Anyone else trying to diet through the holidays?

[HeatherC]

Happy Thanksgiving all! Anyone trying to diet through the holidays? I feel like I am fighting a losing battle..

I want to lose about 20 lbs and am having a terribly hard time losing anything. I have been exercising a lot and sticking to 1300 calories a day. The dr. also just increased my thyroid meds this past month since I am hypothyroid. But I seem to be going up and down the same two lbs and it is driving me crazy. Today will be tough, but I am going to do a workout video this morning and “try” to be a good girl.

Anyone else on this journey? How will you handle today?

 

[snappy]

I am! I focus on the salad (no dressing) and non casserole veggies, and non breaded proteins. At home I put my protein (usually grilled fresh fish or chicken) on top of the lettuce. My other cheat is herbal tea. I have a favorite that I splurge on (been buying it for 10 years now) Tea Forte blueberry Merlot. I was first introduced to this brand at the Waldorf in Orlando when we stayed there when it opened. The Waldorf in New Orleans had it too when we stayed there a couple years later. My husband ordered from Tea Forte and bought me a Breville electric tea brewer that Christmas that has a basket that dunks loose tea into the properly heated water. I drink so much of this tea, I buy the 1pound pouches when they go on sale. Hot liquids are satisfying and filling and heck I love this particular flavor.

It also helps that my husband is on a heart healthy diet. We are each other’s conscience. Teamwork!

 

[musika]

Not thanksgiving here, but I am with you on the dieting train. I was diagnosed diabetic in May and it was a pretty big wakeup call. Right now I'm part of a research study on whether early intervention leads to diabetic remission. It's a pretty cool concept but it means I have to pay a LOT of attention to diet and exercise right now....

My approach for Christmas is going to be small splurges. I don't need to have 5 desserts, but I can have a small piece of my favourite. Otherwise I am going to hate life.

 

[Christine]

Well sort of....

At the beginning of the summer, I definitely had to rein myself in from about 2 years of overeating and not exercising due to an injury. I went on 1450 calories a day and managed to lose about 12-15 lbs getting me to my goal in October. I started to relax a little bit and went up about 1 or 2 lbs which was okay but then, I went on my Disney trip in early November. I wasn't horrible there. In fact, I passed over so many treats that I wanted to eat, but the 3 meals a day did do me in and despite all the walking, I put on another 2 pounds. Now some things are getting snug. I came back from vacation to a very, very stressful time at work and I've been slipping big time. Just stress eating. I am probably now up a total of 5 pounds and I know it's very dangerous.

My neighbor keeps sending me baked goods. Last week I polished off nearly a whole loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread and then last night about half a plate of pumpkin bars. THIS IS NOT GOOD!

Today we are going out to dinner so I don't have a lot of choices. I think today is NOT the day to try to be disciplined, but I certainly need to do better starting tomorrow morning.

It's very hard. I don't have a problem turning down random "junk" but when someone makes me high quality, once per year holiday goodies, I fall hard.

 

[FreeTime]

I need to and need help! No willpower. I always say there is tomorrow. But this week I had my annual and for the first time am in the overweight category by a few pounds and my always super low BP was high. My plan for today is to actually eat some of the vegetables at dinner. I am not a big fan of TG dinner and usually stick to just bread - my love. So I’m going to try and have veggies with one piece of bread instead of 5 rolls!

I’ve started walking the flights of stairs in our high rise on my breaks. At floor 11, I’ve had enough.

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm on the "maintain" part of my weight. I lost about 15lbs over the spring and summer and now going into winter I want to just stay my weight. I swear that can be the hardest part!!

So good luck with everyone today!!

 

[Traveling on cc points]

It is not for everyone but I do the 5/2 diet. I have been doing it for a few years so to me, it is not a diet, it is just the way I eat.
5 days a week, I eat whatever I want (within reason) and 2 days a week, I only eat 500 calories.
It is easier than it sounds. If you try it, the first couple weeks are brutal but you body adjusts by week 3.

If eating 1300 calories a day works for you that is great. That way of life never worked for me. I always hated never being able to eat a big bowl of past (or whatever food does it for you) because that would be all my calories for the day.

I have always been within the “normal” weight range but can easily gain weight if I am not careful.
People I know think I am on the thin side because I am a vegetarian but it’s not true. Days like today are a good example, we are going to my parents house for thanksgiving dinner and majority of the foods will contain meat so I will have 2 to 3 days worth of carbs because I will fill up on snacks, bread, patoes & corn.

