Hello, The Countdown to Christmas is a challenge to self. If you want to give up bread or mince pies, follow a food plan, drop a dress size, lose a few pounds or reflect on life’s blessings please join us. How was your week? Last push to achieve our goals.
We hope to have a programme of events for discussion and this week are looking at detoxing, healing, beauty and bathing. Do you pamper in preparation for Christmas? Is there a little sparkle added to you life this week?
Coming up in December
2/12 onwards Advent,
9/12 Your story of Christmas
16/12 Jobs for the big day
23/12 Happy Christmas/feedback
Have a great week!
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Hopalong1
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It has been a really busy week. I hope everyone has a great week in the week ahead. I've a birthday next month along with all the Christmas festivities. I will try to watch the total amount that I'm eating each day.
Well done, lea, smashing weight loss. How are you doing towards Christmas? Is your calendar starting to fill up? I f you scroll down a bit we are talking about pampering ourselves a bit to help with the stresses of the holiday season. What works for you? All the best x
Well done on a loss, lovefabric . I have had a couple of trips out this week, but showed a loss today. I find with the winter cold am thinking of warming foods, more carbs. Will have to watch that. All the best for the week ahead xx ❄️❄️🕊️🕊️💗💗
Yes, really important to watch out for those. Difficult to go out for a run or anything at the moment, but I've just been clearing some snow! Have a good week too.❄️
I’m doing okay. Can get into one dress. Not sure how next month will go! I’ve got my daughters birthday, a lovely breakfast to go to, my 70th birthday which I know there’s a meal planned, an afternoon tea and a Chinese! All before Christmas!
The plan is to be careful, if I manage it, for the next two weeks and try to lose a bit more. Then go careful on the days nothing is planned and just enjoy myself. Only be 70 once after all.
All the best for your birthday, 191253summer . Yes, I have tried to tell myself Christmas is just one day, but my calendar is fairly filling up too. I am spacing a little better than the four outings I had in one week, one year and a 4lb gain or was it 7lb? Eek! But you know three of my friends have passed away now and I am glad I have those days to look back on, completely sozzled, deep with joy. Perhaps we can buddy up and be good for two weeks x 😊😊Keep posting how you go on.
We have home cooked fish and chip’s Saturday. My hubby and son had fish,chips and bbq baked beans. I had fish, loads of veg and 2 chips! Proud of myself. Don’t weigh until tomorrow but hoping it’s helping.
That's true restraint, bravo. We had our new fence completed and celebrated with a whiskey or two yesterday. We are cooking a ham today, on special offer at Sainsbury's this week. I am sat in my jammas, but about to dress and launch myself at the old fence with a lump hammer for kindling. Have a great Sunday and keep posting. Love Jan xx
Evening hopalong, I hope you're feeling great. I'm feeling so much better this weekend and looking forward to spending a chilled day with my daughter. I'm not focusing on the number on the scales thus week, just focusing on mindful eating and getting some dreaded ironing done. Have a great weekend
I think this is a good way to be with the scales at this time of year. I went to a prediabetes class once(2019) and we ate one raisin in our mouths for as long as we possibly could, taste smell, texture and bits I have probably forgotten. Do you rest you fork between mouthfuls? I hardly iron anymore. Just special occasions and sometimes not then. When the kids were young I used to iron to Shania Twain, they know every word. "From this moment!" 🎼🎵🎶🎙️🎸🎹Have a good week, Bun xx😊😊
Ooh. I did one of those prediabetes courses and the mindfulness thing. I think we had a square of chocolate if I remember. We had to see how long it would last😂. I think that's something to try as I do tend to eat fast.
I am still plodding on... 38%of the way to Mordor... Whilst walking outside made the appointment on Monday I am going to be having pink highlights done 🌸
How fab, a kind of blush wine 😊😊I am going to have red glitter nails on Friday and shaped brows. My nail technician should be a counsellor, I come out feeling truly cleansed. 💗💗
Good morning Hopalong and everyone in the Countdown to Christmas Challenge.
Christmas presents for husband and son are taken care of. Now it’s just my daughter and my parents. 🎁
This week’s detoxing/beauty/bating theme is not my thing. I’ve never tried detoxing (have never seen any evidence that it is healthy), rarely wear makeup and have never been to a spa.
A spa might be something I would like to try at some point, but with my poor body image, I’m not sure I would feel comfortable. And a friend isof mine who went for the first time recently came back disappointed.
What are your spa experiences? Is it lovely, relaxing and invigorating? Or just awkward and disappointing?
Your point of view is as valid as any, Pippi. I detoxed for a week and lost 7lb, but like anything, you have to stick with the programme and low carb is my thing, with coffee! 🤣😂
Here is a meditation detox from Dr Alejandro Junger
Very good information. I've been doing short meditations (spiritually-based) for the past 2 weeks, 3 or 4 times a day, and it is helping with so many things!
