Damage Limitation.

by

Please to enjoy Kim. He is smart, funny, generous with his technology knowledge and yet another blogger Id love to someday meet in person.

I nagged him until he caved and agreed to guest post up in herre. He happily penned the post below as a reminder that there are ways to make it through New Years with minimal damage to our goals & selves.

Kim Ayres is 90lbs lighter than he was 4 years ago. The secret, he says, is not to focus on losing weight, but to focus on eating healthily – weight loss is then a natural side effect. On his regular blog he writes about everything from family life to pondering the universe, but he also has a weekly blog where he puts up his stats, excuses, and insights into battling the cravings .

Damage Limitation
The first thing to remember is you are human, not superhuman. If you set yourself an impossible task, you are setting yourself up to fail.

The second thing to remember is you are human, not a machine. You do have some control over how you approach the world.

The most important thing is to know yourself. Not blame yourself, hate yourself or wish you were someone else, but accept who you are and how you react in given situations.

If we are to survive the season of excess, when we are bombarded with the most powerful mind-altering advertising techniques known to man;

If we are to survive the season of excess, when we are surrounded by the kinds of food, high in fat, salt and sugar that our cave-man bodies evolved to pig out on as a survival tactic in a world with much less available;

If we are to survive the season of excess, when our nearest and dearest are thrusting food under our noses and a lifetime of politeness and good manners means we feel we cannot say no without risking offence;

Then feeling we “should” be stronger, cannot come into it. We have to understand, and accept, there will be times when we are going to give in to the extraordinary pressures this time of year our culture places on us.

Once we know that, and accept it (!), we can start devising strategies to minimise the impact. And the mantra we need to adopt is:

DAMAGE LIMITATION

One of the biggest dangers we face is when we say, “the damage is done now, I may as well just let go and start over again in January.”

How many times have we said to ourselves that because the diet starts on Monday, we may as well make the most of the weekend before and end up eating far more than we usually would? Well this month lasts a lot longer than a single weekend, so the damage will be far greater.

So, start thinking:

DAMAGE LIMITATION

If we put on 5lbs instead of 10lbs; or even if we put on 10lbs instead of 20lbs, then we will still be in a better place come January than we would have been.

To put this in a context – if you are on a healthily eating and exercise regime and are able to lose an average of 1lb a week, then 5lbs represents over a month more before you reach your target weight. 10lbs represents 2½ months. This is the difference between reaching your target in June, in time for the swimsuit season, or not getting there until the kids go back to school.

So, what do we need to focus on?

DAMAGE LIMITATION

Damage limitation means: when indulging, only do so on the foods you really like – don’t eat anything “just because it’s there”

Damage limitation means: notice (and enjoy) every mouthful – do not eat without noticing it, like large tubs of ice cream, or popcorn or candy in front of the TV.

Damage limitation means: if you have an apple mid afternoon, it helps offset the chocolate brownie you had with your coffee in the morning

Damage limitation means: if you are served a large plate of food, remember to leave room for dessert so you can enjoy it properly

Damage limitation means: if you’re not going out for lunch with friends or work colleagues, make sure you have a healthy one.

Damage limitation means: eating healthily at every meal that doesn’t require indulgence

Damage limitation means: would you rather enjoy every mouthful and put on 6lbs, or blow out completely, not notice half the stuff you put in your mouth, feel uncomfortably over-full most of the time and put on 12lbs?

Damage limitation means: weighing yourself between Feastmas and New Year – not so you can beat yourself up, but just so you are aware of what is happening. Think of it this way – would it be a good idea to go on a spending spree without ever checking the bank account?

The whole approach is about being aware of, and enjoying, what does go in your mouth, and eating healthily whenever you can. To feel uncomfortably
full, put on extra pounds and not to have even noticed or enjoyed what you ate, is the worst of crimes.

So, repeat after me: “Damage Limitation,” “Damage Limitation,” “Damage Limitation”

There you go, oh post-Christmas slightly bloated if yer anything as I am members of the Bumbling Band.

