As some of you may know, I originally set goals of reaching 145 by the end of this month, and down to 140 by the end of December. After some thought I have decided to revise my goals. My new commitment is to maintain at 147 until the end of December, and once January comes to focus on losing again at the rate of 5 lbs. per month at a minimum.

As the poster child for seasonal depression, I am already finding it hard not to have little cheats. Besides what happened last weekend, I find I am eating more cheese and have added nuts. I'm also eating way more than I want to of those damn bars (why are they so good and convenient? And why are they on sale for $1.59 at GNC?). Stress is my middle (and first and last) name during the holiday season - I am socializing more and more stressed out. Wine is my beverage of choice and it is hard for me to resist it right now. There will be many parties etc. where I will probably not go off plan, but will eat more carbs than required to lose weight.

Soooo, I've decided to take it easy on myself. It has always been hard for me to maintain a weight loss. Maintaining until the end of the year will be a challenge for me, but one that is doable. It will also give me some experience in eating low carb in the 'real world.' I'm committed to the low carb woe for life. I feel so much better doing it, and I really don't miss the carbs (bread, rice, potatoes etc.) as much as I thought. I can do this!! If I can maintain until the end of the year I'll feel more confident about being able to keep this weight off once I'm done losing.

In the meantime, there are a couple of other goals I can work on:
1. Getting back to the gym: for four years, I went to the gym 4-6x per week religiously. I loved it, physically and emotionally. In the last 9 months I have "gotten out of the habit." So I need to get back into the habit - no excuses. Mini goal: to establish the habit of going to the gym 3-4x per week by 12/31.
2. The snacking issue: this is particularly difficult for me at work. I want to snack all day. Come to think of it it is also difficult for me in the evenings at home. I need to stop this. Mini goal: break the snacking habit at work and in the evenings at home by 12/31.

Would love feedback if anyone has some. You guys are so great!!!

Hi Tilly,

I'd say that it sounds like you know what your doing. It's not like your throwing it all to the wind and starting over in January. You plan on trying to maintain your weight loss and you have other goals set about snacking and the gym. When you go back to the gym I wouldn't be surprised if you'd drop a few more pounds.

Exercise is supose to be good for depression. I have heard about seasonal depression but dont know much about it.

Stick to your goals I you'll be fine.

Please, keep posting with us. I'm a firm believer that this helps!!

Tilly,
The holidays are for good times and to enjoy yourself. If you feel like you need to step back awhile from your eating plan and just maintain, then there is nothing wrong with that. It is only about a month we're talking about right? After the first of the year, get back on top of things. Besides, if your able to maintain your weight through the holidays, that is better than a lot of people can do.
Those darn bars. I finally just had to quit buying them. I find they were replacing real food.
My DH has always been SAD in the winter. It is important to have plenty of light. Replace your light bulbs with those new ones that imitate sunlight and keep your house well lit in the evening. Force yourself to do new things, just like going to the gym. Just because the sun goes down, doesn't mean you have to go to sleep. (It's hard to fight that urge, I know).
We're here for you, take care, Nikki

I think everyone feels it somewhat in the winter time, I am no exception myself. I try to at least get outside (yeah, and shiver too! ) to get some natural light, even if it is for only 15 minutes. And definitely get those new light bulbs, they are great!

Hey, thanks for all the feedback! I feel good today. In losing the 12 pounds I have lost, I achieved the most important thing - being able to fit into my winter clothes . Saved loads of money by not having to buy a new wardrobe!

For me it is not so much SAD as it is simple holiday depression. Why am I not married, no children yet, etc. I love my parents but spending the holidays with them sometimes makes me feel like I have no life. Plus the endless question, "so, are you seeing someone?" from family. Also, endings are very symbolic for me. New Year's Day feels like a whole new fresh start.

Anyway, I also tend to be really hard on myself at this time of year. So that's another goal - take it easy!

Of course I'll keep posting. It keeps me honest and it's so great to have the support. You can't keep me away! The only reason I don't post on the weekends is that I don't have a computer at home.

Tilly,
You have a life, in fact, lots of people probably wish they had your life. Be proud of yourself, who you are and what you've accomplished.
New Years Day is always a good day to start over and it seems like that is a good day to breathe a sigh of relief, since the holidays are over with too.

great thoughts, tilly. and just an FYI [although i'm sure everyone's tired of seeing this], the NIH recommends losing about 10% of your body weight and THEN MAINTAINING IT for 6 months before trying another weight loss cycle. the reason they're hoping this works is to prevent that awful, and dangerous, yo yo thing.

so, GO FOR IT!!!!!

Well, am I ever glad to hear that bit of news, Jiff. Whoever or whatever the NIH is, I thank them. Having lost 10% of my body weight over the course of a year, I've been just holding my own for the past five months. I know that more exercise would be the answer for me but I just can't seem to get motivated. There's no point in me even making a commitment to do more because I'd only blow it and let myself down again. What a terrible rut I've dug for myself!

I know how you feel about the family, not married and no kids.....family mean well, but sometimes they just dont take our feelings into consideration. Be thankful for the freedom you have, some of us rush into things to hush the gossipers. Mr Right is out there somewhere, and when you least expect it, he'll show up! So dont let everyone get to you about it.

You've done great on Atkins, and I wish you well, in the next month of maintaining. You know I'll be watching lol and reading your posts. Ive found you to be great support Tilly.

Keep posting!

Robin

lindaBC... NIH = the national institutes of health. US. BIIIGGGGG opinion makers. not always right but maybe that's because they're the government!!

www.nih.gov and search for obesity. there are lots of guidelines and information there. just remember, they talk about people in general, and we all know that we're different. so take what you need.. and leave the rest.