Well I am seeing a lot of I've fallen and I need to get back up.  Well there is still two more holidays left to this new year and I'm offering that crutch right now  " Get up and no more."

You are the controller of your destiny and the holidays are the worst time of challenge especially Thanksgiving through New Years.  It offers a never ending array of favorites that challenges anyone.  Some things that can help during a time like this is to change the way you think and come out in the New Year smelling like a rose. 

1.  Get rid of the word I can't have that in your mind.  Can't is a sure way to create deprivation or want.  So I can't have that cookie or that cake or whatever it is... will just lead to wanting something else more.  Take that object of desire and have one bite or two bites.  Then count it in your calories for the day.  Make sure you journal the day as you are going when you can excuse yourself privately.  This will help keep you on track.

2.  You are on a calorie allowance with NS which deals with it in portions but realize that you can eat that many calories and not gain a pound .  Preplan where you are going and what are acceptable add ons for the day and never go over that amount no matter how tempted.

I lost 137 pounds and my weight fluctuates two or three pounds because I always write things down and I always even on holidays stay in my calorie count. I can eat 2,000 or 2,200 calories a day now and not gain.  So I stick in that range and never have to worry.  I have vowed to myself I will never gain or lose five pounds again.  Doing things this way makes it so I keep my vow to myself.

3.  If you do gain some weight due to enjoying yourself a bit much, realize that much of that is probably water weight first because you have to take in over three thousand calories to actually gain a pound.  When you realize that, you know your system is responding to a change in your diet pattern and while some of it could be weight gain part of it is water.

Also do not condemn yourself for gaining.  Forgiving yourself is the best way not to feel worse about the situation which leads to emotional eating.  So if weight gain happens, you just deal with it. 

Next do not panic or throw in the towel.  This usually just leads to more binge eating.  Let yourself realize you are in control.  Plan your next moves and take your control back.

Think about the next two holidays and I hope some of this can help.  Writing it down helps me remember to always do it.  You can do it.  Happy New Year.

Cheri