That's right. It's time to focus, to buckle down, to set realistic, succint holiday goals and to draft your game plans.
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st?
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st?
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals?
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track?
5) Who will support you in your efforts?
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers?
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here.
I'll go first
Goals:
1) I don't want to gain a single pound!
2) I want to be in the best physical shape of my life.
Realistically, that's not possible as I'm facing major (common), though not life threatening, surgery over the holidays. I will be "off" from December 13th through January 1st or so. That said, I have the choice to flounder for the next several weeks and use the surgery and holidays as an excuse to skip workouts and stress over eat or I can focus on the health reasons I absolutely need to stay on track more than ever right now. I'm looking forward to a QUICK recovery
I will utilize the forums as a source of accountability when I'm feeling "off track".
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? I want to be not one pound heavier than I am. I want to be able to say I maintained during the holidays. That would be an accomplishment!
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? I can get back into the habit of exercising on a daily basis.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? Set my alarm clock early, get out those warmer clothes; pack my swim bag, and GO!
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? No chocolate, haven't had any since 2002 -- January. Cookies, well, one is enough to taste, and then a 10 minute longer workout. Or learn to say NO THANKYOU, they look great.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? Probably no one.....my dh is the chef with the FREE food these days. My kids could care less. So it's me and the dogs who are only looking for a walkie.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? My dh with his freebies from parties; my family with "oh eat this, it won't hurt". I look them straight in the eye and say, "this is my health we are talking about, that cake is much to much for me to eat and remain healthy."
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here.
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3473 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
KD: Not to ignore your homework, but is there someone who can let us know here how you are doing? And is there a way to get you cards and words of encouragement. I agree, the more cards the better the patient recovers. It may be common place, but to me no surgery is "just" surgery. Let us know please, until then, prayers and best wishes.
Cathy J
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3473 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
2) I want to be in the best physical shape of my life.
Realistically, that's not possible as I'm facing major (common), though not life threatening, surgery over the holidays. I will be "off" from December 13th through January 1st or so. That said, I have the choice to flounder for the next several weeks and use the surgery and holidays as an excuse to skip workouts and stress over eat or I can focus on the health reasons I absolutely need to stay on track more than ever right now. I'm looking forward to a QUICK recovery
Wishing you a safe and speedy recovery, KD. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise
Posts: 8744 | Location: Silicon Valley, CA | Registered: March 17, 2004
Holly, Welcome to the boards. Sounds like you are really on your way. I am glad to see you posting.
I am not sure about my goals-- I am still thinking. (I am a slow processor...) I know that I want to maintain my weight. I am working on a new weight routine and want to keep that going too. I also want to keep up cardio as the bitter cold appraoches. More to come...
OK, I'm a day late with my assignment, but maybe the extra credit will make up for it.
1) Where do you want to be January 1st? I want to be wearing the Christmas presents I'm going to ask for in one-size-smaller than I am now.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? At the very least, no weight gain. At best, be in full training mode for my next rowing competition (January 23).
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? Pack healthy snacks for my work day. Focus on getting my five-a-day. Continue exercising first thing in the a.m. so I won't be tempted to skip it in favor of a holiday get-together in the evening. Allow myself a portion-controlled holiday treat once a week -- the kind of thing that appears only during the holiday season.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? First, forgive myself and not get into the "I've-blown-it-now-so-I-might-as-well-just-start-again-January-first" mindset. Then add an evening activity to my regular workout schedule.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? My husband, some of my co-workers, my rowing team
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? Other co-workers who like to bring in treats to share. I'll stay away from their offices except on the days I'm going to have my one indulgence.
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here.
Suggest an ornament exchange instead of a cookie exchange.
Refuse to take home any leftovers from Thanksgiving with the IL's and from parties.
Establish new holiday traditions for my family that don't involve food. No more foil-wrapped chocolate balls in the ceramic Santa just because that's what my mother did!
This will be my 1st post but I'm determined to make this lifestyle change.
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? Out of my 18/20 and in size 16.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? I want to work out for an hour and not feel like I'm going to have a heart attack afterwards.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? I'm keeping my journals of everything I eat and all the physical activities I do each day.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track?
I'll probably work out more then normal to compensate for the slips during the holidays.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? My husband and I are in this battle of weight loss together!
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers?
