Holidays Suck! (From a food point of view)

[pattiwoods]

I was a maniac over Thanksgiving weekend. Dressing and mashed potatoes are a huge weekness of mine. I'm back in control again, but suffered some consequences on the scale.

The only way I think I can get through this is to take baby steps. My next baby step will be an attempt to remaining faithful to this WOL until 12/25.

I'm settling into my holiday armor. I'm telecommuting this year and that removes me from a lot of office temptation. It's horrifying how much food gets thrown around the office. Since I'm doing the Carb Addicts version, that gives me enough flexibility to work in a few social activities.

Does anyone else out there have a holiday PLAN? :q:

Patti

[alto]

I work at home and don't have a family, so I'm lucky around the holidays -- no temptations. No Christmas cookie pushers.

I made a decision that on those rare occasions that I go out to eat -- aside from the "grab something after the movie" times -- that I was going to eat reasonably, but not agonize over carb counts. It worked for me on Thanksgiving. I had very small amounts of sweet potato and dressing, and a half a portion of apple pie with ice cream. The rest of the meal was genuinely low carb. To me, this is the way I hope to live for the rest of my life.

I think that for someone who cannot resist, say, potatoes and is used to eating two and three servings of them, this might be difficult. Probably the only other alternative is to take the bite the bullet approach -- "I'm on low carb this Christmas; please help me."

I think the most dangerous thing is to get into a mind set where you think, "If I blow Christmas, then I've failed." How many times have we done that? And then the thought is, "I'll start after the New Year," except, of course, on January 1 you have the flu, so it's starting after that, and...... and... and.....

I'd love to read other strategies, but good luck to you.

[Victoria]

Hey Patti and Alto,
I wasn't too hard on myself...I chose what I was going to splurge on. I allowed myself pumpkin pie and a very small portion of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. I made sure I had a good portion of salad along with my turkey. But I knew I would resent it if I didn't have pumpkin pie--my favorite. I knew I could resist stuffing so I didn't have any. So I knew I would be back on track the next day...but I didn't PIG out. The next day I gave any leftover sweets to my daughter's friend...she may have thought I was being nice. I was guarding myself from temptation.
Now for Christmas--my Mom will be here. She loves going for walks and getting a frozen yogurt. I will go for one with her, but I've already decided I would get a very small one that's sugar-free. Just so I can share the experience with her and not ruin my WOE. She's on Weight Watcher's and very supportive of my efforts. I think by that time we will be able to enjoy walking together, much more than before because I am being more active now. I can't wait!!! :roll: I have alot to lose, so I have to pace myself and figure out what I can live with for the long haul...so I'm thrilled that I have so much more control than I ever had. But I know my weaknesses and have to guard against them.... :rheart: Victoria

[Ruth]

My Plan is to stick to my LC WOL. No compromise.

Options depending on how much you want to explain:
1) eat b4 you go
2) offer to bring something (LC of course)
3) explain that you don't eat sugar or starches, ask what the menu is and offer to bring something. Allergy/intolerance is a good excuse.
4) Explain that you've already lost xx lbs, you don't want to jeopardize your new way of eating & want to continue losing weight, can I bring something for myself? I've done this for an informal wedding reception and the hostess was very gracious. I'm blessed with many understanding friends & acquaintances who don't diss my new WOE.
5) Have an emergency supply of no sugar jerky or cheese string (individually packaged) in your purse. Step out for 'a breath of fresh air' and hoover in your emergency rations.
6) Drink lots of water.

Because I've accepted LC as my WOL, I have decided to celebrate holidays, birthdays etc without eating carbs. I don't want a carb hangover, nor do I want to gain or stall my rate of loss by eating sugar and starches.