Good luck on you journey!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I've lost 80 lbs over the past two years. My weight has been up and down ever since I had my second child. He's 21 now, so I can't really use baby weight as an excuse! This time around, the whole weight loss thing finally clicked for me. Here's my best advice:

The old saying "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is true! Once I started fitting into smaller clothes and getting compliments from family, friends and co-workers, I had no desire to eat sweets and fatty foods. That kind of stuff is always around. I just don't eat it. I don't need it and honestly, it doesn't even taste good anymore. I can feel the fat coating my mouth if I eat a french fry and baked goods and candy are just too sweet. It's not even pleasant anymore.

Healthy eating isn't a "diet" for me. It's just what I do. I look at restaurant menus and potlucks and make the best choice I can with what's available at the time. I prefer quantity over the type of food. I would rather have a huge portion of fruits, veggies, grilled chicken, etc. than a small portion of mac & cheese. If something looks good, I'll have a bite or two. But if I eat too much fat, my stomach will rebel against me. It's just not worth the taste of a fatty meal, knowing I'll feel awful afterward.

There's really no magic formula for losing weight. It's a mind set. It's about taking control of yourself and deciding not to waver. It's OK to say "no thanks." It's OK to leave food on your plate if you're full. It's empowering to walk by the spread on the break room table and eat the healthy lunch you brought from home. In fact, it feels pretty darn good! You do need to be knowledgeable about calories and how much you should be eating. I used Weight Watchers as a guideline to figure it out. I no longer count my points. I just know how much I need to eat. I just took a 4-day trip to Miami and lost a pound. I ordered a lot of grilled fish in restaurants, and even had a few bites of Key Lime Pie (that was amazing, but enough).

Good luck to everyone who is trying to lose weight. It's totally doable, even during the holidays! Just make up your mind to do it!

 

[Klayfish]

For what it's worth, I'd suggest asking your doctor (or better yet an exercise and nutrition specialist) about 1300 calories per day. Long term, that is probably going to be counterproductive.

As for today, it's Thanksgiving. I wouldn't worry. If you've got a good long term nutrition plan, one day isn't going to derail you. I can promise you there will be no fruit or veggie on my plate tonight. Dark meat turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes for me. Then next week I'm back to my normal plan.

 

[disneychrista]

I am trying to eat healthier and lose weight. But I refuse to call it a "diet." I am watching what I eat, keeping my calories to the recommended levels and exercising. With current health issues this can't be a temporary thing but must be a lifestyle, permanent thing.

Today, I won't over do it but I will be eating everything that I would normally on Thanksgiving.

 

[CynBeth]

I am trying to eat healthier and lose weight. But I refuse to call it a "diet." I am watching what I eat, keeping my calories to the recommended levels and exercising. With current health issues this can't be a temporary thing but must be a lifestyle, permanent thing.

Today, I won't over do it but I will be eating everything that I would normally on Thanksgiving.

Same here with not calling it a diet. I started 1/2/19 where I just made a few slight changes so I pretty much eat what I like and don’t feel deprived and go on my Simply Fit Board for 5 minutes when I get up 5-6 days a week. I only weigh myself once a month so I don’t feel discouraged. When I went on vacation in the summer I did not think about it at all just enjoyed the food. I plan to eat bad today and the next few days. To date I have lost 30 lbs.

 

[loves to dive]

It's possible you aren't getting enough calories or the right kind of calories. 20 lbs to lose is hard, especially if you aren't young and you are a woman. Also, try thinking life changes instead of diet, it's silly but it makes a difference. I try to eat healthy since I'm an older small boned woman and even 5 or 10 lbs on me looks like 20 or 30 on other people. I basically eat what I want just healthy versions. Lean meats, mostly chicken but if I want steak or hamburger I eat it, I just eat leaner/smaller versions. I eat whole grain breads instead of white. I do eat carbs but I can't remember the last time I had white rice.

If I want chocolate, I eat chocolate, just a small amount. If I do a heavy hard work out, I eat more protein. As far as the holidays, eat a bite or two of what you want. It will satisfy the craving and make you feel like you aren't missing out and that way you won't overeat.

 

[disneyseniors]

Well sort of....

