HOLIDAY FOOD & STRESS

Carrie, Enjoy the honeymoon! It's great isn't it? Good luck in making it through the holidays! JA

I have really been struggling too!!! Although the holidays make it worse, I have realized how much food really did control my life. Everyday I wake up with great intentions and usually start off right, but then something happens. Even worse someone will comment on what I am eating and it makes it worse... I have been pretty successful at staying away from really sugary foods, but the calories still add up fast w/ "low carb" treats. Even when I have let myself have sugar, nothing happens.... I wish I would dump. Same if I eat too much, no vomiting or anything other than minor discomfort. I know I am doing things wrong yet these behaviors keep coming out. I have hardly lost any weight (maybe 10 lbs in the last 7-8 weeks). I feel like I have wasted everyones time because I am going to be a failure yet again!!!!!! Enough, just know you are not alone in your struggles, but we can overcome them!!! Carmen

It seems we are all in the same boat! Surprise Surprise! I was never so aware of how food dominated my life until the past few weeks. I go to the door to let the dogs out...I think I'll have a snack. I make the bed...think I'll have a snack...etc. So, I'm back to square one...where I should have been all along. Charting what I eat, charting my exercise...working out in the cellar. Focusing on the protein, veggie, fruit formula. Reading all the labels and counting the carbs/sugars. We will survive this...I just know we will. Ann 90lbs gone!

JA, Just think of last Christmas and how many cookies and other treats you indulged in compared to this year. I bet it is a HUGE difference. I know it is for me. I am also a bit disappointed that I don't dump on small amounts of sugar and have had a couple of small indulgences here and there this season. I don't feel guilty about it at all because it is the season when all this stuff comes out and hey, I am not going to be perfect with this new way of eating and I don't really think anyone can be perfect all the time. Try not to beat yourself up about it and take Lisa's suggestion of trying to balance out the treats with extra fluids and protein and get back to basics as soon as you can. Another thing you can do is to log everything (good and bad) on fitday.com That is a great tool to keep yourself on track. Try to relax and enjoy the holiday and follow the rules of the pouch the best that you can. Water load between meals and fill up on the protein 1st before eating the other choices with your meals. Also it is supposed to be nice weather --- go out and take a nice walk after dinner. You will get through this and before you know it you will be on the losing trail again. Keep us posted on how things go. It is such a difficult time for us foodies terri

Now Miss, I certainly don't remember Dr. Bell telling us that we would be perfect!!! I' m giving you permission to cut yourself some slack, okay. Holiday's will come and go but we will always have this tool and the support of some wonderful and amazing people. Tomorrow is another day, so just pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again. Remember you're not alone on this journey. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your loved ones. Merry Christmas, Mary Lou