In summary, is LCing a diet to lose weight, or is it a Way Of Life? My new WOL means I need to make *new food traditions* for holidays and celebrations that don't include sugar and starch. I'll be making 'fauxtatoes' for Christmas dinner; Serving a decadent LC dessert at the dinner I'm giving for my sister's birthday on Dec 23 (maybe Vancouver cheesecake, see LC kitchen forum); making sure I have things to make LC treats (pepperoni can be nuked to become 'dippers'); dips & veggies; cheese; Be prepared!

Last word: my motto this holiday season will be: NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS - sig line of a member of this board (can't remember who)

[Ruth]

I should tell you that I'm doing the Low Carb Group Project V2 (see group journals to read about it) and I'm hyped about being successful on this WOL. Today is Stillman day for me (lean protein only with 1 cup lettuce optional). Doing this project has made me very keen. I believe I lost 5 lbs the first week and that's after having already lost 40+ lbs in 7 months. I'm EXCITED about 5 lbs gone in a week! I'm EXCITED about LCing as my WOL. No way will holidays derail me from this way of eating.

Ok, my rant is over. Best wishes to each of you as we head into the holiday season. May you be victorious against all the carby temptations that will come your way!

[Victoria]

Hi Ruth,
Everybody has to do things the way they think will work for them. I didn't "derail" because I ate pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I am back on track and have lost since then!!! As I said I didn't PIG out, like I would have before this WOL. But I understand if that's how you feel you need to do it. I am successful, but I do allow splurges every so often. When I first started this I figured I would allow myself one time a month to eat something carby...My first splurge I went to a Mexican restaurant and had rice and beans...then I forgot to take my splurge days because I was so focused on this WOE. So when Thanksgiving came along I splurged in a very controlled way...to me that is victory. I can live with it for a way of life. I am very balanced in the way I approach this. If I am wanting something healthy like carrots, that I normally wouldn't eat because of the carbs---I will allow myself a few baby carrots along with my meal. The main thing that has brought about the weight loss for me is getting rid of the huge quantities of bread and sweets I was existing on before.
Like I said before, I have a long way to go...I don't want to burn out before I get there. I am comfortable to lose weight gradually and in a healthy manner. :rheart: Victoria

[Lessara]

For Thanksgiving, I ate a tbsp of Mash potatoes and a Tbsp of Sweet Potatoes (no sugar added), I also had a piece (a hunk) of Cherry Pie and a handful of chocolate. I lost 2 lbs that week. I broke my stall. Maybe a day of moderate charbs may help those who are stalling... Its an idea. I'm definitely doing the same for christmas. :D

[Victoria]

Lessara,
I had read that in the Dana Carpender book, that sometimes one has to break a stall by eating carbs one day just to jar your system into losing again. So I think you are right on. As long as you are able to get right back to your WOE afterwards. :p I think when you are first starting you are more worried that you are going to mess everything up if you don't do it exactly right. But after a while you gain strength in your success and are determined to continue. Then it is possible to have a splurge on "special" occasions without screwing everything up. For example: in September for my birthday I didn't want to do the cake and ice cream thing...it was too soon and I didn't want to mess up what I was doing. But I did go out for dinner---the Mexican restaurant and enjoyed a lovely meal with my family. The only thing I ate that I shouldn't have was the tortilla chips with salsa. But considering how I used to be, I did real well. So my resolve is strong but I allow for splurges here and there...not too often. I'm very choosey. The control is there, because of the success I have already experienced. This is a WOL for me. :daze: Victoria

[Sh'ra]

I really can't help much with the topic, because I waited to start Induction until Monday :)

Victoria,
What is the carb program that you have listed on the side? Is that an actual published plan, or your own WOL? I'm VERY interested in finding out, and discussing it with you. I'm sticking to induction, and if I lose that'll be motivation to continue, but I don't want to burn myself out, either.

I've been thinking that I'll do the stricter stuff for awhile, until I've detoxed, and then slowwwwwwly return to moderation, leaving out refined sugar and breads.

