<p>An example (not from me) is that one might use a little half-and-half or a lot of 1% milk for about the same amount of calories, but a much more satisfying taste. (Assuming you like it better.) I think there’s a fair amount of evidence out there that fats are not the enemy - carbs are the real issue. (If you read InterestedDad’s posts on the huge diet and exercise thread - he has links to lots of studies about diet and exercise. He’s lost 75+ pounds and kept them off, improved all his bloodwork numbers while keeping a lot of fat in his diet.)</p>
<p>Unfortunately a lot of holiday treats are carb bombs.</p>
<p>^^^True that. I subscribe to the iDad theory that carbs = problems. </p>
<p>All the more reason to gravitate to the protein sources at a holiday party. Meat, cheese, nuts, even some dips that might have crab,chicken, etc. - and use veggies at the dipper, not crackers! And never forget - small(er) portions!!! </p>
<p>I seem to only be reporting back on my bad days…</p>
<p>A big Christmas lunch. I ate the main course, staying away from the bread (not to fill up on it) and eating more salad (to fill up on it). Water to drink, which wasn’t hard since I’d rather not drink wine at lunch. As usual for me, dessert was the problem. I tried everything, but didn’t get overly full. </p>
<p>Managed to eat a light dinner. </p>
<p>The next week or so should be quieter. Unless my SIL sends cookies…</p>
<p>Well I was going to make cookies, but I have been eating quite a bit of wheat lately, without taking my usual break, and Im paying for it.</p>
<p>I did have eggs for breakfast instead of my usual sweetened yogurt.
And I’ve been walking a lot. Six miles Saturday, three miles yesterday, plus water aerobics and today probably another four miles. My knees are fine, except my feet aren’t loving it.</p>
<p>Having our work potluck today - first holiday “party” challenge for me.
I was in charge of dessert, so needless to say, I did bring a full on dessert - no calories to be saved there except to keep portion small. The people I work with are NOT concerned about maintaining - sad, but true!!! Someone was ready to make a run to the local bakery for donuts this morning for breakfast and was taking orders. Ah, no! We are already going to be eating plenty at lunch! I stuck to my protein breakfast of 1/2 of a egg/cheese/ham/veggie omelet I made at home.</p>
<p>Will report back later how I managed at lunch - will help me make good choices knowing I need to be accountable to you all! </p>
<p>Enjoy your work lunch! You have the right idea in containing the celebration to a given timeframe. If you’re having a Christmas lunch, keep it a Christmas lunch - don’t turn it into a whole day affair. I see the same thing way too much where a given event ends up being interpreted by others a a license to blow all the good intentions the whole weekend.</p>
<p>I hope I can walk the talk, though! We’ve got a holiday party tomorrow night and I should be fine IF I eat right during the day leading up to the party. I’m running a 5K in the morning and that should help. Wait - it’s the Donut 5K! Donut holes on the course (I think at the mile markers) and then fresh donuts at the finish line. Fortunately I’m not that crazy about donuts and eating sweets that early in the morning (and when sweaty and gross) doesn’t sound appealing to me.</p>
<p>My target weight is 110 and today I’m at 109. My goal is to be at or under 110 on January 1. Realistically, I would be happy if I end up at or below 112 - easy enough to take a couple pounds off once I’m back into the regular routine.</p>
<p>Good luck to all in maintaining the next couple weeks!</p>
<p>Rooting for you C3! I think you’ll come out on the underside of that 112! </p>
<p>We have a Donut Dash here too. In fact, S wore his tshirt from last year (it’s red and green) to a dress down day today at his school where he teaches. The donut holes at mile markers - FUN idea!!! </p>
<p>I’m finally back down to where I was before Thanksgiving, our trip to San Diego, and our evening at Eataly. Now all I have to do is behave during our latke party Sunday and I’m home free (no work so no work parties, no Xms, no plans for New Year’s Eve).</p>
<p>Chiming back in… I meant full-fat dairy (looks like research shows that if you eat full-fat dairy you actually secrete more of the fat… or something like that!), and lots of nuts, eggs, etc. happy holiday all!!!</p>
<p>I had lost a few between TG and last week, which is good, but in the last few days a found a couple of them. But Christmas Eve and Christmas are done (except for the cookies in the house–I’m not a big cookie eater except for my own, haha) but today is the big family get-together at my Mom’s. I will keep you all in mind to help me be strong.</p>
<p>And tomorrow I’m going back to a strict diet for a couple weeks --we don’t do a NYEve thing, so that’s not a problem.</p>
<p>Life got unexpectedly mortal in the past week–H was in the ER and CCU for a scary arrhythmia episode last weekend, and then we got word that a good friend died suddenly on Christmas. So I will admit to stress eating.</p>
<p>But I need to take care of myself (and H!)–so hoping for a walk on the beach if we ever get down there this week–it’s my favorite medicine.</p>
<p>garland - Sending good wishes for your husband - I hope he is feeling better each day. Also sending good thoughts for your friend and his/her family. I am sorry for your loss.
Also slipping on my diet… last big family dinner tonight, but after that – oatmeal, salads, and water. </p>
<p>I’m a fatty, cannot lose weight to save myself but I get so sick of the super rich food this time of year and I actually have no problem not gaining. I’ve had maybe two Belgium chocolate coated cookies and two Danish cookies and two chocolate chip cookies since Dec. 20. Is that too much? LOL.</p>
<p>Anyone want to report, confess, cheer or give up??! :)</p>
<p>Home stretch of the holidays now with New Year’s “week”!
Weighed myself two days ago just to “check in” and I have maintained. Definitely have enjoyed a few Christmas cookies, more carbs but not excessive and have kept quantities in-check. Have exercised as much as usual with a little extra thrown in. Definitely will “back off” from the extras next week as I get back to work fully and back to regular meal schedules and less social stuff. Planning a homemade lasagna feast for NY’s Eve but that will probably be the last “splurge” - stomach feels/looks a LITTLE more bloaty but…I can see the finish line!!! </p>
<p>Went down, then went up, so I guess it averages out. Need to buckle down now; luckily we are not doing anything for NYE, so no more splurges for me.</p>
<p>Yep, pretty stable at the moment. I think the big eating events are over. If we have a New Year’s party, I will be the chef and can control the menu. </p>
<p>I ate indulged in just abut everything , but didn’t gain any weight…that may or may not have something to do with getting a stomach bug and not eating since Saturday night</p>