Share your holiday struggles

Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Share your holiday struggles
7
Sun, 11-26-2006 - 12:58pm

My weight loss has tanked in the last few weeks (up almost ten pounds at that) and I'm trying to figure out why I can't concentrate on it right now.

Sarah
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-27-2004
Sun, 11-26-2006 - 2:09pm

Holidays are rough for me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 11-26-2006 - 2:30pm
I can totally relate being up 10 since I fell off course. My only and best option is to get really strict again. I know that there will be some tmes over the next month or so that being tired and busy and around impossibly festive food I will overindulge so my goal is to stay focused. (See the "Big Finish" challenge below.) I hope we can figure soemthing out that will help us cruise into the new year. Annie
A
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2003
Sun, 11-26-2006 - 7:07pm

I hear you all: the stress and emotional baggage that go with this time of year can be almost unbearable. My family is just about all gone, except for a sister and cousin, and holidays are really hard for me. I have my husband's family, who are great, but it's not the same as having your own family there and sharing all the old stories again and again. I used to go into a deep depression every Christmas; my hubby had to do all the decorating and most of the shopping. It's better since I've been on an antidepressant for several years, but I still don't get the joy out of the holiday that I used to. Maybe that's just a part of growing older.

Anyway, I try to look at it as a time to appreciate those closest to me. I know that I need significant "alone" time to meditate and focus on what my priorities are and not letting myself go crazy with the holiday eating. I'm sticking with my plan, writing down everything I eat, but I'm not weighing myself. I'm hoping that I will get through the holidays without too much diet damage, but I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't. I'm just going to move on from where I am. I know that losing all this weight is a long-term process, probably at least a year or two, so short-term setbacks are just that.

Sarah, I believe you should take the time to exercise; it really does wonders for your mood, which is a wonderful benefit in itself, independent of helping you lose weight. It will likely give you more energy too, so that you can do all that shopping more easily. Take deep breaths and remember that each gift doesn't have to be perfect, your house doesn't have to look like something out of a Christmas magazine, and you don't have to have a Martha Stewart meal to enjoy the holidays. Just do your best in the time you have and let it go. Enjoy being with your family, do fun things together and focus less on the material things.

Well, there's a bunch of platitudes for ya! I know all this is easier said than done, but if you can really embrace this attitude, life gets so much easier. In five years no one will remember what you bought them for Christmas, but they will remember the time spent together as a family. Make it count!

And Happy Holidays to everyone! I wish us all strength to deal with the holiday foods, endurance to get "everything" done and happiness in ourselves. And may 2007 be a great year ahead!

Mary
247/?/135

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Wed, 11-29-2006 - 7:06am

One thing I'm doing this year is to allow myself to maintain

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2006
Wed, 11-29-2006 - 12:21pm

Oh yea.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Wed, 11-29-2006 - 2:09pm
That's a really good idea, and a really great attitude!
I lost it on Thanksgiving, and haven't been able to get it back since. Its been a free for all, but also this time of year is hard for me. I lost my mom to Breast Cancer when I was four years old, and Christmas was her favorite time of year, and the few memories I have of her, have been at Christmas time. I miss her so much, and it doesn't help either that this year I am kind of on the outs with my family.
Also, its been hard, because we have been trying to have a baby for all most 3 years. And it just isn't happening. And with Christmas being so much about little kids, it makes me painfully aware of what is missing in my home.
But, I can be strong. I know the strength that lies within myself. And I can do it if I put my mind on it. I think I will do what was suggested, to be careful from now until Christmas day, and let myself indulge a little that day! It gives me hope that I can do it that long!
Tami


Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2006
Wed, 11-29-2006 - 6:52pm

I have decided the same thing with the exeption that I am going out to dinner for my birthday, but I am already planning on what I am going to eat and that I am going to be really good before then even thorough the day until I have the dinner I planned.


I am happy that my mom and grandma don't have time to make the homeade candy like they usually do.....It is sooo good. I know how to make it too, but if I make it I usually don't want to eat as much of it. And I usually give it all way. I haven't decided if I am going to make any or not. The only reason I would is then I can give it away as Christmas presents.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket