PATTING MYSELF ON THE BACK-SORT OF...

I DID IT... In 2009 I lost 90 BIG FAT pounds.
In 2010 from January thru September I gained back 40 BIG FAT pounds.
From October until this morning I have been being so good. I have now lost
those 40 UGLY BIG FAT POUNDS... You would think I would be doing cartwheels. Don't get me wrong, I am happy but I have lost a total now of 130 pounds and I am down just 90 pounds. How could I have been so stupid. It was just such a dumb thing to do and the sad thing is I kept telling myself, "it is just a few pounds, I can lose them next week". Next week didn't come for 9 months. I am back on track and hope never to do this again. Great job to all of you who don't blow the hard work you have done in the past and are sticking to you program and thanks for your example to me.

WEIGHT LOSS FOR WEEK #7

DOWN DOWN DOWN... Well the pounds are SLOWLY coming off. We all know just how easy it is to put the pounds on, and we also know how SLOWLY those same pounds come back off. ANY loss is a good loss and both Becky and Yvonne lost last week.
Becky lost 2 1/2 pounds and
Yvonne lost 2 pounds.
Let's hope every week is a loss through the holidays. That will be the challenge.
Good job Becky.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

FOCUS ON PEOPLE... Too often we make food as the main focus of our holiday gatherings. Instead, focus on your loved ones, activities, and other traditions that make the holidays meaningful.
This is a nice tip. It makes you feel good to spend time with family and friends and not all time together means food. It is easy to just "do lunch", but maybe time spent watching a movie, going for a walk, building a snowman, doing a holiday craft, or just talking about the "good ole days". Whatever you decide just don't center your event around food. If there is food, have a few healthy dishes.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

TRY HEALTHIER RECIPES...When treats are in the house, more of the dessert usually ends up in your belly than in your guests. So keep some low fat, low calorie recipes and foods on hand.
This is a good tip and remember that you DON'T have to have dessert at every meal, party, event, or celebration. Maybe just remember that once a week you will splurge and have a Christmas treat. I have a diet brownie every Sunday and even though it is very tiny it is DELICIOUS and I look forward to it every week and it keeps me going all week. I am thinking that maybe during the holidays if I am attending a special event then maybe I will schedule an extra brownie for that day.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

SPLURGE WISELY... The holidays only come once a year, but the parties, events, and gifts of food never seem to end. Decide which ones are really worth splurging for, and leave the other foods on the table.
This is probably the most important tip for this time of year. It is easy to say I will eat just one treat or sweet item but if you just eat one with/at each party or event, chances are you will have just two and then just three and then come January you will be 5-10 pounds heavier than you want to be. BE CAREFUL...

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

STAY ACTIVE... Don't mistake being busy with being active. You'll still "NEED" to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Break it up into several smaller sessions each day if you are pressed for time.
I NEVER thought of this. I am busy all the time so if I don't get exercise in one day no big deal since I am still moving. This came as a big surprise. Something to think about that is for sure.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

NEW MONTH - NEW THEME; 31 DAYS TO HEALTHIER HOLIDAYS; Gathering with friends and family members during the holidays creates lasting joy and memories. But with so many parties, celebrations and errands to run, it can be hard to keep up with your healthy choices throughout the holiday season.
Take inventory. Identify all the situations (office parties, mall courts, family gatherings, church functions, neighborhood parties) that might make it difficult for you to eat healthy during the holiday season. Make a plan to staying on track in every situation.
I like this tip and it is the best place to start. Calvin's boss is a cheap SOB and so there will be no Christmas bonus or party again this year. The Relief Society is having a brunch and I am going to take my eggbeater breakfast to it and the ward Christmas party is this Friday and I am going to take as shake (special frosty) for my dinner to that. I am thinking I will cook a turkey breast for Christmas dinner and I may eat a little bit of mashed potatoes and a roll but who knows. By following this tip we (Calvin and I) have a easy plan to make it through the holidays without a big weight gain. I saw online the other day that the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's is between 25-50 pounds. We all know how hard it is to lose that many added pounds so let's just do what we can do to minimize the gain. I also like knowing what I am going to fix to eat for special meals. Our only problem will be that we are blessed with many good and dear friends who bring us cookies, cakes, candy, breads, and candied popcorn every year during the holidays. Ignoring all of these will be much harder.
If you have tips, tricks, or suggestions for avoiding those ugly weight gain pounds during the holidays please share.