Morning, I genuinely think you are me by another user name! I also rarely wear make up and have never been to a spa. I go to the hairdressers twice-ish a year and even then its always the same one who I've gone to for years. Maybe I should make some of these my challenges for 2025. Have a glorious weekend x
If you go to the spa with your daughter and daughter in law, I hope it will be a lovely experience. Perhaps we are missing out on some wonderful things
I plan my christmas eating well in advance so that I dont go over board or feel deprived. I dont drink but will have two mince pies on christmas eve, a small christmas dinner with pudding and cream and christmas cake on boxing day,one generous slice. I dont aim to lose weight Christmas week but I plan to not gain either.
Thanks for this Hectorsmum2 . I too have a plan for Christmas food, 30 days. I know who is coming when. I am giving up mince pies until Christmas Day this year. We are having a cheese course instead of Christmas pudding on the big day. I am thinking of a Kick the sugar thread for two weeks from the 2/1/24( moreless ). All the best and keep posting 😊😊
Christmas planning? Err haven't started yet. I have some Christmas meals in the next couple of weeks so I need to be careful and try and make healthy choices.
I try not to buy Christmas goodies but there may be some from work so I try and ration them or give them away. The rush up to Christmas is usually too busy to pamper myself. I rarely wear makeup except when I go out. I did a spa day about a year ago at a local Health club which was lovely. I had a massage which was very relaxing. We swam and went in the jacuzzi and steam room. Then had a light lunch as part of the package. I would like to do it again.
I've stuck to logging my food this week and the brighter weather has helped me feel less hungry so I have made better choices and had another small loss. Now I need to keep it up before the Christmas meals start.
I have a box of heroes upstairs, for the grandchildren but feel I may well eat some. I have been good with chocolate since May, not really eaten any so hoping I’ve kicked that craving.
That is the problem isn't it. I could easily not buy chocolate and not eat it but there are always treats for my grandson in the house. It's hard to resist when we know they are there. If I start eating them I crave more so its better not to eat any at all.
Keep them hidden away so you are not tempted. Let's keep the cravings away.
Well done on the logging. I have a gym pass for my birthday. I used to go to sauna & steam, jacuzzi and swim, to help my arthritis. Have a blast this week xx💃🕺🪩🪭💃🕺🪩🪭
I keep meaning to rejoin the health club. I was a member before covid then cancelled it. I haven't got round to rejoining as it's quite expensive and I need to make sure I use it enough to justify the cost. With work and my 3 year old grandson I don't have enough time. Maybe it will be my new year resolution 🤔
Same, my dog, Roy, and I can walk at a moments notice. It's a big bag of kit, buses and a huge chunk of my day. It is lovely, but it takes some thought. Maybe a few day passes is enough xx💃🕺🪩🪭💃🕺🪩🪭
I didn't have a dog then either. Now that takes up a lot of time. The club is easy for me to walk to but still needs prebooking for classes. I'm not sure about swimming now. It used to need booking and I'm not often able to book in advance. Its easy to just go for a walk with the dog 🐕
Afternoon peeps,it's absolutely gorgeous out there today! A bit chilly mind,but a 5 mile run warmed me up and blew the cobwebs away 😊 the numbers don't seem to be shifting but I am feeling fitter when I'm running and I'm not getting too hung up on the scales.In terms of pampering I have treated myself to some hydrating face masks to try and I had some new nails last week. I've also bought my outfit for the 2 Christmas do's I've got. I couldn't decide between the handkerchief hem dress or the jumpsuit so I bought both!!!
I am in my Christmas outfit, something I wasn't when we started the Countdown. Have worn it twice and feel glittery and fab in a subtle way. Good running. Don't forget a picture for us in your mask! Having my nails done is a real treat for me. Makes me feel really feminine 😊😊All the best for the week ahead xx 🪭🪩🕺💃🪭🪩🕺💃
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I'm looking forward to the next holidays we will be celebrating - Chanukah and Christmas. My goal for the next 30 days is to continue to lose the weight I put back on over the course of last year (thankfully, not all of the 50+ lbs I lost a few years ago, but enough to make me uncomfortable and clothes too tight) I'm now down slightly over 2-1/2 lbs. I feel like I'm getting more and more in control of my eating - I feel so much better - both physically and mentally! My focus has been a lot clearer and I've been a lot more productive as well. I'm on a good path right now, just plan to continue. Happy Holidays!
Hi Bubbe, Good to have you on. I am about 4st off, but three times have got to 6 stone off. I have a health problem and hungry meds, but the Countdown has helped me, undoubtedly. Happy holidays and keep sharing your pearls of wisdom xx😊😊💃🕺🪩😊😊💃🕺🪩🪭
My best friend (he was also my flatmate for 9 years) died last November 25th and I lost my mother to Alzheimer's in February this year. This last few years have been a time for noticing and being joyful around the little things that are now the big things.
