Plans for coping with holiday eating
Greetings, ladies and gents of the BMI Over 50 forum! I've been thinking about what methods I'm going to use to cope with all the food-related activities that go on during the holiday season. Those of you who are familiar with my posts know that I eat healthy, but that I do allow myself "treats" once in a while. Unfortunately, the holiday season comes with too many treats too often. Last year, I gained about 10 pounds during December, and I want to avoid doing the same thing this year. I thought it might be helpful to write out how I'm planning to cope, see what suggestions others may have, and just generally look for some support. So here goes -
First, I will maintain my exercise schedule during the holidays. I will schedule my workout time just like any other meeting or appointment and I will stick to the plan. This will help keep my energy level up and will help burn off calories. I've told my workout buddy that this is one of my goals and she has committed to sticking with me through the holidays, as she needs the support as well.
Second, I will keep my daily calorie intake in my normal range except for the actual holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day). On those days, I will eat what I want, when I want, in portions that agree with my pouch.
Third, I will not eat every goodie that happens to be around. Why waste calories on an average chocolate chip cookie or potato chips? Bah. But my mother's homemade fruitcake with a cup of coffee? A warm cinnamon roll fresh from the oven on Christmas morning? A glass of eggnog with a splash of brandy and fresh grated nutmeg? Worth every calorie and every extra minute I need to spend on the elliptical machine to burn them off...
That's it in a nutshell. How are you planning to cope? Having a plan really does help - I look forward to seeing your ideas! Kellie
Kellie,
I haven't thought much about it, except for dreading those extra pounds that may come. You have given me some great ideas, and I think I will follow your rules. They sound great.
Especially wasting calories on a "sugar cookie " for example, when I can have wait until christmas for those candied yams...or from my husband side the family..a hot fresh tamale. Thanks for the great ideas..
Have a wonderful holiday
Lynn
on 12/4/07 12:23 pm - San Antonio, TX
I hope this is just like any other rough patch couples go through, but I have my doubts, this feels worse. 
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This is really my first Christmas where I can eat "normal" - last year I was still in the first few months after surgery. I'll be out of town too so I know I'll be tempted to eat more than I should, although my family is determined to not be the reason for any weight gain, so I know they will be great about not cooking too much junk. (thank goodness - I can eat junk very well on my own!)
I had already decided I was going to not worry about eating when I'm in San Antonio - not go crazy but not keep track of calories like I normally do. I am going to keep up with exercise when I am there and I think that will even it out - that part I enjoy, I always feel much better after I work out.
The hardest part is work - I think everyone thinks that people who work in a church are always starving - EVERYONE drops by their goodies for us to eat and it just sits in the kitchen, yelling my name VERY LOUDLY!! That's been the biggest struggle for me this year, the snacking on little things. I had decided that no matter what I ate I would write it down and keep track of it and I do it with every little thing I put in my mouth - it is quite eye opening to see how many calories I can waste on these little snacks! I've begun to do some mental exercises in the morning when I work out - just going through my day food wise and trying to figure out why I have to snack on stuff. It seems to be helping but I need to be more determined to stay away from the kitchen!
Thanks for this post, it's good to think about this ahead of time and actually plan!
Pam I'm glad my thought process got you thinking as well. I've discovered that I tend to get in trouble when I don't plan ahead. Plus, I don't want to be a total killjoy, so I like to think a little more long-term so I can enjoy some special holiday foods without going overboard. Your plan for San Antonio sounds great. I think that sticking with your exercise plan will really help keep things evened out. I can totally relate to your comments about all the snacks that are around at this time of year. I work in the legal department at a large company, so a lot of our "clients" send food - toffee, cookies, chocolate, etc. I leave most of it alone and when I do eat something, I write it down! I'll also sometimes "substitute" a treat for one of my regular planned snacks. Although the treat is always more carbs than protein, that helps me keep my daily calorie intake in the right range.
Good luck sticking to your plan!
Kellie
