comes from my own experiences.

I've spent a ton of Christmasses and Newyears avoiding meals, refusing chocolates and social events just because I'd thought that would aid with my weight loss. Not only I ended up making family or friends upset since I refused and became upset when they insisted on giving me a treat, but I also was miserable of all the events I missed just because I refused to bend my rules a bit or calculate my caloric budget to allow them to happen. 

I know this is not everyone's case and I had a lot of context conflicts that made it worse. Now I've learned that as long as I'm responsible of my calories and the basic rule of "ate it, burn it". You can get your friends and family to work with you and seeing your dedication may give them a sense of responsibility of your actions. 

[Marcy]

I hear you.  It's really a societal problem.

I noticed I tended to overeat when lunching with coworkers. Rejecting their invitations to lunch was awkward, but, later, unexpectedly motivational.  I HAD to lose weight so they knew I was serious about my diet and not alienating them. 🙂  

[MsJulie]

Good points Helen.
Often, friends and neighbors bring treats over, home made cookies, fudge and other sweets.
I plan on 'sharing the wealth' and bringing it to work to put in the staff room for everyone to enjoy.
I don't have a big sweet tooth, so it doesn't take a lot of discipline when it comes to cookies, cakes and desserts.......it's the mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and...yes...turkey skin....that Is y demon 🙂