If I want to secure my place in Onederland, I’ll need to avoid all those little holiday treats at upcoming parties and celebrations. Image courtesy of joephotostudio and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

It’s December 2nd and I’ve successfully got through Halloween (no candy!) and Thanksgiving (no weight gain!).  As we head towards Christmas and New Year’s, I need a plan to navigate not just the holidays, but those little parties and get-togethers with friends and family.

My goal is to keep my momentum going and drop another 5 lbs. by January. A very tall order, I know. But I want to secure my lease in Onederland. I’m hanging on by a thread. I need to put some serious distance between me and 200 lbs.

Part of that is a plan for dealing with upcoming parties where the old me would consume lots of wine, scarf down copious amounts of finger foods, and delight in sampling all the sugary treats.

So What’s The Plan?

31 Day No Alcohol Challenge Is Back
Yep, I’m giving up booze…well wine actually. As of yesterday I’m alcohol free, until the stroke of midnight January 1.  This is truly a challenge as I have a couple of parties this month, but I want to stay in Onederland so it’s a no brainer.

Build A December Menu
My menu plan for Thanksgiving worked like a charm. I plan to create a new menu for those weeks where I’m going to a party or visiting family for Christmas. During the week of an event, I plan to eat 17g-20g of net carbs daily and stick to my daily point count. That way, I can allow myself a few more carbs (up to 50g) and tap into my weekly allowance points (7-10, not the full 49) for the event.

Stick With My Exercise Schedule
With the holidays and all the added activities they bring, it’s too easy to let workouts slide. We’ve got so much to do, something has to give, right? Sure, but why your health? When I workout I’m much more mindful about eating right. Also I don’t feel right when I skip a workout. To me, exercising is the same as not brushing my teeth. Yikes! Long ago I stopped treating exercise like an item to cross off my “To Do” list. Exercise is something I need to do before I start my “To Do” list.

My New Favorite Word: No
Ah food pushers…those family and friends who threaten to derail your weight loss efforts. They come out in droves during the holidays. My husband tells me his tales of woe as his office fills up with home-made treats for all to try.  I’ve experienced this at family get-togethers — “I made it just for you,” “You’ve got to try this,” and my favorite “A little won’t kill you.”  Just saying “no” is OK. My attitude now is, if someone gets their feelings hurt, that’s their problem.

That seems like a good start. What’s your plan for the holidays?