Brr! It's 4 degrees here and not supposed to get much warmer today.

So it's the final countdown for those who celebrate Christmas! I think I'm ready -- or will be after I do a gigantic grocery shopping this morning. My plan is to hit the gym and then the grocery store to hopefully beat the crowds. Then I work from 10:30 am - 9:00 pm, so that's the rest of the day.

I actually lost a couple of pounds last week, so maintenance -- so far -- for this holiday season has been successful. Of course, this week is the true test, especially because DD and her family are coming to visit the day after Christmas. So we'll be having two Christmas dinners this year, plus many more special meals.

How is everyone else doing with the holidays? Who's hosting the family this year? () I know some of you are traveling, so you arrive safely and without too much bother.

Stay warm and dry!

Good morning.

Well Meg, I guess then I shouldn't complain about it being incredibly windy and a balmy 15 degrees here. Windchill of 3 degrees below zero. But, I can't help it! It's COLD. Brrrr. And we've got ice everywhere which has definitely derailed my walking.

I had a horrendous, horrendous Friday and an even worse Saturday. I'm talking foodwise here. Saturday, I actually scared myself, that's just how poorly I ate. And I felt so horrible afterwards. And during for that matter. My stomach actually hurt. I was in that sugar/carb-y stupor that I hadn't experienced in ages. Saturday night I was lethargic and out of it. Zero energy. Just like the old days.

I know for sure that I've finally learned that I don't like to overeat, but sadly, even though I've learned it and I know it for certain, who am I kidding, it's most likely going to happen again. Most likely? Umm, it's GOING to happen again. But why? Why does it happen again? And again? Can this really be the time that I re-learned it for real?????? Nah.

Okay, done ranting.

Sunday was actually quite excellent. It was the first night of Chanukah and that means fried potato pancakes (latkes). Well I made tons of them and ate only 1 tiny one. Which was I planned into my POP day. I also made sweet potato latkes. I baked them in the oven with non-stick cooking spray. They were EXCELLENT. Really, really delicious and easy. Everyone loved them. And I hadn't expected them to, as they were all looking at them oddly when I was making them. I didn't have enough of them. I'm going to make them again, even when it's not the holiday.

Our big extended family party is this coming Saturday night. But I've got all my kids home and they will be bringing their BF's home for the weekend. And we're having a big Friday night dinner here.

Oh, but that's okay. I'm not worried. Because I've (re)learned that I don't like it when I over eat.

But seriously, I hope this past weekends' memories will at least be forefront enough in my mind to get me through this next week - safely.

Have a wonderful holiday week everyone. Enjoy your families and your friends.

Robin, unfortunately that's a lesson that I seem to have to constantly re-learn even after 7 years. Happy Hanukkah I tried sweet potato latkes a couple of times and while I liked them, my family (even the non-Jewish ones) turned up their noses and wanted REAL latkes

Have a successful, fun week, everyone!

Mel

I am sorry for popping over here when I'm so not maintaining. I really want to say how inspiring you all are...even when you're struggling. You make someone like me (an all or nothing type) realize that it doesn't have to be 100% of the time to be successful. 3 years ago I went from 223 lbs to 146 lbs in 7 months following the fat flush plan. But I gained it back in 2007 because I didn't know how to eat real foods in moderation. Now, here you all are, most of you are calorie counters (I've read, and I'm learning) and you are at maintenance and still working and making choices...most good...95% of time. Thank you all. Even when you're "messing up" you are helping those of us who are still trying to figure it out!!!

Just put me in the "messing up" category. Every day I wake up with new resolve to do better, then the candy, cookies, etc. get the best of me. I am scared to get on the scale.

I skipped the gym yesterday as I was recovering from my husband's company holiday party on Sat. night. Then yesterday afternoon the main water pipe between the street and our house burst and our front yard was flooded. I am waiting for the plumber to come as I type, but we have no water and I don't know how long it's going to take to fix. Even if I can't get to the gym I can try a home workout, but the kids are here, too which makes it more difficult.

Anyway, enough of my whining - I hope everyone stays warm and has a great day.

I'm messing up more in the too many drinks category. My eating has been really, really good. But an extra glass of wine with dinner? Not such a good idea.

Saturday I baked 5 different batches of cookies, and guess what? DD and I split exactly one cookie! All the rest are safely tucked away for gift giving on Christmas eve.

Funny story: I was making my shopping list and going over all my cookie recipes and I wrote down coconut. I even bought it (sometimes, even though it's on my list I forget). So I bring home all my ingredients and I'm in the middle of baking when I realize I don't have a recipe that calls for coconut. What? Where did I get it in my mind that I needed coconut? I checked all my cookie recipes and found only one that calls for coconut and I had not pulled that one out to bake. So, today I'll stop at the store to buy almond extract so I can go home and make coconut macaroons. No sense wasting perfectly good coconut!

It's freezing here too!

Meg, I'm hosting the family this year. It's working out okay so far, although we have junk in the house so I've been eating some of it. I've gotten all my workouts in though so I'm on track there at least -- ran my 2.5 miles this morning and felt great!