The only person who can sabbotage me is myself. I refuse to do that too during the holidays. Everyone around me knows that I'm working on this lifestyle change.
Posts: 112 | Location: Pittsburgh,PA | Registered: October 25, 2004
Well, ideally down a few pounds. However, ultimately, at the same weight, and not having gained an ounce!
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st?
Going to the gym 2x a week. I think that is quite doable, and that is what I was doing with my trainer anyways.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals?
Track what I eat, so I don't overdo it, and plan when I am going to the gym.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track?
Just start with the next meal, eating healthy, and not let my indiscretions bother me.
5) Who will support you in your efforts?
Moi, and you all
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers?
Well, through Turkey day, my MIL and her cooking/baking/bad eating habits. After that, my family, multiple parties, etc.
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here.
I think tracking is the best way to stay on track. Also, to mentally plan what I am going to eat that day, and stick to it. When I go to the Christmas parties, to not overindulge.
KD.....I hope all goes well with your surgery!!
Robin
Formerly "Robinbebe"
Posts: 420 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: August 19, 2004
KD...wishing the best for your surgery and recovery...sending you healing hugs!
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st?
No more than 150. I'm absolutely not going to expect to lose but my goal is to maintain. Trouble is, my weight has been up and down so much lately (only within a 3-pound range, though) that it's hard to say "I want to stay the same weight I am now" because there is no "same" for very long here lately.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st?
I can maintain healthy eating and exercising the majority of the time (when at home or work)and make the best choices those few times I am elsewhere.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals?
Continue making and bringing healthy lunches to work, continue exercising 4-5 X week, watch the evening snacking and intake of sweets.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track?
Just dust myself off and get back on the horse the very next meal or day.
5) Who will support you in your efforts?
Me, primarily. Folks here on the board. My Rehoboth friends. My Eat Smart group at work.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers?
It has become painfully obvious over the past month that I can be my own worst saboteur. The only other possibility is the roommate of my Rehoboth friends who failed at South Beach and has a "Oh hell, just relax and eat it." attitude.
Posts: 7356 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
I hope it's a fast recovery for you, and that the doctors, nurses, & hospital staff are wonderful.
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? I want to be here, and happy. I want the medication to have kicked in a little bit, so that I can enjoy a New Year's and not cry at random things. I want to be pleased with whatever progress I've made and not set myself up for failure with unrealistic expectations.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? I think I can achieve a 2 lb weight loss. I know it might not sound like much, but I gotta get this right. I'm too hard on myself to set a goal I might not make.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? Continue keeping a food & exercise journal; watch my water intake (it hasn't been enough lately)
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? Quite honestly, there's no place we're going that will have food as good as what it takes to REALLY tempt me these days, with the exception of the boyfriend's company party. Dessert will be small bites of different things, I'll pick three and savor each and every morsel.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? The boyfriend, the parents, most of my friends. . .and that danged trainer at the gym who keeps checking up on me!
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? Daddy will, though he won't mean to. He looooves wine and loooooves dessert, and has big plans about both when they're here for Thanksgiving. I won't tell him not to buy things, but I plan on making ONE batch of indulgent brownies for 3 of us to eat for an entire week (considering it's an 8-serving brownie recipe...they won't be around long). I'll also limit myself to one glass of wine a day.
D
Challenge Goals: *10 minutes of unplanned exercise five times a week *Gym time twice a week *Socialize at least once every two weeks.
KD, wishing you a fast and speedy recovery. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
1) Where do you want to be January 1st? I want to have braved all the holiday goodie tables and start the new year a healthier and happier me.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? I would like to achieve a 5 - 10 lb. weight loss.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? Continue working out at the gym 5 times a week, watching my portions, drinking my green tea, and watching those carbs and sugars.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? I won't beat myself up. If I truly want that holiday chocolate, I'll have it. I have found that depriving myself of something I truly want often backfires. Workouts are non-negotiable. I have to go.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? The support from family and friends is most welcome, but it comes down to me. I have to be the most supportive.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? I can be my biggest saboteur and I'm working through that. I do a lot of talking to myself and getting busy with projects helps whether it be housework, crafts, reading, calling a friend, etc.
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here.
Snacking while watching evening t.v. is my biggest problem. I find that when I'm doing something else while watching t.v. helps. Like reading or cross-stitch. I also jump on the computer a lot in the evening before bed. Just have to keep those hands busy with something other than eating.
