Feeling deprived

I am struggling a little with the holidays.  This weekend I had three parties.  I managed to avoid all treats at the caroling event.  I skipped the cake at my grandson's birthday party. But Sunday I was at a holiday open house, and all afternoon, servers wandered by with trays of delicious appetizers.  I did all the right things.  I ate a nice enjoyable on-plan meal immediately before the party and that took care of me for about 2 hours.  I also decided to wait on drinking wine until later in the party - and was able to avoid it all together.  But I did end up grazing for hours on low-carb appetizers.  I called it "a meal" so I did ok on calories, but I really didn't like the idea of grazing...

For me, Its important not to feel deprived.  So I put a lot of effort into making my meals interesting and tasty.  I don't break the carb rule because I fear it would have disastrous consequences if I wake the carb monster.  I allow myself a little wine, and an occasional low carb treat.  I know that feeling deprived leads to feeling sorry for myself and thinking  "it isn't fair that I cannot eat like others do".  This thinking threaten my resolve.  I don't want to ever gain that weight back. 

I'm doing ok with the holidays so far, but this is tough. 

How are you coping with the holidays?

It sounds like you really have a handle on this!  Me, I tend to isolate myself a little bit this time of year for lots of reasons, but a bonus is that it keeps me away from the endless parade of candy, cookies, and sweets!  Your way sounds a lot healthier!

Thanks for your kind words, Sandy.  I do have some strategies, but its challenging.  I think keeping a distance is also a good strategy.  A year ago, when I first started the pre-surgery diet, I turned down many invitation just because I didn't want to be around food I couldn't eat.  I think we have to do whatever we need to protect our health.  Its that important!

Have a wonderful holiday.

Carol

I've been having a terrible time, and have gone back to a very simple protein and veggies (if I have room) plan where I eat basically the same thing everyday.  I've also found some water I can tolerate, and like the fact that I'm now getting in a lot of plain water.  Exercise has gone down to nothing with the cold and ice because I don't like doing anything inside...I just like to walk outside.  I'm going back home next week for the Christmas holiday, and hope I can get through it unscathed.  It's going to be hard.

Jane

Keep the faith, Jane.  You have been doing so well, and you deserve every success and all the mobility and energy that it brings.

best wishes,

Carol

This is a little concoction I make when I feel like I need a cookie or some sort of desert. The carbs in it are slow digesting so even though the carb count might be higher then you would normally eat I think you will find it will not have a big impact on the carb monster:

1-2 tbsp of natural or fresh ground peanut butter or almond butter (try not to use regular PB as it will have added sugars)

1/2 scoop of chocolate protein powder (I used Optimum Nutrition Toffee and its really tasty, last night I used vanilla protein powder with cinnamon and that was pretty good too)

1/4 cup plain old fashion rolled oats (not the instant kind)

1 tbsp of ground flax seed

1 packet of stevia

1/2-1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

sometimes I add in cacao nibs or unsweetened organic shredded coconut depending on how much exercise I have done that day

mix in a small bowl until all combined and eat it with a spoon. Its basically a quick and dirty protein ball. 

This is a very statisfying little treat. The PB has fats that satiate, the flax and cocoa powder and oat meal provide fiber that satiates, its a sweet and chocolatey "treat" so it sort feels like you are eating a soft cookie or crumble and its relatively high in protein. Whenever I have a hunger that I can't satisfy this is my go to and it satisfies me every time. I have tested this with a glucose meter and it has almost no effect on my blood sugar, certainly not like a cookie or desert would have.

That sounds really good, Keith.  I may try it over the holidays to help me with the feelings of deprivation.  You always have some great strategies and ideas.

best wishes,

Carol

toffee??omg, gotta go find on amazon! thanks!
your recipe sounds delish!  I will def try this out when I need  a little somethin-somethin.

thank you Keith!!

Sophie

I quickly mixed this up tonight and didn't even need many spoonfuls before I was completely satisfied.  Hubby happily finished off the rest and followed it with a milk chaser - lol!  

It did the trick - thanks, Keith! 

First, I want to say, you definitely have it together and have been doing awesome. I have followed you since before my surgery and always look for your posts. You are such an upbeat and positive person.

My personal opinion would be you are one of those people that will NOT EVER gain your weight back.

I have to say I think the holidays have been hard, I miss certain foods. Oh, I "could" have some macaroni and cheese, but I'm not. Not ready to do that yet. So I completely understand what you mean about not awakening the monster. I have certain things that I will avoid until the end of time and then I have some that are not on my "regular" menu, but will have a bite or two sometimes. I did have a tablespoon of my mom's dressing on Thanksgiving, yes I could have eaten more but it was enough to satisfy me. That's how I handled Thanksgiving and still managed to lose two pounds.

I agree with you, I cannot feel deprived if I do I will eat the whole house down looking for the one thing I want. It's better from me to have a bite and then go on. That is something I have learned about myself. I no longer NEED to eat the whole bag of anything or a whole cake. If my hubby has something, I will take a bite and most of the time, it is not a great as my mind has made it up to be. I see food differently since I started this journey, for that I am Thankful. Food is still a struggle and always will be. I ate for every reason and no reason at all. I know that about myself now. 

Thank the heavens for people like you that post on here and can help me through this. I learn so much about myself just from what other people post. So Thank you!!!!!!

Best of Luck through your journey!!!!!