From all the posts I've been reading, everyone has been struggling with staying on track during the holidays. I just got married, and with all the celebrating and the holidays, I have completely gone off track. The honeymoon was full of drinking, food, and fun in the sun. The holidays were full of sweets, more cocktails, and cookies. Talk about sugar coma!

I feel so bloated and weighed down.

How do I get back on track? I was doing so well before. I'm trying not to get down on myself, but it's just been one eating obligation after another.

Sometimes getting back on track is harder than starting at all. I had a rough time at the beginning of this year (2012). It took me about 3 months to finally get back on track. I just kept saying "I'll do better starting 'now'". I did that many times before I finally got serious.

I think that's the best you can do. When you wake up in the morning, make a decision to get serious that day, and make better choices. You may have to get serious "now" many, many times but eventually you'll get there. Don't neglect your 3FC check ins, either!

I think once we get passed New Years, it ought to be easier.

I just remembered some of my favorite low calorie meals from my most successful losses. Looking back at my logged meals helped. Delicious and easy so I didn't feel like I was denied anything. And I plan for calories from the sweets I crave.

Make one small goal and build on it. Eating a certain amount of veggies a day, having structured meal times, counting cups of water, anything! Start small, do it for a week, then add in another goal.

That was WAY more effective for me.

I hear you. I've had a harder time this holiday season than last year. I'm not sure why. I think the key to getting back on track is planning, whatever shape that takes.

F.

Thanks everyone!

I surfed the 3FC website for a while, and then I decided to prep my meals for the week. I asked the husband to help, and he said "Don't you have a 3-day work week?" And I said, "Yeah, but tomorrow is still Monday." I usually prep my meals Sat or Sun after grocery shopping.

So, I portioned out my food and I'll start here.

One step at a time, right?

Yes, one step at a time, you can do it.

Excellent article. After having three successful months with SparkPeople, I slipped up and have been having problems over the past two months getting back on track. Now with Christmas less than a month away, I've been feeling discouraged and "What's the point?" when I think about getting back on track. This article is helping to get my motivation and excitement back.