Kim has given us his take on the D.L. & now it’s time to give us yours.

Got any methods you’re trying & already find to work?

Already realized that you’re gonna need a whole new approach between now and New Years day & have a kernel of an idea you wanna share?

Please to hit us all up in the comments.

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Comments

  1. This really spoke to me. Thankee!

    Also, ’tis better to *care* than *not to care*. By caring/reading/being here (w/Kim and Miz) we are already further ahead of our theoretically unhealthier selves.

    Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. 🙂

  2. This damage limitation is the key to keeping yourself on track. I’ve lost 35 pounds since September by not dieting, but by being selective with my food choices and portions. I weigh myself every day with a digital scale so I don’t let myself slip back into the abyss of obese.

    Before the holidays I decided to give myself a 2-pound limit, meaning that’s how much I’m allowed to gain up until December 26. So far, I’ve put on two ounces and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.

    Thanks MizFit for the link to Kim’s blog. His losing a hundredweight weekly updates blog is great for seeing a progressive success story. Very encouraging!

  3. Great strategies! I was very uncomfortable during the night and when I woke up this morning. So we’re back to normal healthy eating today, making sure that we drink lots of water and eat fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, fruit and raw vegetables. These help to flush the toxins out and I’m feeling much better already. I’m ready to lose some more weight by the end of the year!

    Nice post!

  5. Thanks MizFit for shaing your blogspace!

    Of course I was uncomfortably stuffed my mid-afternoon yesterday, but it was only on food I love (Maggie’s home-made blackberry icecream – arrgglllle, drool, slobber – so felt well worth it 🙂

    There will be a few treats today, but already Maggie’s making a pot of her wonderful vegetable soup for lunch. So healthy, yet so tasty!

    Hope you and your had/are having a great time and I’m looking forward to reading other ideas on coping with the seasonal excesses bombarding us 🙂

  6. yeah, we love the Kim. we loved him MORE before he tempted us with Maggie’s veggie soup and then left without inviting us over—but you’ll have that.

    lottsa indulging around here yesterday (which is odd, I know, since we dont even celebrate christmas really…we ARE, however, all about joining friends in *their* foodfestivities) and today I think shall be filled with MOVE IT MOVE IT (gym) & MOVE IT MOVE IT (Madagascar Two).

    whatcha all up to in the name of damage control?

    Miz.

  7. Awesome post! As for damage control, I actually got on my bike and rode around my street last night – something I haven’t done in at least a couple of months. Now to do that AGAIN today…and tomorrow…it might help offset some of the calories I’ve ingested!

  8. Thanks Kim for the post and MizFit for bringing him here.

    I do need to think Damage Control all day today.

    Miz I saw your twitter.

    what are the match ups?

  10. Love the post! Great tips in there!

    One of my favorite quotes is way up at the top – “The secret, he says, is not to focus on losing weight, but to focus on eating healthily”.

    That’s what worked for me – I’ve started and failed so many diets. It wasn’t until I told myself “You can diet later” and started trying to find healthy recipes to cook that I lost weight. I still haven’t started my diet. I’m down 40 pounds, and don’t feel deprived at all. <3

  11. We had a few too many cookies and chocolates yesterday. Other than that, it was all good. Started the family out with buffalo burgers and a wide assortment of cut veggies, and I actually got them all out for a brisk walk at twilight.

    Today is a new day; gotta squeeze in a quick, intense workout before hitting Target when they open at 7! Can’t miss those day-after-christmas clearance prices.

  12. I like the “eat an apple the afternoon you ate the brownie for breakfast” advice. Making sure you still eat healthy even if you indulge is important. The bod cannot thrive on sugar alone (I keep telling myself)…

  13. What a powerful post… this one really hit home for me, especially since yesterday was a planned splurge day (chinese food with the BEST eggrolls ever!).

    Pre-weight loss effort, yesterday would’ve included breakfast with the fiance, lunch at some fast food place, and then the fried and sauce-drenched dinner. BUT I planned ahead, and truly enjoyed my dinner.

