I was going to start this post by saying that the holidays are on their way, but let’s be real, they’re here. Thanksgiving is 3 days away, and Christmas is 30 or so days away – they’re definitely here!
This is a time of the year where people tend to let their bad habits come back into play and claim that they’ll start anew after the first of the year. I was typically one of those people, but I’m not this year. Nope! No way, no how! I thought since I’ve shared my journey with you, I’d take some time to explain how I plan on staying focused on my health this year.
I would say, nearly every year since I can remember has been spent telling myself that it’s okay to OVER indulge and gain a little weight, because the first of the year is right around the corner, and what better time to restart the weightloss journey than January one? Am I right?
This year, I decided to do something a little differently, technically A LOT differently for me. I plan on treating this time of the year the same way I do every other part of the year, when it comes to food. I’m not going to eat like it’s my last meal, or like I’ll never have the food again – I’m going to enjoy what I want, but in moderation.
Easier said than done, right?
Usually I would agree, but something is different for me, this time around. The other day, while celebrating early Thanksgiving with my family, I didn’t feel the normal pull of 2nd and 3rd helpings. And, I was even asked if I wanted more squash/potatoes/cranberry sauce/turkey, but I said no to all of it. I was full, I knew it, and my belly knew it. Instead, I spent the precious time with my family all together, laughing and not focusing on the food on the table or going in my mouth.
I imagine the experience was similar to how a naturally thin person would eat. I knew there was food in front of me, I knew I wanted to eat some of it, but I wasn’t concerned about the amount I’d eat. It was an amazing feeling!!
I can’t really pinpoint exactly what has caused this change in mindset, but what I can share are the many different things I am doing to better myself, and have a healthier relationship with food.
So far, in the last couple months I’ve…
- Read a couple different self-help books
- Started drinking Shakeology daily – I truly believe that this is a huge part of why my cravings are manageable.
- Stopped hating on myself constantly – I used to be so mean to myself, now, about 80% (I’m working on the other 20) of the time, I am kind and loving and am more accepting of my flaws.
- Started working out regularly – Any workout will really get you feeling better, but doing it regularly will change your entire mind.
- Actually listening to the complements that my husband gives me – Probably seems like an easy one, but it was actually pretty difficult. I just never saw what he did, I shut that part of me up and now listen to Seamus.
- Stopped worrying about whether I’ll ever have another Big Mac, slice of pizza, chicken fingers, etc., again – I tell myself that there will be another opportunity for these foods, but I have to really want them (except for the pizza, that I will splurge on, or make at home).
See… I’ve made a lot of changes! But, let me make one thing very clear, I am not 100% perfect with any of these areas. I still struggle with food, but since admitting and becoming more aware of my triggers, my bingeing and bad relationship with food has gotten much much better.
So yeah, I’m excited about this holiday season because it means lots of time with family, who I only see a few times a year. The food? Well, that’s just an added bonus!!
Curious to know more about my poor relationship with food? You can read all about my struggles with Binge Eating Disorder by clicking here.
Your turn!
Have you made any changes in regards to your eating or relationship with food? Or are you waiting until the new year to get started?
What’s your tried and true trick to help stave off the cravings?
Please share in the comments below!
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What a great attitude to have!! We get so carried away over the holidays thinking (for some unknown reason) that we have to eat ALL THE FOODS because you know, we can never ever ever have mashed potatoes again.
Also, I signed up for theSkimm a couple weeks ago and LOVE it! It’s like sitting down with someone for coffee and making them rehash the news!
It’s crazy how our brain works!! I wish I could always just reel myself in and realize, food doesn’t have to be an enemy, like it so often is.
Yay!! I’m so glad you like theSkimm – I look forward to getting it EVERY morning. Thanks for visiting, chica!
[…] Celebrate the Holidays – NOT the Food […]
This is so true. Getting healthy is a lifestyle change and not a fad. You have to put in the hard work to make it stick, not just on easy days, but everyday. Losing 80 lbs hasn’t been easy. Controlling my eating and keeping up with my daily exercise while pregnant hasn’t been easy. I don’t make excuses for myself, period. I don’t say things like – I’m pregnant, I can eat what I want. Or, I don’t say, I am tired so I don’t need to do burpees today.
I take 100% responsibility for my actions. When I did that, the weight started peeling off, and my chronic eating habits because easier to control.
I said no to pie on Thanksgiving and it wasn’t even hard. It was hard on others though, because they look to me as an example. It made them feel weird for partaking.
Weird how stuff like that works, isn’t it?
Hi Lisa!! Congrats on losing 80 lbs! That is SO phenomenal! I love your advice, to be 100% responsible for your actions. I need to think on this – I feel like I’m reasonably accountable, but maybe I’m not. haha My weigh is struggling to come off lately.
It is so weird how this all works, but bravo to you for avoiding the pie. They’ll eventually adjust and get used to the way you eat and it will no longer make them feel weird if you don’t eat something they are. My husband is pretty strict about eating No Sugar/No Grain and in the beginning people kept asking what he ate, or how he dealt w/ no bread or sugar. Now, they just kind of go w/ the flow.
Again, congrats on the weight lost & thank you for visiting!!
Oh my! Awesome post! Pinned and tweeted. We always love partying with you, I hope to see you Monday at 7 pm at our party. Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
Hi Kimberly!! Thanks so much for visiting, sharing and tweeting. I am so honored that you did so. 🙂
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[…] Things to do to Make a Mom’s Life Easier The Beautiful Project Celebrate the Holidays and not the Food […]
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I love this! It’s hard because I love to bake and the holiday’s are the perfect time to do that, but I so agree.
I’ve found that even when I’m not seeing weight loss results, working out makes me FEEL better about myself 🙂
I couldn’t agree more. But I also couldn’t be more convicted…
I have been giving myself license to eat just a bit more lately and I feel it all over.
I’m starting again tomorrow to be in control of my eating habits and my body!!
Thank you for the inspiration to begin again!
My pleasure, Bekki! I’m glad I could help. 🙂 Just remember how much better you feel when you eat better. That’s how I’m getting through, anyway. Every time I want that piece of pie, I ask myself is it really worth eating it and feeling like crud later. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I am right there with you on the let’s not celebrate with food so much! My goal this year is to NOT have to spend January undoing the damage from December. A great post and here’s to success!
Thanks for visiting, Olivia!! I agree!! We definitely want to head into January looking and FEELING our best!!