At the beginning of the summer, I definitely had to rein myself in from about 2 years of overeating and not exercising due to an injury. I went on 1450 calories a day and managed to lose about 12-15 lbs getting me to my goal in October. I started to relax a little bit and went up about 1 or 2 lbs which was okay but then, I went on my Disney trip in early November. I wasn't horrible there. In fact, I passed over so many treats that I wanted to eat, but the 3 meals a day did do me in and despite all the walking, I put on another 2 pounds. Now some things are getting snug. I came back from vacation to a very, very stressful time at work and I've been slipping big time. Just stress eating. I am probably now up a total of 5 pounds and I know it's very dangerous.

My neighbor keeps sending me baked goods. Last week I polished off nearly a whole loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread and then last night about half a plate of pumpkin bars. THIS IS NOT GOOD!

Today we are going out to dinner so I don't have a lot of choices. I think today is NOT the day to try to be disciplined, but I certainly need to do better starting tomorrow morning.

It's very hard. I don't have a problem turning down random "junk" but when someone makes me high quality, once per year holiday goodies, I fall hard.

Don't be so hard on yourself, OP. It takes a super human, IMO, to say No to all the special holiday goodies at this time of year. I feel your pain. I worked at an office and we got all kinds of goodies from patient's and the other workers. I just tried to eat one only a day, and just a bite or so. It's hard when it is so good!
Just forgive yourself for the extra eating and start back again after the holidays. I try to even the eating out. For example, today at Thanksgiving dinner, I ate what I wanted. for the rest of the day, nothing or something very light and nonfattening to even out that great holiday meal This is how I try to do it, but I know I am going to gobble down that delicious peanutbutter fudge at Christmas! Can't help it. Good luck, and just know you can get right back on the diet wagon after the holidays.

 

[wenrob]

I have been maintaining for 9+ years. There are a handful of days during the year where I don’t pay close attention to my calories; my birthday, anniversary, vacation, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I don’t lose my mind but I also refuse to white knuckle my way through a celebration.

A strategy some use is calorie “banking” where you exercise a little more and eat a little less during the week to have extra calories for the weekend or a special occasion.

 

[mnrose]

I started my weight loss journey in July 2018. I managed to continue to lose weight during the holiday season last year, and I've been maintaining through vacations, etc. I've lost 40 pounds, and while it wasn't "easy" it also wasn't as hard as I thought. Mostly, it was I just plain ate TOO MUCH. And, I was ridiculously underestimating the number of calories I was eating. I'll just add that I am a post menopausal woman, and if I can do it, just about anyone can. Now, I I understand proper portions, and how much exercise I need, and I'm not worried in the least about this holiday season. I avoid random sweet things (declining cookies and candies that seem to be EVERYWHERE this time of year)...sweet things are my downfall. As for the actual holiday meals, I eat everything, just small portions. And, I try to be a little ahead every day in the week before. And, I work out every single dingle day, even if it's shorter than usual or a walk vs. a run. Move. I'd also wonder whether your calorie intake is too low. 1300 is low, and might cause you body to start to conserve energy believing it is a "famine" period. My objective when I was losing was around 1400, plus calorie for calorie what I burned exercising.

It also helped that today I had my normal breakfast. Got busy prepping food. Worked out for an hour. Our "meal" was at 3. So, I ate only twice today, rather than 3 meals + snacks. And, was able to eat my "lunch" and "dinner" and "snack" calories in a single meal.

 

[RamblingMad]

I don’t diet through the holidays. However, I have a bunch of trips I’m planning for that require me to be in shape. As long as I have an active vacation coming up, I keep myself focused. I won’t over do it food wise because I need to be healthy for an upcoming trip. But I’m eating pumpkin pie today.

I suggest planning an active vacation that will require a certain fitness level and using that to motivate you.

 

[wenrob]

I started my weight loss journey in July 2018. I managed to continue to lose weight during the holiday season last year, and I've been maintaining through vacations, etc. I've lost 40 pounds, and while it wasn't "easy" it also wasn't as hard as I thought. Mostly, it was I just plain ate TOO MUCH. And, I was ridiculously underestimating the number of calories I was eating. I'll just add that I am a post menopausal woman, and if I can do it, just about anyone can. Now, I I understand proper portions, and how much exercise I need, and I'm not worried in the least about this holiday season. I avoid random sweet things (declining cookies and candies that seem to be EVERYWHERE this time of year)...sweet things are my downfall. As for the actual holiday meals, I eat everything, just small portions. And, I try to be a little ahead every day in the week before. And, I work out every single dingle day, even if it's shorter than usual or a walk vs. a run. Move. I'd also wonder whether your calorie intake is too low. 1300 is low, and might cause you body to start to conserve energy believing it is a "famine" period. My objective when I was losing was around 1400, plus calorie for calorie what I burned exercising.