  14. kim you nailed it for me as well.

    and a motivating partner? Don’t know what it is. know I need one.

    LOL.

    Bea

  15. went into yesterday with the intention of just eating a little bit of a lot of different things. I figured I’d only eat the foods I never usually eat/

    …ended up eating waaaaayyyyyy too much of everything because it was ALL food i never eat . so much that i had to sit on the floor and i moaned about my belly with my boyfriend’s 7 year old niece

    HOWEVER FGF’s 1 saving grace tip: WEAR FORM FITTING clothes to an eating event. I had worn jeans in my size. If I had expandable pants, I would have eaten so much more.

    jeans = damage limitation

  16. Absolutely wonderful thoughts. I LOVE the idea of ‘Damage Control’. Kim hit the nail on the head. The act or reminding ourselves we are human tends to be the most difficult.
    People think that the ‘fit’ and ‘thin’ people are lucky to be ‘super-human’.
    I think we all have the potential and possibility to have the one and only ‘super-human’ capability we all need: WILL
    The difference between any success and failure is the sheer WILL to not give in, to not give up, and to KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON. (as per Vince Lombardi)
    Great Post!

  17. Like Fattygetsfit, I usually wear form-fitting jeans to aid in damage control, but I didn’t yesterday, and now I’m in need on serious damage control!

    I weighed in today, I wasn’t going to but thought I should know. So glad I did, the numbers weren’t very festive at all. To start the DC: It’s a sunny, chilly day here, perfect for a brisk walk.

    Thanks Miz & Kim.

  18. Your damage control tips were great – just what I needed to remind me. Especailly the part about “the diet starting Monday….”

    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and the new year brings many blessings!

  19. wow, this is great. it brings to light the mental side of things, which is VERY important. as in not beating yourself up after one indulgence, so it doesn’t lead to out of control indulgences b/c you feel like you’ve already lost it…

  20. it is about the will (& some days the WILL this ever end ;)) & amazing to think that this time next week it’s a new year.

    Holidays DONE for another three hundred plus days.

  21. I am usually a reader and not a commeter but wanted to say how happy I was you posted today.
    I assumed you would be off until the new year!

  23. I am kinda off 🙂

    and more on the MizFit Matches when Im at the computer.

    BOTTOM LINE: the post is coming on the 2nd of January but we’re doing it again.

    you email me if youre interested.

    I email you back the name of a motivational partner. A cheertasker. A lovingbuddytonagyourassintostickingtoyergoals.

    Miz.

  24. Gearing your mind to eating healthy is a good idea because it’s a positive choice. Dieting has so many negative connotations. It’s easier to adapt to a postive statement than a negative one.
    Excellent advice.

  25. Thanks Miz & Kim – you are exactly what I needed this “morning after.” The kiddos are still asleep and I was thinking of going back myself…sugar hangover…you know! I will, instead, clean up some of the carnage, get dressed and take the dog for a walk.

    Really great post…both of you! I’ll be back again.

  26. Great post!

    I am tired of sweet stuff, which is good. I can’t believe I used to eat like this all the time and didn’t even think about it.

    Today I have all of my food planned out in thedailyplate.com – so that will help me focus on getting back into my groove.
    Even though I am not working today, I put myself into workday mode with exercising before brekkie (even though I got up later 🙂 )

  27. Thank you Kim – great advice! Once I decide to treat myself to the dessert I was not going to eat, I usually just let it all go, overindulge, and eat too much without enjoying it. I love the thought of truly enjoying a few bites of something I really want rather than eating it just because it’s there.

    I’ll be out of town starting today through early January. I’m excited about the trip, but I hate losing control of preparing my own food. I know we’ll be eating out once or twice a day…I’ll use Damage Limitation as my daily…or hourly mantra 🙂

    Thanks Kim!

  28. Two people sort of said separately what I was going to comment on: Tami highlighted that, “The secret, he says, is not to focus on losing weight, but to focus on eating healthily”. and then Leah (one of my favorite bloggers incidently) commented on how diets tend to be negative and focusing on healthy living is a positive action. I can’t say I’ve ever gotten anywhere when living/thinking in a negative fashion but it is downright amazing what happens in my life when I think and act positively, even if I don’t whole heartedly believe it at first. I am a law of attraction believer, it’s happens big time for me when I don’t fall back into the pit again. The beauty is I can always try again and go further next time.
    So grateful for Miz, Kim, and all the commenters, great post.

  29. I know, Erin. I entirely agree. It’s the EAT THIS, NOT THAT notion in a sense for me (the eat! not ‘this is what you need to eliminate from your diet’ take away).

    And yes.

    I, too, love Leah & her amazingbrain.

  30. I’m off for ten whole days now, and have decided to use those ten days to make working out a PRIORITY. I know they say it takes 30 days to form a habit, but I’m hoping that ten days of hardcore workouts (I’m talking 1-2 hours most days) will get me psyched to work out so that when I go back to work, it’s ingrained in me that I will work out every day. Regardless of how busy I am.

    Hoping that helps!

  32. This is a good perspective to have. Awareness is key for knowing what we’re putting in our mouths and appreciating and enjoying it.

    Right now I’m also focusing on remembering that we are all unique and our bodies are going to show that. So it’s good to figure out what types of foods are body likes, what weight and measurements are good for our bodies, and also what makes us “feel good”. If we know that, then we can do what’s right for our bodies most of the time and indulgebesilly for the rest of the time! And then we don’t have to succumb to any kind of imposed diet plan circulating around the market.

  33. Great guest post!

    The Bag Lady is all about damage control today…. oh, wait, she means cleaning up the disaster zone that used to be her kitchen! She actually managed not to pig out too badly, and will continue to eat heathily. (Well, okay, maybe one more butter tart and one more shortbread cookie, but after that…..!)

  34. Great Damage Control advice.

    I did a lot of picking yesterday but didn’t go too crazy. I’m planning on taking a nice long walk to the store today to catch those after Christmas sales and will have to carry whatever I buy all the way back home.

  36. again with finding me new blogs to read Miz.

    loved kim.

    and I will email you about the matching thing.
    I need someone to nag my ass. (can I say that here?)

  37. AT TARGET.

    Resisted the 50% off christmas candy calling my name.

    victory is MINE.

    (so far anyway. Im not yet at the cashier so there’s already a chance I shall cave…)

  38. Great post. Damage Limitation is where I live.

    I lost about three pounds in the long haul up to Christmas Day (you’d be surprised how physically demanding singing the entire Messiah is–over and over) but I think I made up for it last night at dinner. And we haven’t really had Christmas yet…

  39. i’m baack! oh how my etsy shop has rocked my world….both positively and negatively!

    i have missed the miz and the awesome bumbling band!

    great post today. really speaks to me. i’ve had three weeks of food stress eating and mindless tv binging….. saying i will fix it all later. damage limitation will be on my mind over this next week and well into the new year!

    on a more positive note….i got me a really cool garmin watch from santa…this baby does everything (except the running!)
    can’t wait for the snow/slush to clear and take it for a test run.

    hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

  40. Great post for all of us the day after! For my damage limitation, I plan on sending most of the sweets leftovers home with my sister, and keep just a few of my most favorites in the freezer (the safe zone.) Plus I have these 2 weeks off, and I am really planning to make exercise a big part of them.

  41. the mindsweeper? the mamaruns? the weighsin?
    IM NOT MINDING THAT THIS LINE IS SLOWER THAN THE PROVERBIAL ‘LASSES IN THE WINTER TIME.

    welcome back mama!

    da*m on the three pounds oh sweeper.

    and debbie? oh that the freezer were any kind of a safe zone here.

    wait.

    did you mean the NEIGHBORS’ freezer?!

  42. I have come to accept the fact that I am an EXTREMELY picky eater. I don’t like most meats or vegetables. I pretty much eat carbs 24/7. I’ve realized that it’s very difficult for me to “eat healthy” like most people do… because I’ll always end up eating the same old junk in the end.
    So instead I’ve embraced my eating habits and decided to take other preventative measures… working out and counting calories, and I’ve lost 10 lbs in 2 months.
    Good post.

  43. This is a really great message, and it’s a strategy I use not just at holiday times but anytime there’s a temptation to throw the rules out the window, like when on vacation.

    For me, the easiest thing is to think of my food as a budget and to remind myself that I don’t want to fill my home/body with cheap crap that I don’t even really enjoy. If you blow your budget, it should be on something fine and wonderful that will give you lasting pleasure or usefulness. Blow your diet, and it should be on a really special and memorable treat that you can’t have just anytime. Why eat cheap store-bought cookies on a day you can have Mom’s homemade pie?

    And to the extent that it’s at all possible, one should counterbalance those culinary indulgences with extra exercise. It’s like picking up a little extra paid work before going on vacation. I did a two hour spin before going to my parents’ house for Christmas dinner and it was a great feeling to know that I didn’t have to take baby portions or feel guilty. I had already “paid” for my dinner, and although I ate sane portions, not to excess, it was rich fatty “treat” food I only get once a year and I enjoyed it!

    When we think quality over quantity, we start to get a grip on our eating habits. Be picky and proud!

  44. Thought that was an excellent post and so important. We all need to enjoy ourselves now and then, but the point is to ENJOY. I agree that we should pay attention and not just eat for the sake of eating. All good points to keep in mind.

  45. So true. I think lots of people have an “all or nothing” mentality, but this mentality doesn’t work very well for life in general, and it certainly doesn’t work as far as weight loss/ maintenance goes.

  47. Wow, what a great response! I’m used to 3 or 4 comments per post, not over 40!

    There are some great points being made in these comments, and I’m really pleased my thoughts seem to have struck a chord with so many people.

    I’d celebrate with a cake but… 😉

  48. How very apropos you posted this today! I so needed to hear this. The last two days have been spent at my mom’s house eating my mom’s (very good) cooking. I so need some damage control right now! My fave tip was “if you have an apple mid afternoon, it helps offset the chocolate brownie you had with your coffee in the morning”

  49. Your post is exactly what I needed today. December 26th marked the end of my sugar binge. I love your site and I am finally ready to exercise. I appreciate your help along this journey!

  51. I love your Damage Limitation definitions/suggestions. I think sometimes we’re focused on the negative things we do we don’t realize sometimes there’s something positive we can do, and it’s doesn’t have to be something huge! (Like eat an apple to offset the morning dessert!)

  53. Great post! I’ve been trying to be selective about when I indulge, instead of just indulging non-stop. It’s been working a bit.

    I’ve also been working out a whole lot more this holiday season than past ones. I usually just don’t feel like doing any real exercise (probably because I’ve been fueling my body with “junk”). This year, at least every other day, I’ve made myself run on the treadmill. I tell myself I can go as slow as I want as long as I stay on for a half hour and then I usually end up running faster and longer than I planned.

  55. One of my “resolutions” this time around is conscious eating. If I don’t savour a bite, it’s going in the napkin and no more is going in the pie hole.

    Kim rocks. Thanks for the guest post Kim! I really appreciate the fact that you stress the whole “don’t beat your self up” and “you have control over your choices” concepts. There is a definite difference between “awareness” (productive) and “guilt” (counterproductive)

  56. I made myself sick on roasted brussels sprouts. Seriously. Of all the wonders on the table, including a pork crown roast with cranberry port reduction sauce? I was all about the sprouts. But full is full.

    Miz’s Matchups are Marvelous. My partner and I may not win any prizes for the best fitness makeover, but we can serve as a warning, and a fount of recipes for any food that you want to enjoy!! LOL

    😀

  57. Wow.

    This might be my favorite post ever. It’s like it was written directly to me and definitely reinforces the mindset I’ve been working on. Awesome!

    Damage Limitation! Yay for realism!

  60. I remember eating all the junk food in the house because on “Monday” I was starting a Fitness Challenge. Then, one time we threw all the junk food away and decided to start it NOW. Really made an impact on what we bought the next time we went shopping.

