I think one of the ways of avoiding guilty is to allow yourself some flexibility. I decided before hand that that I would only participate in thanksgiving on thanksgiving day. I went to a friends house for dinner. Enjoyed the wonderful food. left with no left overs and today went right back into my low carb. Since I made the choice, to "go off" for one meal. I feel no guilt, I don't feel deprived.

So I would recommend planning your participation in holiday meals as a deliberate choice instead of a giving in.

This the second time I have been on Atkins - the first time I lost 40 lbs and I have kept them off. This time . . I plan to get down to 180lbs for my "fifth annual - fifty birthday party" ( 1.5 years from now).

hi!
i, too, decided to eat what i wanted. i didn't waste any calorie or cheese, salad or quantities of meat. i enjoyed a small portion of mashed potatoes, sliced sweet potatoes, some turkey, asparagus, crab claws, lentil salad w/ corn, and an array of desserts. muffins, real cheesecake, cakes, pies, tarts, pastries, and chocolate dipped fruits.
we went to a buffet and enjoyed every bite. i did not overeat, nor did i finish one of the desserts. i took some bites from each, enjoyed it and moved on.
my fear was that the sugar addiction would come back into play, but so far today, i have been fine.
regards,
brenda

Planning leaves you prepared instead of in a panic. Having to make a choice at the moment ... or not having choices to make because of not planning ahead of time...

I planned to LC on Thanksgiving and made plans to support my decisions.... i was too afraid not to... I made Karen's no bake cheese cake.. as my treat.. and ate on plan...

I am planning to do the same.. make sure I make a great treat of Karen's for desert and then be certain I have things that support me..

For some reason.. I really have not appetite for sweets... I will get an occasionaly sweet tooth and I will make sugar free Cherry jello (love it) with Whipped Cream... love it ... love it.... and then I am fine...

Ramona