Weight is staying stable so far in the 142 range.

Good morning maintainers! No work for me for 2 weeks so hopefully I'll be able to check in more (despite the relatives!)

I really pity those in cold weather. I can not handle it. It is in the 40s here and I'm freezing. Dreading just the walk to my car and into the gym to workout-- true wimp I am!

Allison-- good job on resisting the cookies and funny on the coconut. Santa still wants his traditional chocolate chip cookies so I'll be making those but hopefully no others.

Robin-- sounds like that memory will stick with you for a long time. Maybe journal how you felt when you overate and put it somewhere you can see as a reminder?

We are making our latkes tonight. I am going to make sweet potato/potato mixed latkes and plan on having just one. We will be baking them instead of frying them as well.

All of our Christian relatives have started arriving so I expect many challenges and headaches in the upcoming weeks. Dh told me he was going to cancel the rental van he rented as he thought we could make it with just our cars to transport everyone. Then he told me it would have cost $1000 for the rental-- ahem-- you weren't going to tell me that?!?! I would have died......

I am off to the gym and the grocery store. Then I'm going to the consignment store to see if I can find a loveseat or chairs to house our extra people. We just have a small couch and one chair which won't fit everyone. We had a larger couch which we tried to move into the living room last night and 1. it wouldn't fit it is so huge 2. it has unsafe things sticking up that we are afraid my toddler niece would hurt herself on.

I still have a headache and swollen lymph nodes. I wish my body would get over it and just feel better.

Add me to the list of "not doing so well". I make a play. Now, if I could just stick to it! Seems that every where i look there is temptation. But the season will soon be over and the junk will be out of the house and hopefully, my mind. If it's not there you can't eat it. One good thing, there isn't as much junk being brought into the hospital as there usually is.
and i'm off now untill next Wed. so I have plenty of time to exercise. Which I just did. Day one....exercise over, I have a healthy dinner planned.

Robin, i don't know when you GET that over eating, especially the wrong things, just make you feel terrible. I know, I KNOW it will make me feel bad and I still do it occasionally.

Kristen, We're all still working hard and learning as we go. And yes, i'm a calorie counter too.

Wardhog, OH no!! Sorry about the front yard swimming pool. Hope the plumber gets there soon.

Allison, how much will power do you have lady. You made all those cookies and only ate 1/2 of one!

Jessica, if you're keeping your weight steady you're doing something right. Eating some treats is fine. It is the Holiday season. But the trick is to just enjoy a bit of something and not feel that you need more. The "more" does not taste any better.

Mitchele, Hope you start feeling better soon.

Freda

Good morning all!

I am happy to report that our pornographic poltergeist has been silent. DH wants to put up a sign: 8 days since the last vandalism.


Congrats on the pounds lost, Meg. Sounds like a great way to enter Christmas week. Have fun with the family!


Hi Robin, I have to relearn that lesson over and over and over and over too. I don't get it....I am a smart person. Even goldfish can LEARN stuff. Why can't I? Sometimes I get frustrated with myself, but there is only ONE choice and you know it.....get back on plan and try again. Now I want a latke....


Mel, you're making me want a latke too!


Hi Kmac! Anyone who does not want to GAIN weight back is a maintainer. You are quite welcome to hang out here. This is a very special corner of the internet....where else is there this kind of support and knowledge. I have had several moments over the years but the biggest one was when Meg wrote that her life maintaining the weight looks a lot like her life while losing the weight.....Ahhh, so that is how it is done!!

Ward, I hope the repairs go smoothly.


Nice job on the run, Jessica!


You inspire me, Allison. Today is cookie baking day here. I will channel your discipline!


Hey Michele, you're not helping with the latke craving here! Hang in there with the relatives. I hope you're feeling better soon.

Hi Freda! Our hospital looks more like a bakery these days. I'm glad your temptations are a little less.

Have a good one all!!

Howdy!

Rabbit - so glad you were cheering for the solstice! I was too, and we gained light today - YAY (even it was less than a minute ) But it was below zero all weekend, and is right a zero (F of course) now.

Had my work party Friday night. It was fun, and I was sooo good with the food I amazed myself. Had one drink, 2 bites of artichoke dip, and ate only 1/2 of what I took from the buffet. Sat night was another party, and again I didn't eat much: 3 or 4 shrimp (boiled), plus one nutmeg bar and a couple of glasses of glogg (hot spiced wine). Helps that DH had come home from working at the recycle center very hungry so we had homemade veggie pizza before we went to the party.

What has been suffering is my exercise. There's so much going on and work is busy as well, plus I was sick much of last month - not enough to keep me home, but enough that I was worn out when I got home. I'm better now, and life is slowing back to normal, so my plan is to get back to the gym or some home exercise (gym is closed early Christmas eve, all day Christmas and the day after; need to check the pool schedule)

Hmmm, sweet potato latkes sound good.....