My goals are really daily goals as I to start on plans when I wake up and then end the day in a reflective mood. So..no adnance plans made for this next holiday period except bookingmy groceries up till the end of the year
Hi Nancy, I think it is hard to lose people in the run up to Christmas. Well done seeing the joy. I lost my Mum and Dad in the Christmas Hols. I had to keep going for the kids, mercilessly needy and they now keep me going. I am on every day if you want to chat. Love Jan x
Hi Hopalong, I don't do spa's and detoxing unless you count dry for January and Sober for October which I regularly do. I do however take care of my hair and nails and follow my aunts advice not to go out of the house without lipstick on although I don't know why because I rarely wear any other make up. Not long now to the big day.😄😄x
I would call Dry January and Sober October a detox, once again "we are not worthy" 🤣😂When I had my daughter I was a bit blue and my Auntie said "take a tip from me and put your face on every day" and I try. But more than that, I hear her voice every time I get my make up bag out. Spooky! I am going to do some serious planning this weekend and then card writing, usually start 1/12 xx🪭🪩🕺💃🪭🪩🕺💃
Hi Hopalong, Its funny how things that something someone once said stays with you for years isn't it. I have done all my Christmas shopping now except for my grandson but I haven't wrote my cards yet. Interesting that you start on the 1st December, I always put decorations up on he 13th. When I was a child we lost a sister who's birthday was the 13th December so every year after we put the decorations up on her birthday to include her in Christmas and now 50 years larer I still do the same thing. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Enjoy Stickly and Celebrity.😊😊x
I'm happy to report that my weight is down from my last official weigh-in! Not a lot but still, down! Honestly, I was expecting a small gain after Thanksgiving.
This moderate carb plan appears to be working for me.
We're still planning for Christmas. Our family gathering will be on the 23rd, this year, at my daughter's house.
Hopefully I'll be in my caravan by then (she got more than a few direct "hints" on Thanksgiving! Lol.).
I didn't do any formal workout, yesterday, and, in fact, I had a rather lazy day, other than getting my laundry done.
I am in awe that you didn't show a gain after Thanksgiving. How brilliant are you!?!?!? I hope to go to my daughter's on the 26/12/23. I just have to brooch it with her😊😊25/12/23 is at mine. I hope you get properly moved, but as they say on Love Island, "it is what it is". Keep doing what you are doing xx
I have to confess as far as Strictly is concerned, I fell asleep until annabel and jojo performed, Lytham , BridgeGirl , Progressoverperfect and Momo53 and all xx 🪭🪩🕺💃🪭🪩🕺💃
Sunday 26th November 2023 - 29 days until Christmas
I expect most of us enjoy a long soak and it's restorative properties. Sometimes I have cramp and put Epsom salts in the tub. Also have lovely Miniml bubble bath, very good for sensitive skin and refillable.
Have had hands on healing at a spiritualist chapel. It was just after Dad died, a while ago now. It was possible to feel the heat of the giver's hands although they weren't actually touching. About eighteen months later I bumped into one of the healers at Asda and had a chat. Just as we parted she said "Glad you are healed". I had put it down to time passing, but who knows. I also sat in a healing circle, focusing on making things better, sending out healing. I liked this because sometimes there are awful things happening in the world and I am just one small person hoping for a change. What are your experiences you can share I wonder? Wishing you a peaceful Sunday x 🕊️🙏🙏😊😊
Monday 27th November 2023 - 28 days until Christmas
Balancing chakras can have a positive effect on physical, emotional and mental wellbeing with regular practice. There is probably something in your day that helps with this balance. I walk my dog and listen to music. Perhaps you do yoga, tai chi, meditation or relaxation. Here is 15 minutes to have a go, hope you enjoy it x
Lately I've been listening to a spiritually-related meditation every morning. I think I'll add more sessions throughout the day. They aren't long but they help with stress. A lot!
I had too many carbs, again, yesterday, but no added sugar, so that's good.
Hello Etriker67 , Hope you are having a good day. I too had a sausage roll(pastry) and leek and potato soup for lunch. Two carbs. Moving is a great stress, you are doing really well 😊😊. All the best for the week x
I got out some of my Christmas decorations, even though I'm supposed to be moving soon. These will be easy to transport, so I'm not too worried about them.
Good ticks ✅✅✅We usually decorate for the 12 days of Christmas. But because you and I started thinking about Christmas on the 16/9/23 🤣😂, I am tempted to get out a few garlands and twinkly lights ❄️❄️It was frosty today. All the best, Buddy xx
When the kids were young we had a real tree very early because of the excitement and had to throw it out on boxing day! Now Roy attacks the baubles and we have decs on high 🤣😂x🎄🎄🕊️🕊️❄️❄️💗💗
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Feeling really down - need some encouragement
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