Good morning all.

The Christmas temptations begin. Last evening my Danish neighbor brought over a made-from-scratch German Chocolate cake dripping with pecan frosting and still warm from the oven. This kind and generous woman is a dessert goddess. She even makes her own homemade French pastries: éclairs, Bavarian creams, you name it.

My family dove into the cake with great gusto. Eventually the aroma overcame me, and I weakened and had a small piece. (Yes, it was to die for!)

So, all morning I’ve been trying to think of a better strategy for handling the barrage of Christmas food gifts that will be passing under my nose during the next few weeks. It isn’t an easy issue. For some of my relatives, especially the older ones who are on fixed incomes, sending homemade Christmas cookies, peanut brittle, fudge, and other assorted goodies is not only a tradition, but the only gift they can afford. It means a lot to them to be able to give something that everyone will enjoy. I know that if I asked them to not send food, or to send healthier food, they would be hurt.

Another big factor is that weight gain is not an issue for my husband and sons and they LOVE the Christmas food gifts. I don’t keep a lot of sweets around the house during the rest of the year, so they really look forward to that aspect of the Christmas season. I know they would forego the nuts and goodies and toss them in the trash if I asked them to, but I wouldn’t feel right about it.

What I will do is ask my family to keep the goodies out of sight (no plates of brownies on the kitchen counter). Do any of you have other ideas or suggestions? I will need all the help I can get.

Trying to stay strong,
Florafae

you can stay strong flora.

everything in moderation. you don't want to cut it out completely I'm sure, but again don't go eat the entire box of chocolates either! :lol:

Anyways that's my plan, moderation. There is no way that I'll be able to make it through and continue to lose if I don't allow myself some treats. (Because if I would- I know myself too good, once I get to goal I would definitely over indulge in the things I had been denying myself)

Flora,
I feel for your predicament. I would say sample a little bit of everything, but I know when I try that, it only gets me started. So you know your body best. If you can handle a lttle, try that. Just add whatever you do to your daily calorie intake. Here is what Dr. Laura said yesterday to do while dieting: (she's a radio psychologist) "Eat no junk food while dieting, except for once a week. Then you can have a treat." Of course, I don't know if she is talking about Christmas time.

I do, however, tell my hubby to hide his treats from me. He doesn't have a weight problem, and he is good about hiding them. When I don't see them, I'm not tempted.

Good luck to you, Flora. We're all rooting for you.

Kandice, thank you for rooting me on. Every little cheer makes me stronger!

(Hugs),
Dena :cool:

Thank you Kandice and Dena. Great suggestions! Moderation has got to be the key. How come I keep forgetting this basic fact? Total deprivation may work for a little while, but eventually I cave in and end up eating more than a reasonable amount.

When the Holiday goodies start arriving, I think I’ll try this: I’ll allow myself a small treat every day after supper and work the calories into my daily count as best as possible. It just makes sense. If I try to avoid the goodies entirely, I will end up slipping into random unconscious eating, which is my biggest downfall. When I’m in unconscious eating mode, I have a little bite here, a nibble there, and before I know it, I’m halfway through a bag of chips, and I don’t even realize it.

So, thank you both. I’m feeling more in control already.

Florafae

Good Morning, Everyone!

Well, I promised to eat less cals and I did... 760. I didn't weigh myself this morning, because I know how my body fluctuates, and I love this feeling of being in control and strength. Plus, I feel better physically. I've been reading how omega-3 oils are excellent for our bodies, so I am eating more fish, something I never thought I would do. :lol: I'm so glad I'm back on track after Thanksgiving, and it took a whole week to feel strong again!

Bonnie, I love your attitude and tips. You are right... I must take responsibility for everything that goes into my mouth and deal with the consequences. How do you handle times of stress? That's when I forget my responsibilities to my body.

Gals, maybe we can talk about this... Emotional eating. I'm doing okay now, but whenever I am super stressed, I seem to run to the refrigerator. At least, that's what I see happened in the past, and I want to break that habit. Any tips on how to avoid this?