Sh'ra

[Victoria]

Sh'ra,
I have adapted what I read in Dana Carpender's book, "How I Gave Up My Low Fat Diet and Lost 40 Pounds!". She has her own plan, which is what I probably really follow. But I put down her "Careful Low Carb Plan" she had adapted for a friend of hers that had health problems. It's a little less drastic. I just wanted to be able to lose gradually and not too fast, because I wanted it to be a once and for all kind of thing. Her book has really helped me...check it out. But I'm open to reading more and seeing whatever else is out there.

I will have to read about Atkins so I know what you all are talking about with this induction thing. Hope it goes well for you!!! :rheart: Victoria

[Ruth]

Originally posted by Victoria
Hi Ruth,
Everybody has to do things the way they think will work for them. I didn't "derail" because I ate pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I am back on track and have lost since then!!! As I said I didn't PIG out, like I would have before this WOL. But I understand if that's how you feel you need to do it. I am successful, but I do allow splurges every so often. When I first started this I figured I would allow myself one time a month to eat something carby...


Hi Victoria,

It is great that you allow yourself a splurge on selected occasions and then can get right back to your LC program with no difficulty. I wish I had the control to splurge and then get back on track. The only splurge I ever gave myself, a margarita, I regretted because of the strong carb cravings I had for a day. :eek: Lack of control over portions/food selections/cravings is how I became morbidly obese in the first place; splurges and treats are too risky for ME.

I did not intend to give offense to you or anyone who splurges or allows themselves treats; if it works for you, great. I was responding to the original question from Patti, 'Does anyone else out there have a holiday PLAN?' Maybe I should have made that clearer in my first post. Live and learn, I guess.

Take care,

[Victoria]

Ruth,
I understand what you are saying. I think it really has to do with where you are in your weight loss. Everyone knows their own weaknesses and strengths...like I said earlier, when it was my birthday I chose not to do the cake and ice cream tradition. The kids understood and were very supportive. But now that I have several months under my belt and quite a bit of success, I felt I could handle a splurge. I was just saying that everyone has their own way of handling it. I find that there are times when I don't think there will be anything I could eat at a social event and then find that there is plenty that is OK for me on this WOE. I feel for all those that have to deal with all the Christmas goodies people bring to office parties. But your suggestions of bringing something that works for your WOE or eating before hand are great ideas.

I'm sorry if I sounded peeved. I know you were only trying to share your thoughts as well. :rolleyes: Victoria

[A thin me!]

Hi!

I think it is super that you can do what you do - but here is a question......

I completed Induction... got hit by Thanksgiving and chaos and last minute people. Fell off. I restarted Induction (round 2) and did okay -- but falltered AGAIN. Will try again today, (round 3).

Where or where are you getting the power and drive to get back on?? That is what I admire in your replies.

I need to find the inner strength somewhere and can not seem to find it. Suggestions?

Thanks.

[Sh'ra]

Victoria - Induction is simply the 1st 14 days of Atkins (or longer if you feel you need to). It is VERY restricted - basically, meat, cheese, eggs, and some vegis - some. Have to keep it to 20g of carbs per DAY. That's rough. The only real dessert you can have in induction is sugar-free jello, and you have to take it easy with that (at least that's the only sweet I've found). It just gets a bit boring to me, but I'm surviving :)

A Thin Me - Keep your chin up, girlfriend! How is it that you keep "falling off the wagon"? I mean, what are you doing that you think is falling off? Going on binges, or just eating something not allowed? Perhaps you should back off induction for a bit, and just concentrate on eating a lot of meat, eggs, vegis, and some cheese (fill up on these, and you won't have a lot of room left for carbs). Anyway, can't really help unless I know what is causing you to slip.

