DIETING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

I try to eat sensible meals and watch my carbs. The doorbell rings every other night w/ neighbors bringing cake, candies and other homemade goodies. Yes I appreciate the thought & of course I sampled everything. It's just so darn difficult to have willpower when there are so many luscious things around me. Next year, just like this year, I'll be giving my neighbors scented candles, Starbucks gift cards, etc. hoping they'll have an easier time fighting temptation during the Holidays.

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

You can toss everything except the candy out for the birds

♥Surface of the Sun♥

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

We only exchange with our kids. I can't eat any of this stuff. I would feel bad if I had throw away a gift someone made for me

We keep Christmas small and simple

Gram W · ‎01-22-2013

Many items can be frozen for future use. Share cookies, etc with guests and send a plate home with the grandchildren.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

Enjoy yourself. January you can cut back.

september · ‎03-09-2010

I don't have people stopping by for treats, but went to one holiday party today and have another one tomorrow. People do work hard to prepare these foods and they are delicious, so I try to take very small portions. Still more than I need!

Kindaglitzy · ‎03-09-2010

People mean well, kind if the old school way of celebrating the Holidays. Taste a few, maybe some you can freeze and eat over next couple months in moderation. Good idea to feed to birds if you really need to.

I also only exchange with family and prefer to celebrate low key. Was at post office recently where I observed a woman sending gifts to just about everyone her family ever met as they worked in various places around the world. A bit much for me but realize everyone does not feel this way.

Mindy D · ‎05-23-2010

It's going well for me. I am using MyFitnessPal. I can eat whatever I want as long as I calculate the calories consistently and accurately. To me, this is just like watching your spending by monitoring you bank account. This is the first time in my life I feel empowered when trying to lose weight. I also start my 24 hour calorie count at midnight and work from midnight to midnight.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I've been on various 'diets' during the holiday season through the years either for weight loss/maintenance or for health issues.

What I find is that I have to want the diet goal more than the food. I choose certain days or events during the season when I simply drop it all and eat whatever I want. Usually those will be Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve for me, but can be any days that you will be having some special event or want to feel treated.

I spread my 'cheating' days out, so that I can stay on track for long periods of time in between and those days I indulge don't do a thing to make me gain weight or stay off track. In fact, on Thanksgiving this year, I went off my latest healthy eating plan, and was extremely disappointed at just how things didn't taste nearly as good as I was anticipating. It made getting back to it the next day very easy.

Unless one has very specific or critical health issues, going 'off track' for a day here and there shouldn't undo what work you are trying to achieve. I think the key is to set times and limits before the season or events, so you aren't tempted to graze your way through the entire season, and develop bad habits with 'bad' foods.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Shanus wrote:
I try to eat sensible meals and watch my carbs. The doorbell rings every other night w/ neighbors bringing cake, candies and other homemade goodies. Yes I appreciate the thought & of course I sampled everything. It's just so darn difficult to have willpower when there are so many luscious things around me. Next year, just like this year, I'll be giving my neighbors scented candles, Starbucks gift cards, etc. hoping they'll have an easier time fighting temptation during the Holidays.

@Shanus

Planning is always better than willpower!

Decide how you'll dispose of the goodies BEFORE the doorbell rings.

First, put some in the freezer so you have something to serve if someone comes by for coffee (or whatever). Microwaving for 20-30 seconds will thaw most things.

Secondly, pass it on! Drop off some goodies to your office ..... or Vet's office .... Doctor's office .... manicure place .... some single parent you know ..... house of worship fellowship night ...... you get the idea.

I am sure there are pleny of people who would love some holiday treats ..... just Pass It On !!