Well, it is 30 days into the New Year – 2012. I am just now coping with the results of all of my holiday cheer. I must admit I had a blast. I started celebrating long before Thanksgiving. First, I called up friends that I visit with infrequently during the year and had dinner with them……one at a time. I had wonderful holiday meals with family and extended those celebrations well into the new year. I ate all of my favorite foods at my favorite restaurants in “wild abandon”. As for exercise, well, the only muscles that got a good workout were my jaw muscles……chewing, chewing, and chewing.
I had a strategy. Keep exercising (cardio/walking 5 hours a week) and adhere to the eating plan except for the meal on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. I allowed myself to eat what I wanted at those meals……. but no seconds! (I did this a couple of years ago and actually lost 2 pounds during the holidays). But, when I started partying with friends and family, my strategy just seemed really restrictive.
So, here I am – 15 pounds heavier – (gained from Nov 1 thru Jan 30). But, I have decided not to be upset about it. I enjoyed myself. I did not buy a lot of material gifts but I spent quality time with those persons that were important to me.
Now, it is time to get back to my “healthy” program and I am having a difficult time getting started again. I have discovered that the holiday eating rejuvenated my sugar and caffeine cravings. They are back with a vengeance. Sugar and caffeine are truly addictive for me and I experience withdrawal symptoms whenever I avoid them in my diet. Those symptoms basically include irritability and fatigue which lasts about two weeks. However, once the symptoms are gone, I have lots of energy and the will to continue on the healthy path.
Tomorrow my extended holiday celebrations officially end with the completion of the last of my favorite chocolate. On February 1st, I will start the healthy life again. Anyone care to join me?
QUESTION(S):
- How were your eating habits during the holidays?
- Were you able to eat in “moderation”? If so, please share your strategies.
- Are you feeling guilty about the results of your “holiday cheer”? If so, tell us why?
They were okay. Granted, I did eat my Mom’s homemade cookies and a bit to much chocolate. But I am not going to beat myself up. I’ll just make 1 change in the month of February and then add to it each month. This way I will not feel overwhelm with trying to do everything so fast.