I grew up in the South, and the festival foods served between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day are rich, but full of all of the things we're not supposed to eat. Fat and cholesterol, sodium and empty carbohydrates are as much a part of the season as parties and church services. Now I live in the Southwest, and we add even more traditional fare...oh, the tamales...
To be honest, I still strive to make my calorie count at least even, so I don't gain weight. It took too long to get what I've lost off, and I don't want to do it again. So, what I'd like to do is share with you how I do that, then a few tips that are useful if you aren't quite able to do that.
Make it Yourself: I've mentioned before that it can be hard to find canned, dry goods or frozen foods that are low in calories, fat, cholesterol and all the other forbidden constituents. However, there are ways to make reasonable facsimiles...and some that taste even better...at home. I've got a pumpkin recipe that uses egg substitute and low fat milk that rivals the richest pumpkin pie for flavor and texture. Depending on your culture and customs, you can do the same sort of thing with many popular holiday recipes
At the Parties: This time of year has more parties, get togethers and other food laden occasions than any other time of year. With the busy holiday schedule, it can be very tempting to overindulge. There are three things you can do that may be helpful. One is to volunteer to bring a dish, and make sure it's something that you can eat with no fear. The second is to eat something fairly substantial before you go. It's easier to nibble on a small selection of the treats available if you're not starving. Third, check out the whole layout and choose the foods that fit into your diet plan. Other people may be following the first suggestion, and it could mean a more enjoyable experience.
Live a Little: You will find yourself resenting your diet if you avoid everything laid out. If you have a particular favorite food and it's there on the buffet, have some. Just don't take a lot. It will help you in the long run, even if you run over your calorie goal slightly.
Post Holiday: The number one rule is to avoid feeling guilty. That is one of the worst diet killers, because it makes it easier for you to stay off the wagon. Accept what has happened and get on with getting the weight off. Hopefully, the first set of suggestions has helped to keep the problem to a minimum.
Next, be aware that you may have lost some muscle tone or flexibility if you've not had a chance to work out during the rushed season. Don't try to go straight back to where you were when you left off. If you've been walking five miles on the treadmill, start back at about two and a half, then see if you can go up further. Be honest with yourself on this issue, because you could injure yourself and be out of commission for weeks.
Last, don't go on the Gerbil Diet. It's tempting to go for an austerity diet to lose the poundage, but it's a really bad idea. You don't want to go into Famine Mode, so keep the deficit between ten and fifteen percent.
If you've been out of commission for a long period, or the weight gain was significant, you might want to consult your doctor. This will help prevent injuries and find underlying causes that might contribute to the problem. Be sure to tell the doctor about any other symptoms, medical conditions, medications or supplements you use. That will help reduce any incidents of herb/drug interactions.
I've lost 60 pounds using the principals found in my new healing-home-remedies.com/order-ebook/win-the-weight-loss-war Win the Weight Loss War Win the Weight Loss War, Win the Battle of the Weight Loss War. If you are struggling to lose the pounds and have tried every diet that ever came out, this book is for you. It covers:
Diet Types.......................Page 8
Understanding Calories.......Page 10
Supplements....................Page 17
Childhood Obesity.............Page 19
If you want to lose the pounds, this book can help.
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