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? I would like to be at or below the weight I had intended to be at at this point. I'm actually below that weight right now so the secondary goal would be to stay down there but I think that may be unrealistic.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? I can continue to exercise no less than 5x per week for 30 min. That's going to have to be non-negotiable. I can also practice the 3 bites healthy to one bite sinful rule.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? I'm going to keep posting to the What's for Dinner board for what I ate and keep posting to the resolutions thread for all the other jazz.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? I am going to continue to keep the 'all or none' thinking at bay. No 'well, I already blew it so I might as well'...or 'I'll just wait until the first of the year' or things like that. This has been a major accomplishment over the last few months and I just want to make sure it doesn't sneak back in.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? You guys are my primary support system.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? My family and friends all expect to socialize over meals. Going to try and find some other activities but regardless, will keep my eye on the prize amid all the 'noise'.
KD, as soon as you can get out of your hospital bed and walk the halls - do it! That will be the best thing you can do for your recovery. Don't overdo, of course. You will be in my prayers (more than usually).
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? I'd like to be down 5#. I have been sitting at a plateau for about a month - but I also realize that I could have risen with some of the ways that I have been eating (out!).
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? I think that is safe and realistic - it's less than 1# per week. This goal would put me 2# into another middle digit!
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? Eat at home, plan my meals, and move, move, move, move, move (exercise)
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? Journalling, and, I keep thinking of the song lyric - "pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again."
5) Who will support you in your efforts? Me, my husband, my son, and a few friends.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? I don't tell those people what I am doing. It seems that if I just say, "No. Thank you." I have less problems than if I let them know that I'm loosing and THEN say it. Funny.
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here. I'm incredibly strong willed. I know that I am responsible for each and every bite and movement (or lack of). Owning up to my own deficits helps, I think.
First off KD - you'll be in my prayers for a very speedy recovery!
Homework:
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st?
I want to be at my current maintance weight and be completely done with my certifications.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st?
I can continue to limit sweets and saturated fats.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals?
I will continue my exercise program (whether I "want to" or not), continue tracking in fitday, limit alcoholic beverages to 1 glass of wine per party and practice portion control over the holidays.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track?
I will plan for indulgences. For example, we have back to back weekends at our favorite restaurant coming up. I will plan for those calories, do extra workouts and thoroughly enjoy the culinary experience.
5) Who will support you in your efforts?
I will support myself. I can't count on anyone else to do it for me.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers?
No one can sabbotage me unless I let them! If temptation is put before me, I will have a tall glass of water or hot tea and focus on friendship and family conversation, not the temptation.
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
First off my thoughts and prayers will be with you over the 12/13 - 1/1 timeframe. May your surgery go well and your recovery be speedy!
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? I want to be 10 - 12 lbs lighter.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? Walk, yoga, hand weight exercises at least 3 times a week. At any holiday food gatherings I am going to apply the 3 healthy food bites for 1 not so healthy food bite. And last but not least drink hot tea instead of hot chocolate, unless the hot chocolate is a treat for following through all week.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? I am going back to my food journal to list what I am eating and how I feel or what I am doing when eating. I am going to post here the best I can. My home computer finally bit the dust over the weekend so I don't know how long it will be before I can afford a new one.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? I am going to keep a glass or bottle of water in my hand at all times. This keeps one hand in check! IF I do have one to many treats that were not part of the healthy bites for unhealthy bites plan then I will need to exercise 5 minutes longer plus 20 sit ups for each oops. I will NOT beat myself up though - I wouldn't badger a friend or relative, so I will not do that to myself.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? People on this board, my husband, my mom, my sister.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers? Co-workers (not intentionally), My mom, once again not intentionally but having snacks and treats around for my nieces is difficult sometimes. She won't put things away where they can't be seen.
Goals:
1) I don't want to gain but want to lost 12 lbs.
2) I want to feel better (more energy).
3) To work towards being able to use the elliptical trainer by the end of winter.
Posts: 193 | Location: Michigan | Registered: March 13, 2004
I want to feel better about myself both physically and mentally.
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st?
I want to lose 10 pounds by January 1st.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals?
