Patzi - Great job! You are absolutely right about the cheating. I still struggle with that from time to time, but like to think I'm getting better.
I just got an MRC e-mail with these tips. I hope they help everyone.
Those who are not monitoring their weight gain 6-16 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Below are some great tips for getting through the holidays:
Plan ahead. Preparation is the key to success. Think ahead, prepare meals in advance and write out shopping lists. If you have the things you need to be successful, the program will feel much easier, and you will not find yourself “stuck” without choices.
Drink water. Water helps you stay well hydrated, satisfied and in balance, and keeps your hands busy. Much of the time we think we are hungry; we are truly thirsty — so try quenching your thirst first.
Use your HNS. High Nutrient Supplements (protein drinks) will be your best friend this holiday season. They satisfy your appetite, taste great and help you overcome cravings. Mix your HNS with a fizzy soda like Diet Sprite and presto — you have mock cocktail!
Keep a food sheet. Now more than ever your food sheet will help keep you on track. The food sheet holds you accountable, and can often be your “silent helper.” After all, if you don’t want to write it down, you probably won’t eat it.
Visualize. Begin thinking about what it looks like to be in control this year. What choices will you make at the holiday party or family dinner? Be as descriptive as possible — what are you wearing, how do you feel, how do you handle feeders with confidence.
Journal. If you face the upcoming season with some dread or tension, journaling is a great way to help you process your feelings and manage your emotions.
Get support. Support can come in many forms — friends, family, co-workers and the MRC team. Be sure to weigh-in at least twice per week — you need plenty of support during the holidays. Tell your support team that you plan to stay on track and lose weight this month, and ask them to help you. Also, make a MRC wish list, detailing the HNS flavors, herbs and
vitamins that your family and friends can give as gifts.
Say "no." Graciously decline foods offered that are not on your program. Simply say, “No, thank you” or “Thank you, maybe later.” This is usually enough to get feeders off your back.
Cook. When you are invited to a holiday party, offer to bring something that is on your program. Everyone will love the Spinach Artichoke Casserole (on page 116 of the MRC Cookbook), and you will know you have what you need to stay on program.
Exercise. Don't stay in all day sitting or lying down. Exercise also helps to relieve stress, gives us a moment to think and gain perspective, and keeps us in touch with our body. Clients say when they start their day with exercise, it becomes much harder to deviate, because they don’t want to undo their hard work.
Set Goals. How many pounds do you want to lose this month? What size do you want to be in on New Year’s Eve? Keep your eye on the prize — you can do it!
