Congratulations to all!! We made it though this arduous dieting season. I have always heard the period from Halloween to Christmas is one of the most difficult periods to diet. Now we are finally past that (well in a few hours at least). For those that stayed strong, big high five. For those looking to restart, now's your time. Looking forward to reading about all the pounds melting away over the next few weeks to months. I am sending good thoughts and willpower everyone's way -- and I salute all that make any effort to lose a few. It's a tough road, but very worthwhile.

I feel like the hard part is over with, finally! No more parties with food and tons of desserts.

Congrats everyone!

I am very proud of all of us! I am so happy that I did not cheat at all! My husband usually fills my stocking with candy/sweets but today I found 2english cucumbers and a head of broccoli and "Santa" brought me the scale I wanted! Now that is support!

Congrats everyone!!

It's definitely been a challenge, but I didn't give in! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.

I will be the first to say, starting at Thanksgiving and going into Christmas on the protocol may have seemed nuts to many of my friends and family, but, I did it...and so did all of us! Plus, we are not among the millions who are making a New Year's resolution...we are well on our way!

Loved reading all these posts! Congrats to one and all. Boy. if one can make it through this period, the rest of the year is going to feel like a breeze. Seems like on New Years, we have half the planet on our bandwagon with all the "lose a few pounds" resolutions being made. That will feel more like swimming downstream, rather than upstream against the current.

Yeah for the first Christmas ever that I will lose weigh!

Congrats to all that stayed the course....

Yes, it's great reading about all these successes and continuing efforts. I too made it through the holidays OP. It feels amazing and encouraging to reaffirm the fact that I have the strength and will to make smart choices once I am into maintenance.

Keep up the great work everyone and happy holidays.

DH got me a Nutribullet and mandolin for Christmas -- I think he gets it!!

ladelineb, THAT is a great DH for sure!!!


I made it through the holidays...but in my history...a possible time of weakness is right after a stretch of being "good!" I have to keep focused or I could easily fall...

It sure does feel good to be in control though...I just know how easily I could lose it...

Avalon - I love what you posted on the "apple". It reminds me that when I stick to it perfectly, I am really and truly building a new me! That is a really powerful thought. Thanks as always for your great advice and guidance.

Only one tricky day (Christmas Day), but I lost half a pound over 25th/26th so I'm hoping for at least 2 lbs gone this week. Heading for the 180s and very excited as this will be the lowest weight I've been in 20 years.

Stay strong, IPeeps. We can do this!