| Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan..
Posted by Pam T on 11/1/2009, 9:52 am
97.117.72.X
These are the months that trip up many a determined dieter. It began last night (Halloween) and builds momentum as we transition in to Nov (Thanksgiving) and then Dec (Christmas,Hanukkah) and rounds the corner at New Years Eve and day. Lots of celebrating and family and friends and baking and cooking and eating...what's a person to do?? I'm not going to say that it's easy to remain focused and determined over the holiday season, but please believe this..it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE to continue to make progress while still feeling a part of things. Food may be at the center of most holiday traditions and celebrating, but there is so much more to enjoy that I think many of us forget.
For many years I have had issues with holiday excesses. Not just food, but the spending and the stress and the expectations. For those that believe in the religious aspects of the season, that is certainly not keeping the true meaning in mind. For those that only celebrate out of love for the traditions, is it maybe time to make some new ones? If you have your Thanksgiving feast to celebrate what we believe to be historical events, maybe it's time to review the real history of that time and rethink it as well.
Most of us go on auto pilot during this time of year and mindlessly go about repeating the same traditions and behaviors and, let's face it, self destructive eating that we have for many years before. It's an excuse, a justification for diving head first in to all the unhealthy foods of the holidays. For some it may be a comfort, memories of family members past or childhood magic. I for one tend to always want to bake my mother's Christmas cookies. She and I did it together every year and it is one of my most cherished memories of her. I can almost feel her there in the Kitchen with me giving me all the same detailed instructions that she did year after year. So some years I go ahead and bake. Up until my Father died, I would send them to him so he could relive her memory. I have also shared with some of my family members over the years. I had thought that while my kids were growing up that I would pass this along to them, but it doesn't have the same meaning for them so I have put my baking utensils away for the last time and have officially retired the Christmas cookie tradition in my home. That alone will save us all a few unwanted pounds!
I would like to issue a challenge to you all. The holidays mean something different to each of us, but one thing is common to us all. We are all making efforts to be healthy and lose weight. It should be the number one priority for each of us here. We all know how fast the years roll around. It seems like every time I turn around it Halloween again!  It is easy to waste the next few months and think "I'll just get back on track Jan 2nd, but we all know that's not how it usually goes down and by Feb you find yourself still looking for excuses to indulge. Let's do something completely different. I would like everyone here to think about how they can get through this in the healthiest way possible. I would like you to all do it with a positive attitude and an understanding that what we in this day consider traditional celebrating is really something that has been created by the retailers to line their pockets. We hear it on the news as they report how consumer spending at Christmas will make or break the retailers bottom line for the year, like we should somehow feel concerned about that or responsible! What does that have to do with the religious meaning behind the day? We get all worked up thinking that if we spend enough, cook enough, eat enough, give enough to people that probably don't need anything anyway, that we will have accomplished something and call it a success. Does anyone besides me find this disturbing?
How about this...how about one very powerful word...simplify. If you really ponder the original events that we say we are celebrating..all of them were simple in creation. Some are even rooted in pagan rituals. What can each of us do to try and rein it in to something more meaningful and simple? I know that all the decorations and glitz and shopping and such can be exciting and all, but would it hurt for just one year to focus on the simple beauties of what these days should mean?
As far as the menu goes, there are always healthy substitutions for anything unhealthy. Turkey is a wonderful protein source and it is only the things we add to it that make it bad. You can do some easy research on the Internet for healthy recipe alternatives. If you are the designated holiday cook in the family, why not experiment this year and see what changes you can make. I bet no one will miss all the dough and fat, and salt and sugar if you put some thought in to it. The Thanksgiving meal in it's original design was centered on wild game and harvest vegetables. Instead of filling that cornucopia centerpiece with all the fruits, nuts, and veg, how about putting it on your plate? Make it fun! Dress up like a pilgrim!
My intention is not to be a Scrooge. I know that most people would never even consider changing all of their traditions, but hopefully you may consider one or two? Especially if it has to do with food?
You can make it through this! You can do it and feel strong and accomplished and proud of yourself! 2010 is fast approaching and in 62 days you can create a tremendous change in your life that will dramatically effect your future! I would encourage each of you to take a few moments and write up a goal sheet for the next two months. Writing goals down gives them power in your life and you will be far more likely to make better choices to support them. Make sure you have a good supply of Cambridge. NO excuses! Commit to having your 3 or 4 servings EVERY DAY no matter what eating is going to be taking place. Maintain that positive habit and not only will it give your body and mind the message that you are on track, but you will be less likely to over eat. Stay hydrated, lots of water. Exercise!! Spend time with the people you love but do it over a board game or taking a hike or watching a favorite DVD together. Be creative this year and see how great you'll feel when 2010 comes knocking
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on 11/3/2009, 1:09 pm, in reply to "Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan.."