I decided that I need a little bit more motivation, so I decided to set a goal for myself for Christmas. My goal is be at 175 by then, and I am currently 188 (tomorrow is a weigh in day for me). That means I have 8 weeks to lose 13 lbs!

kellyk1027 You go, Girl!

If you'd like some truly inspiring and supportive folks, you should come join our challenge in the area here at the forum called SUPPORT GROUPS and subtitle CHICKS UP FOR A CHALLANGE, the thread is called November Weight Loss Challenge http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/chic...challenge.html. (CLICK) It starts today, in fact, Nov. 1...never too late to sign up. You make your OWN goals, it's not a set amount for the month! Come join us!

Very smart kellyk1027! Different people need different motivations, but for me setting reasonable goals has been critical to my success. When my birthday came around I had no problem keeping the celebration in check because I was focused on making my October goal ... same thing with Halloween.

And I second MrsKevin's invitation! The monthly and holiday challenges are such an inspiration for me. My goal comes due in mid December (I'm hoping to be 175 in time for a big trip) but I determined what my target should be each month and use the challenges to keep me on track!

I am also setting a goal for christmas.
I want to lose 20 pounds.
I've already lost three pounds in one week.
My psychiatrist gave me medicine for my elevated thyroid levels
and she put me on prozac. It is said to decrease appetite.
I feel motivated and I believe I can do this.

I'm in, I want to lose 7 pounds by Christmas.

Thank you to everyone for the encouragement! I have joined the November Challenge, as well as the Thanksgiving challenge, so I am ready to get to work!!

My goal is to lose 14 lbs by Christmas! Good luck all : )

Reading all the posts has excited me to set a goal....Ive only just starter a low carb diet (11/2/13) but I am feeling really inspired. I would like to lose 25 lbs by Christmas....I know this will be hard work but I hope by posting my committment here will keep me focused and accountible...Good Luck Everyone....just to loose any lbs...is a blessing.

Okay, I hope I don't sound like a Debbie downer but this has been my experience with doing diets before Christmas.

I always gain the weight back, because Christmas sends me into a downward spiral. I always think "I did so well I deserve a treat."

So, I think it's a great idea just be aware of that trap when Christmas comes around. I think my problem is since the last few years I have lived away from my family and go visit them for 2 weeks every Christmas I have very little control of my food and I hate annoying people about my diet and feeling like I inflict it on them. But I think this year I will make an effort to buy some of my own groceries while I am there.

Does anyone else have Christmas tips that they do not to regain the weight?

You guys are all so inspiring! We are all going to do great!

PatLib - I do the 70% rule. I only eat 70% of what I normally would. I also eat on the low end of my calorie range for the few days leading up to the holiday and the days after.