It also helped that today I had my normal breakfast. Got busy prepping food. Worked out for an hour. Our "meal" was at 3. So, I ate only twice today, rather than 3 meals + snacks. And, was able to eat my "lunch" and "dinner" and "snack" calories in a single meal.

I do that on vacation, eat two larger meals instead of three plus snacks. I’m also not a “lay on the beach” type of vacationer so I end losing a couple of pounds. I averaged 11 miles a day at Disneyland this weekend.

 

[mnrose]

I do that on vacation, eat two larger meals instead of three plus snacks. I’m also not a “lay on the beach” type of vacationer so I end losing a couple of pounds. I averaged 11 miles a day at Disneyland this weekend.

I LOST weight on our Europe trip....of course, I was walking 10+ miles a day, every day. Ate whatever I wanted. LOL. Sometimes I think I was made to live in Europe. They walk a LOT more than we do. Getting into your car to go to the store is just not something they do. They walk to the local market, or walk to the public transit to go to the market. All of which involves more physical activity.

 

[ronandannette]

It is not for everyone but I do the 5/2 diet. I have been doing it for a few years so to me, it is not a diet, it is just the way I eat.
5 days a week, I eat whatever I want (within reason) and 2 days a week, I only eat 500 calories.
It is easier than it sounds. If you try it, the first couple weeks are brutal but you body adjusts by week 3.

If eating 1300 calories a day works for you that is great. That way of life never worked for me. I always hated never being able to eat a big bowl of past (or whatever food does it for you) because that would be all my calories for the day.

I have always been within the “normal” weight range but can easily gain weight if I am not careful.
People I know think I am on the thin side because I am a vegetarian but it’s not true. Days like today are a good example, we are going to my parents house for thanksgiving dinner and majority of the foods will contain meat so I will have 2 to 3 days worth of carbs because I will fill up on snacks, bread, patoes & corn.

Good luck on you journey!!

I've been experimenting with intermittent fasting for a while, not for weight-loss so much but to deal with a couple of digestive-tract disorders. 5/2 wasn't suitable for my purposes. I've been on a strict daily eating window for 6 weeks and the results are really positive.

I don't eat a single crumb (or drink any caloric beverages) between 7:00 pm and 11:00 am. It's been a blessing from heaven for my acid reflux as I'm never going to bed on a full stomach. I've even lost a pound or two simply because there's zero evening snacking. I've not tried to limit my calories at all but I'd imagine of one did, the results could be stellar. My challenge during the holiday season is parties and entertaining - it's difficult to attend evening events and not eat after 7:00. My first outing is tomorrow; wish me luck!

 

[Traveling on cc points]

I've been experimenting with intermittent fasting for a while, not for weight-loss so much but to deal with a couple of digestive-tract disorders. 5/2 wasn't suitable for my purposes. I've been on a strict daily eating window for 6 weeks and the results are really positive.

I don't eat a single crumb (or drink any caloric beverages) between 7:00 pm and 11:00 am. It's been a blessing from heaven for my acid reflux as I'm never going to bed on a full stomach. I've even lost a pound or two simply because there's zero evening snacking. I've not tried to limit my calories at all but I'd imagine of one did, the results could be stellar. My challenge during the holiday season is parties and entertaining - it's difficult to attend evening events and not eat after 7:00. My first outing is tomorrow; wish me luck!

I didn’t want to go into too much detail as the op seemed to be just interested in the weight loss portion but I have read and experienced similar positive benefits from the diet you described also.
The beauty of IF is that there are so many different ways of doing it so it can work for different people.
I am a night owl and we tend to go out to dinner and or drinks late so your way definitely wouldn’t work for me. We generally do our fasting days on Monday & Wednesday but if something comes up we just switch the days around for that week.
I haven’t lost any weight by doing it but I haven’t gained any either. I really think I would be gaining if I wasn’t doing 5/2 because I eat very carbs heavy foods. My understanding is that if you have a significant amount of weight to loose, the pounds will drop off if you don’t go crazy on the feasting days.

Good luck tomorrow!!