I've been far from on plan, but am deciding to not worry too much until the new year... or at least after I return from DC. I know I'm probably going to be pushing 130 or maybe a little over, but I am ok with that, as I fully intend to get 100% back on my very clean eating routine + very strict exercise regimen after the holidays. I was beating myself up over staying on plan before and decided I needed a little break for the sake of my sanity. A slew of mental health days, if you will.

I am quite certain that Aunt Flo will be visiting me soon, as I'm getting MAAAAAD cravings. Like, I WANT FUDGE NOW! And pizza! And Chinese food! And pasta! And ICE CREAM! And if I don't get ALL OF IT, Im'ma HURT SOMEBODY! I'm getting cravings like a pregnant lady -- only I am quite certain I am not pregnant

The good news is that I have not gained any weight yet.

The better news is that I am almost over this infection. My voice has fully returned, I am no longer getting coughing fits at night, and I'm not feeling weak anymore. There is still slight pain in my throat, but it is only slight and I can live with it for now.

Oh... my endocrinologist referred me to a psychologist who specializes in dealing with people who have chronic illnesses. I gave him a blank look and said, "The first word in psychologist is psycho " But... after some careful consideration and contemplation, I decided to see him today. He taught me a bunch of breathing exercises and told me that he was determined to get me to relax. He also told me I was too young to worry about things -- it is funny how people who are older sometimes judge the lives of those younger. I must admit, though, it was nice to have someone to rant about my life to who could listen to everything objectively.

Daaaang, Allison, I am envious of your discipline Do you happen to share that will power dust? OH... AND the macaroons?

Meg, I'm envious of you, too. You LOST weight over the holidays? BRAVO, lady!

Pat - even if your exercise has not been on plan, I commend you on your eating

Robin, your post struck a chord with me. I have been feeling the same way: I have been horribly off plan and then realized, "Wow, I don't like overeating. I just thought I did! CRAZY ME!" It just keeps happening because... hm... well, I know it is different for everyone, but... maybe food genuinely makes you happy? And you like the way it tastes? Crap food is really addicting, too. You just can't stop at one bite. Or... errr... I can't, anyway. If it is unhealthy and delicious, I have to eat it until it's gone and reap the rewards afterwards.

kmac - feel free to pop in here any time No one here (or anywhere else in the world!) is perfect. If I had a dollar for every time I messed up on my diet/exercise regimen, I'd be a very rich lady. I probably wouldn't need a dayjob for a few years. However, just like everyone else here, I may mess up all the time, but I keep going anyway, dust myself off, and remind myself that tomorrow is another day where I can do things right.

My kids are now moving into week #2, yep, #2 of a nasty GI bug. I'm keeping my head above water, but barely. Hoping it's over soon--the ped said this bug is a two weeker.

Anne

QUOTE] I tried sweet potato latkes a couple of times and while I liked them, my family (even the non-Jewish ones) turned up their noses and wanted REAL latkes [/QUOTE]

Oh don't get me wrong. They really liked the sweet potato latkes, like I mentioned. But no way does that mean they didn't want the genuine article as well. I never would have gotten away making just the sweet ones. Never in a million years. They were very good, but not very "Chanukah/latke like".

The sweet potato latkes were a great recipe and I am going to use it as a side dish from time to time. One of these days in the near future I will post the recipe in the recipe section.

Oh gosh Anne, I hope your kids recover swiftly. NOT easy having to deal with that.

midwife, I'm glad to hear that your 8 days without incident.

waterrat, you did amazingly well.

michele, enjoy those 2 weeks off. Wow. 2 weeks! I hope you will be feeling 100% soon.

Alison, I had my kids bake cookies today while I was at work. You did GREAT though!

I see I'm not alone in having to learn the same lesson over and over and over again. I wish I knew what that was all about. So many things we "get" right away, no need to relearn it. What is it about - food - that gets us time and again and all logic flies out the window?

You know, now that I think about it, sure from *time to time* we all need to ummm, relearn that lesson, but I think for the most part, all of us do a pretty darn good job at remembering why we don't like to overeat. We remember why we don't like to overeat - and hello - we don't overeat - most of the time.

And a big hearty hello to kmac. Yup, all of us stumble from time to time, no doubt. But it's never an option to not pick ourselves up, having made thecommitment to lead a healthy lifestyle. I rely on the healthy habits that I've incorporated into my life to get me back on track. ASAP. And each and every time, without fail, I am relieved and grateful to be back where I belong, because as I am once again reminded that that's exactly where I want to be.

Anyway, today was indeed POP. Just the way I like it. Night night all.

I'm popping in and out. Still OP since Friday. One Christmas dinner cancelled due to storm and possibly Christmas eve too, again due to storms.

DH has already laid in all sorts of fattening stuff and alcohol since he was given the job of grocery shopping for our house. SIGH!

Should have put that in my New Year's goals - try to save DH from himself in 2009 by setting an example.

Will check in again when next at my house. Computer screen at the dog sit is the size of a postage stamp and I think they have dial up - driving me crazy! I have been thoroughly spoiled by my set up at home.

Happy Holidays!

Dagmar