    This year I set a Holiday Goal and by the 13th of December I was half way there. I still have a week left to go. I’m giving it my personal best. I know I’m not wonder woman, but it would be fun to fly =)

  61. I love Kim’s philosphy!! I love the idea of Damage Limitation and of not focusing on losing weight, but on eating healthy. Kudos to Erin for tying in the Law of Attraction- I believe that focusing more on positive behaviors will bring positive results.

    I actually didn’t eat too horribly yesterday, although I did enjoy some treats and even had a bit of popcorn at the movie last night. However, a huge snowstorm hit on the way to the theater, and even after sitting through 2 hours of Bedtime Stories, and driving home, our street still had not been plowed. Since we live on a hill, we couldn’t get our poor car up the hill and had to park at the bottom, and get out the shovels. Yes, we dug our way to our driveway. Now that’s Damage Limitation. I think I burned off all of the popcorn calories, and possibly several from dessert (pecan tarts and fudge).

    Even this morning while I was making breakfast, I snacked on orange slices instead of munching on candy. However, I do have a stronger motivation of knowing that tomorrow I have to run 10 miles, and too much sugar will really put a damper on that. My advice is to train for some kind of race or event in the winter, and you’ll be much more motivated to lay off the junk (and only eat what you really want, and to make sure you savor it). Which reminds me I need to hydrate. = )

  62. I believe that focusing more on positive behaviors will bring positive results

    and with the food thing it is, at times, as simple as not thinking I WONT EAT THE OREOS I WONT EAT THE OROES (as then all I think about is oreos :)) and shifting to the

    I shall eat clean chickenbus as often as freakin humanly possible.

    the more I think about what I dont wanna eat—-the more I seem to attract it.

  63. Hi MizFit: Here in Panama we have tamales for Christmas (steam-cooked corn dough filled with vegetables and chicken or pork). This year I’m eating the same amount of tamales as last year, but I’m buying the small tamales instead of the big ones. So basically I’m eating half the amount of tamales (damage limitation), but without feeling all that deprived 🙂

  64. This year I actually figured this out for myself – or at least some of it. I’m using the time in between Christmas and New Year to regain any lost ground. I’m exercising more and eating less and still having a good time.

  65. I completely agree with damage limitation: eat only wha t you like, I usually edit that to add, eat only what you like and usually dont have. Such as pie (for me atleast), cookies friends have baked rather than store brought ones..unless its a world famous store 😀

    And usually I see no reason to not workout..I give myself time off when the gym is closed, do some light yoga, but otherwise do as intense as it gets rest of the time..past winter and this winter I have been into HIIT and its been great for the holidays..I usually lose a couple of pounds, and the soreness really makes me think..do I really want to eat this?

  66. marelisa? that’s such a great idea…now if only I could read it learn it live it—you DONT feel at all deprived with the minis?!

    dawn? it is amazing how that works huh? we *can* exercise more eat less and STILL enjoy. for me it’s like the ah ha! moment of realizing that dining out can be about relishing and enjoying the COMPANY and not always foodfocused.

    disha? ahhh the HIIT rears its ugly head again 🙂 I know I should employ that more as youre right. when Im sore I tend much more to think SERIOUSLY MIZ, IS THIS GONNA FURTHER YOUR MUSCLEBUILDING GOALS before I snack on cr*p.

  67. i am trying not to eat processed sugars and white bread and stuff like that in the name of damage limitation. i have to say that my survival strategy for yesterday was not having lotsa bread/stuffing and (i remember this from a previous post, maybe your thanksgiving one?) “sugarysweet cranberries” on my turkey instead. it was a nice tradeoff. and i actually got full faster than i thought i would…

  68. I got on the scale today for the first time in 3 weeks. I was hoping that I just maintained- I have been choosing healthy options, but have gotten zero exercise. To my shock and surprise, I had lost 3 pounds. I am sure partly due to being sick a week ago, but still- healthy choices do make a difference. I am very excited to be starting this new year with this positive start.

