Eighteen months ago, I lost 65 pounds and have kept it off. Last year’s holiday season, it was easy to resist the numerous temptations because I was still excited about my initial weight loss and had lots of incentive to maintain my healthy habits rather than give into the numerous treats available this time of year.
But now, a year later, I’m worried it will be more difficult to resist the temptations, so I’ve decided to put together a plan that focuses on maintaining my weight through to January 2.
Be extra diligent between holiday events
While I try to eat healthy most of the time, I would admit to occasional less-than-healthy lapses. This is a good time to rededicate myself to the healthy habits that helped me to lose weight in the first place: portion size, no sweets or salty snacks, whole foods, planning my meals and stopping when I’m full to name a few.
Before any party, eat a piece of fruit and drink a large glass of water but don’t skip meals
The sugar in the fruit will lessen my desire for sweets and the glass of water, along with the fruit, will help to provide a feeling of fullness. The one thing I don’t want to do is skip meals thinking I’ll be saving calories for later. This will just lead to overeating at the party itself. I should also concentrate on stopping my food consumption before I feel stuffed.
Focus on eating whole foods, whether vegetables, fruit, or lean meats. Try to avoid eating processed foods
When presented with a large variety of food, concentrate on choosing whole foods such as healthy meats, vegetables or fruits, salads, etc. If there are few or no healthy choices, then as much as possible, scrape off the heavy sauces and coatings that may be on them. Stay away from overly processed casseroles and other foods. I can always bring something healthy as an example for others.
Because some foods are only available this time of year, allow myself to have a little, but only a bite or two
Some treats I just can’t resist because they are typically only available this time of year – I’m thinking primarily of fancy cookies like pizzelles, buckeyes, and nut rolls. Instead of denying myself and then trying to resist a serious craving that may lead to an even worse binge, allow myself one or two bites, but not of every one. Choose one or two and be satisfied with that.
Don’t allow other commitments to be excuses for not continuing my regular exercise program
With so many other things going on, it will be more difficult to find the time to get my daily exercise. I need to make exercise a high priority in my day and, if I go a day without it, double up the next day.
Lastly, if I do eat too much, don’t use it as an excuse to “give up” until after Christmas. Instead forgive myself, forget it and move on, remembering that the long-term expectation is progress and not perfection.