As you surely know, I am dieting. You know this not because my waistline in smaller, but because I complain about it. I lament about it when someone leaves cake or candy on the workroom table to share. I discuss it at a family dinners or while standing in the buffet line for an event. I’m a tad grumpy, but I am committed. I’m a rules follower. Let me give you an example. I’ve been sick for the past few days. I decided to take a multivitamin (gummy), and I’ve added honey to my tea. I added the calories for this into the app. Because the waistline doesn’t care if it’s cookies of life saving medication. Does. Not. Care!
So how does anyone with my personality continue to diet during the holidays while not losing the joy of the season?
First, I plan to go over my calorie count on occasion, but not to go crazy. Most everything that is going to tempt me is sitting in my house, and therefore, it’s going to be there tomorrow as well. I can still eat Christmas cookies, but I can eat 1 or 2 rather than 5 or 6 in a day (assuming I plan accordingly).
I plan my larger binges for when I’m out at a party or holiday event. That’s food that won’t be at my house, and therefore I want to enjoy while I can. But again, enjoying it doesn’t mean I need to overstuff my plate. I also try to add the calorie count in before I eat. That helps me to see where I am at as I go. Sure, I might go back for another pig-in-a-blanket or more buffalo chicken dip, but if I add it in each time, I’m going to be more conscious of the choices I am making.
I’m not planning on eating things I don’t love. There is so much delicious food, I see no point in wasting calories on the mediocre. The other day, there were all these treats at work. There were store bought cookies and candy I am not a fan or and what appeared to be a homemade cake. I carefully chose the homemade cake. I cut a sliver, I took one bite. Banana. Nope. Just nope. I joyfully consumed the chocolate icing, and tossed the rest. There is just no reason (save manners, which in my opinion trumps dieting) to be eating something you don’t love.
I set a realistic goal that during my two week break, I intend to not gain weight. I am not expecting to continue the pound a week weight loss, just to maintain what I’ve lost. Maintaining gives me more calories to consume. I don’t want to be discouraged that in 2 weeks I gained 5 pounds, and now I need to add 7 more weeks of dieting for a few days of binging. Having a bigger picture in mind helps.
Eating out can be more challenging, as often what is on the menu is higher in calories. Take home a doggie bag. Determining what a reasonable portion is and boxing up the rest before you even start can help. Also, just leaving some behind. Last week, due to a school event, my son and I grabbed burgers for dinner. I added the calories in for the burger and a few fries, and I was over. Such is life. I wasn’t worried. But as I neared the end, I realized I really wasn’t that hungry. I left behind a few bites and recorded my food as 7/8 of the burger, and my calorie count dropped below my limit. It was such an easy thing that before dieting I never would have done (unless I was stuffed, not merely full.)
Here is one more note. Over the years, I have tried to lose weight in a variety of ways, including Adkins, and lifestyle changes that seemed more sustainable. Nothing ever worked. Whenever I was trying each new plan, everyone and their grandmother gave me advice. I assumed that this was because I wasn’t finding success (any success) with my plans. This time however, the plan has been working ideally. I am consistently dropping a pound a week. It’s been beautiful, yet people are still giving me advice and wanting me to do things differently. Nope. I’m too happy with how this is going to change a thing. Now during the holidays, everyone has been telling me to not record my calories, just to take a break. I understand their reasoning and thoughts, but it’s just not going to happen. I’m trying to make lifestyle changes, and I don’t want to interrupt that. I’m still enjoying the food. (Heck, I ate a cookie for breakfast this morning.) I’m just being wise. Also I’m being awesome, because cookies for breakfast!