    Love to you,
    Deb

  69. Great post!!! “Damage Limitation” is something that I was thinking about these last couple of days but didn’t know how to put it all together. It is great to be able to see some of what I was thinking in black in white and learn new ideas too.

    I gained one pound these last two weeks but I have to admit I’ve enjoyed everybite, I mean every bit of it 🙂

    I have weighted myself not to beat myself up but to know where I stand. For me this is my best accountability tool.

  70. Oh, I love this. This is EXACTLY how I have approached this season…and vacation, which is starting today – I’m not completely depriving myself, but I’m not taking it all as an excuse to go insane, either. There will be damage – but it doesn’t have to be a disaster.

    Thanks, Kim – these are some absolutely wonderful tips, and wonderful advice, that will help get me through the next week or so without hopefully bringing home an extra twenty pounds of bodily souvenirs. 🙂

    V.

  71. I agree: Christmas is all about damage control and recognizing that the occasional calorie splurge does not have to be all-or-nothing. If I have a slice of fruit cake — with icing — a candy cane, a generous chunk of Stilton, and two Christmas cookies — that doesn’t mean I need to keep going even when I KNOW I’ve had enough. There is a point when I know I’ve had enough, but in the past I have kept going. Now I can stop myself when I get to that point — I can tell myself that it’s not the end of the world and I don’t need to finish the plate of cookies or polish off the end of the Stilton.

    Great post — as usual.

  72. Excellent points all.

    Mostly I’ve been doing them ‘naturally’. Guess my mindset is changing slowly but surely. I noted this Christmas season that I made a point to choose and eat only foods I really wanted–that tasted top notch.

    Example: I made three different kinds of candy on three different occasions. They just weren’t up to snuff. Instead of eating them, I sent the first two batches to work with husband, and the third one I just dumped in the garbage.

    The old me would have kept eating,hoping that the taste would improve with each piece. After 2-3 pieces I realized I didn’t like the taste enough to continue indulging–just not worth it. And mind you, two of these were favored recipes ..one was brand new.

    Also, I weighed myself the day after Christmas. I’d regained the 2 pounds I’d lost when I increased my protein intake, but I imagine I’ll lose it quickly.

    And it didn’t bum me out, because I enjoyed everything I ate, didn’t eat to the point of feeling miserable because I am now able to connect the dots, “experience” beforehand how miserable I will feel after–if I eat a lot of rich food.

    Progress! Eventually the mind/thinking changes will translate to changes on my body. The result? A ‘new’ me.

  73. “The most important thing is to know yourself. Not blame yourself, hate yourself or wish you were someone else, but accept who you are and how you react in given situations.”

    This I wish I could learn in every area of my life. Great post.

  74. Great dl ideas! I agree – getting yourself uncomfortably full without even enjoying it, is the worst. Only eating foods that are “worth it” is the best thing to do anytime of the year, and especially this season when we are bombarded with unhealthy foods.
    I think trying to squeeze in some exercise time and eat healthy meals unless you’re out enjoying the holiday season with friends or family are best two “tactics.” Why wait until January 1 to get back to treating your body the way it deserves to be treated?!

  75. I love this! Great reminder about not having to be perfectly on plan as long as you are smart. I love damage control….you can have your cake and eat it too.

  76. Hurray for damage limitation! I did a wee bit of this over the holidays by not eating cookies. I managed to not gain any weight this holiday season! Yippee!

    Thanks MizFit for introducing me to the idea of planned treats. Prior to reading your blog, I was a knee jerk indulger…if it looked good, I ate it. Now I have a plan. It’s a start!

  77. I absolutely agree with Kim that the most important thing is to know yourself. Only once I knew and accepted who I was, was I able to take responsibility for myself instead of wailing about how unfair life was. After that my weight just seemed to sort itself out.

  78. Late to the party as usual! I love this post and have been exercising D.L. all season. I have not passed on the homemade cookies or chocolates BUT I have been making sure to get all my workouts in, even on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Balance it out baby!

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