Sh'ra

[Lessara]

I believe that because I ate the carbs over a period of time (not all the carbs at once) is why the next day I didn't have any urges for them... I wonder if I did this before my TOM if it would have the same results... Thanksgiving was right after my TOM.
Good thing Christmas is in the same time zone, if you know what I mean :p

[Atriana]

I think that planned cheats are necessary in order to make this a way of life. The key is not to do it to frequently or too soon after starting to eat this way.
I started this WOE in August. No cheats. On Thanksgiving I had a "planned cheat". We went out to one of those all you can eat piggy bar restaurants. I had all intentions of having at least one decadent dessert. I had my salad. Some turkey. Broccoli. By the time dessert time came, nothing even looked good to me! So I didn't have anything. But, I know if I had went there thinking that there was going to be all these things that I CAN"T have, that I could NEVER have, I know I would have wanted them.
I am planning another cheat day for Yule. :)

[Victoria]

Hi ladies,
I never did induction so I don't know what that is like. But maybe the restrictions are too severe? I know with me if I feel like I am restricted I tend to buck at those restrictions. I know when you get started, it's important to be careful how you eat and change how you eat. But I started by just taking out the bread and sweets and eating at least 15 grams of protein at my meals. But I really concentrate on getting lots of veggies in me too. Hence the salads---BIG fluffy salads. It was hard to realize no pasta, no rice anymore. But I put the meat in the spaghetti sauce on my salads....like the salad (or green beans)is my pasta.
I also allow myself 1 or 2 pieces of low carb bread a day. They usually are between 8 and 11 carbs each. So, I know it's not as drastic as Atkins but it's working for me. That's what matters I guess. If I feel like I'm not losing, I leave off the LC bread. And I know drinking lots of water is really important.

A Thin Me!! I am no expert!! But I think the strength comes from having experienced success with it so far. I am so jazzed that I am able to eat, and lose weight. And find foods that were never OK for me when I was trying to watch my weight by doing low fat, and I enjoy them---real mayo, real dressing, olives, marinated artichoke hearts, salmon...it seems that this kind of food tastes better to me now. And I don't feel hungry like I used to when I was eating carbs, lots of sugar and trying to watch my FAT intake. So I crave this kind of food now. Not the sweets.
Although if you lay some chocolate out before me, I know it would be a temptation. I always felt like I had NO will power, but this WOL seems to boost your ability to make the right choices because it takes away those horrible cravings. Well, I don't know if that will help... :wave: Victoria

[Sh'ra]

Victoria,
It is strict in induction, but that's usually only the first 14 days of the diet (the 20 g. or less carbs); after that, on the weight loss diet, it goes up in carbs a little so is somewhat less restrictive.

I'm sure for my part, I'll be a little happier about it then. I'm just having a bad - craving day; probably just stress :) What you're doing sounds good. I would not be able to have the bread (Good thing I don't care for bread anyhow), but that's okay.

I'm making myself a food list of things I like that are low carb, and what their carb counts are, so I'll have that list handy when I need variety. I tend to forget what I can have when I don't have a list in front of me, so my diet ends up bland. Luckily, I have a husband who is excellent at making what we think are boring foods into something really good. Last night, he cut up chicken breasts, green peppers, mushrooms, marinated them in a no-carb broth, added cheese to melt all in it....yuuuuummmmm. I'd have never thought of something like that, even though it was simple.

Sh'ra

[BaileyWS]

Originally posted by Lessara
For Thanksgiving, I ate a tbsp of Mash potatoes and a Tbsp of Sweet Potatoes (no sugar added), I also had a piece (a hunk) of Cherry Pie and a handful of chocolate. I lost 2 lbs that week. I broke my stall. Maybe a day of moderate charbs may help those who are stalling... Its an idea. I'm definitely doing the same for christmas. :D

Lessara,

I did the same ... I allowed myself a small helping of stuffing, because I love it, and a dessert. I didn't stuff myself and drank lots of water.

I, too, came out of a stall over Thanksgiving. And it happened the last time I ate a few carbs more ... so as long as I don't get the mad cravings, I will allow myself a dessert on special ocasions (like Christmas and Thanksgiving, Easter, and my birthday).