This weekend I started working out again. I bought a new DVD just for this and I decided to stop trying so hard (and ultimately not doing it) to get up in the mornings. Instead, I'm going to do my workout when I get home and use it as a way to decompress after a day of work. I'm going to drink more water and really strive to eliminate the fast food from my diet. I'll also be cooking at home more and planning my meals. I'll also bring snacks to work with me.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track?
I will not beat myself up about it. However, I will make sure that I add a little more time to my workouts.
5) Who will support you in your efforts?
My husband first and foremost. Also, my puppies Boo and Max, who are always happy to go for a walk around the block whenever I get the urge.
6) Who will sabbotage you? How will you navigate naysayers?
My family and coworkers. Although my family criticizes me for being overweight they also equate food with love. I just have to be prepared to say no. However, at least for Thanksgiving I will be helping to cook so hopefully I can throw a few of my own favorite things in the mix that could provide a healthier alternative. My coworkers are forever saying "just have one more" to me when they bring in chocolate.
Extra credit: Share some of your strategies here.
1) I am starting a journal of how I feel and my accomplishments. 2) I am going to the doctor at the end of this week for my yearly checkup...I've lost 15 pounds since the last visit...hopefully that will motivate me even more. 3) I am going to buy myself flowers for every full week I exercise.
"Courage...doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow."
Posts: 87 | Location: Georgia | Registered: March 17, 2004
quote:Originally posted by kd: ...I'm facing major (common), though not life threatening, surgery over the holidays. I will be "off" from December 13th through January 1st or so.
Wishing you the very best for a safe surgery and a great outcome and a healthy and speedy recovery!!!
Homework...
Let's see... I'll be home M-F and then going back up to Tahoe ALL next week for family vacation and Thanksgiving...
1) Where do you want to be Janurary 1st? The same weight I am now. I'd also like to eat in a way that I don't send my cholesterol numbers back up over 200 .
2) What can you safely and realistically achieve healthwise by January 1st? Make time to exercise. Eat super clean when I'm in town and MOST meals when I'm out of town.
3) What are you going to do on a daily basis to support achieving your goals? Take it day by day and week by week and stay up to date on the "Holiday resulutions" thread.
4) What are you going to do when temptation takes over your right mind and you pop a few too many holiday chocolates in your mouth or skip a workout? Specifically, how will you get yourself back on track? 1. Not beat myself up. Self flogging can sometimes extend the pity party and lead to more stress and stress eating. 2. Focus on eating 5+ fruits/vegs the next day. Get back on track the very next day. 3. One slip does not have to last a whole day or a whole week or a whole month.
5) Who will support you in your efforts? My family.
6) Who will sabbotage you? I don't have a lot of those... I sabbotage myself pretty good sometimes. I can be the worst with, "Let's have dessert tonight, since we are on vacation and in a restaurant" or "Lets go over to the casino and lose $5 on the nickle machine and have a couple free drinks" or "Canned nuts are so festive and remind me of the holidays... one can probably isn't enough... 5 cans should be about right... 1/2 can per person." dh down fall is "We have these coupons for free breakfast... we may as well use them..." Fortunately, I've already eaten my cup of oatmeal and I'm usually skiing down the fall line when dh gets up and wanders into the coffee shop looking for his free breakfast.
Denise
Posts: 8744 | Location: Silicon Valley, CA | Registered: March 17, 2004
1. I'd like to be 7-10 # down, which I can do realistically, with a little bit of extra effort.
2&3. Watch every single bite of what I'm eating. I realized that part of the reason that I've been going up and down is that I didn't want to admit to myself that I didn't want to give up eating with abandon. But it helped to admit it and to remember that I don't want to be disciplined, but if I want to remain in coaster shape (170ish days to go) I have to. Even if it means being distracted from the fact that I'm hungry for a while.
4. I will avoid any items that I cannot be trusted with. That includes those now forbidden from my home Doritos, cashew caramel turtles, etc. I will find single bite sweets and make room for them in my daily calories. And reward myself for not skipping workouts.
5. Hubby and new challenges to keep me busy (and not eating).
6. Family who say "Oh, just a bite..." . Yeah, it's just one bite, followed by another, and another. And these are the same people who say "I'll ruin my diet" if you tell them to have a bite of anything.
Laura
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Coaster Girl,
Life is like a roller coaster, with lots of ups and downs, but the curves, spirals, loops and corkscrews are what make life interesting.