Florafae, I'm so glad you came up with a good plan. Have your cake and eat it, too (in moderation). :) I know too well that feeling of a nibble here and there, and then self disgust. Let's not go there this year. We can stay strong together. :)

OK, time to get moving~~
(Hugs),
Dena :cool:

Emotional eating. Now there a tough one. Here’s something I’ve been doing that works a lot of the time--but not always. I’m a serious tea drinker. There is a type of tea that is very expensive and very delicious. The silvery leaves are hand-rolled into tiny balls and slowly unfurl during brewing. It’s a real treat for the both the eyes and the taste buds. Because of the cost, I only drink it on special occasions.

I’ve found that when stress and emotions drive me to the kitchen, I can often “fill the void” by making a big to-do about preparing a cup of my luxury tea. I even make a point to use a good cup, not one of my every-day mugs.

I know most people aren’t gourmet tea drinkers, but I suspect the basic theory would apply to other items. The trick is to find something that is extravagant, feels like a reward, and isn’t too high in calories.

I’m interested to hear what strategies the rest of you are using.

Florafae

That's a great idea, Florafae. What's the name/brand of that tea. It sounds like it would relax me, too. I need to be more relaxed. :)
Thanks for the info.

I just came back from the Fashion Show Mall, a beautiful mall here in Las Vegas. I saw a fashion show and a Christmas show for free. What a wonderful way to start the holiday season. They even made real snow flakes fall from the ceiling. Very pretty and festive.

I treated myself to a salad for Lunch at Norstrom's. Kandice, there were no carbs. :) I'm learning from you!
(Hugs),
Dena :cool:

Good Morning, Gals!
Just a few days before our weigh-in Monday. Let's all be strong!
Here's to a wonderful weekend.

Bonnie, thank you for all of your wonderful information and insight regarding emotional eating.

Sorry, I don't have a lot of time to write. Hubby iis waiting for me to take our morning walk. We do that on weekends. :)
(Hugs),
Dena :cool:

Weigh in Day
 

Good Morning, Everyone!

Bonnie, congratulations on getting those 5 1/2 lbs. off! What an accomplishment after Thanksgiving! I think that holiday threw a lot of us off. So you getting so close to your goal during the holidays is fantastic! :bravo:

Somehow I managed to lose the 3 lbs. I gained over the holidays and then an extra pound, making that 4 lbs off total. I'm soooooo happy! :D I really want to keep that off and go for a few more pounds before Christmas. I just did my Richard Simmons video and plan to burn some more cals before the day is done.

How did everyone's week go? We want to hear from you whether you gained, maintained or lost. We all could use each other's support. If I didn't come here when I gained the 3 lbs., I wouldn't have tried hard to lose them. I would have just given up, eaten more and gained more weight. Luckily, coming here made me get more determined to take those extra pounds off. It was like wiping the slate clean and starting over. :)

Only 19 days before Christmas! :D

(Hugs),
Dena :cool:

congrats Dena! sounds like fun eating out!

I think I've finally discovered what a plateau is- and no, everyone's right, it's not fun. I'm eating good, exercising 5x a week still and I haven't moved (up or down) in 2 weeks. I'm happy where I am, but it's not "good enough" still have 30 lbs left! I'm going to work through it... (with all your help and support!)

not diet or exercise related- I'm so excited for Christmas now... Long story short- Christopher wanted the terrain twister for Christmas- Hot toy of 2004... well of course no one has them- believe me I checked everywhere! so on friday we finally confronted him and asked what else was on his list because the twisters are all sold out- maybe for his bday in feb.... what a disapointed kid! I hated to do it! well, this AM I was playing online and checked walmart.com (I had checked there before) and they were back in stock! YAY! 1 hour later they're out of stock again- but I got my order in and it'll be here sometime between thursday and next thursday. I'm so excited to see his face Christmas when he opens it and he's not expecting it at all!!

And I got Chris a leather jacket that I KNOW he doesn't expect. I made him get rid of his old one when I came in the picture- it was very 80s- with the "pouffy" shoulders and all. :lol: he's tried it on a few times but never got it because the $$. but the "balck friday" it was on sale- so I got it!

Can't wait to see their faces!!!