Christmas Season

[JBarton]

Trying to lose weight but am finding it very hard on a daily basis, let alone with the Christmas season coming up!! Any advice on how to resist the temptation? Many thanks.

(was 10st 4lbs now 9st 9lbs in 2-3 weeks)

[gingernut49]

I lost three stone in six months on the 5:2 Diet where you lose weight by eating 500 calories or less on two non-consecutive days a week youtube.com/watch?v=W9Aj6hR...(Not working as expected?) and that's easily doable around Christmas too. I now just fast one day a week to maintain and I've been maintaining since April 2013.

[Hidden]

I'm with Gingernut! I started the five:two three weeks ago and have gone from 10 St 1 lb to 9st 9lb already! Like you (probably!) I don't have an awful lot to lose, but that doesn't make it any easier to get started and then keep going. But I do find this way of life so easy rather than calorie counting and fretting every day. I have had five fast days now and sixth tomorrow, and I have had a home made mince pie on all my non fast days! So try it. It's surprisingly easy!

[Hidden]

It depends on what is tempting you!

If its things like biscuits, chocolates, crisps and cakes then one strategy I use is to tell myself 'This is not the last slice of cake in the world. This is not even the last slice of cake I will ever be able to have. I will not have this slice but I will have some in the future.' It is hard to resist when maybe you have been in the habit of eating ALL the goodies, but if you take a long view and think you aren't missing out for ever, just 'today' then it makes it a bit easier.

Another one that I have found really good at work or social gatherings is to imagine that someone, preferably someone you're not that keen on!, has picked up and licked every sausage roll, mince pie and Cadburys Hero. Are you really going to eat something that someone has licked? Eww, no!

Good luck!

[JBarton]

Thanks everyone - this has been loads of help!! Merry Christmas to you all and happy weight watching

[JanetMiller]

This Christmas, make healthier choices of every meal you eat. Christmas meals are usually packed with protein, so if you're a meat eater, there should be plenty of opportunities to eat lean red meat or poultry. Fatty roast potatoes, stuffing balls and other delights can be tempting, but it's far better to stick to protein and vegetables. There will usually be plenty of green veg (and other colourful vegetables) to choose from in restaurants – roast carrots, parsnips, sweet potato and Brussels sprouts are all great choices, and you can treat yourself to a potato or two if you're really craving some! If you're going to dinner at a relative's house, plan ahead and take some dishes with you that are healthy and delicious. Offer to bring vegetables or a side dish, and bring along some healthy snacks for later too. Make sure to eat breakfast.Not only does it give your body the fuel it needs to get through until lunchtime, it can also stop you reaching for unhealthy snacks. If you have to have a dessert, choose something fruit-based or opt for mini or tasting desserts that you can share with someone else. Moreover, don't rush your meal. Relax and have fun; enjoy the festive season. Don't spend so much time focusing on healthy eating that you miss out on the fun.

[Hidden]

I find that if the stuff is in the house then I will probably eat it. So if the people you live with are willing to help then the best thing is not buy the food in the first place. I just concentrating on having a healthy christmas and boxing day lunch, and not buying all the other food I've had at christmas in the past (chocolates, mince pies, cheese, cheese busicits, crisps, sausage rolls etc).