HOLIDAY FOOD & STRESS

Hi All, I haven't posted in a bit. Been having some difficult times, especially cuz of all the "food" that's been at work due to the holiday. I feel lousy, cuz I've been on a plateau, and I must admit, I've snitched a few cookies and am angry "" at myself of course! Is anyone else struggling? I felt so good before all this nonsense of the holiday!!!! JA

Hi JA, I have been struggling also. I have been doing a lot of baking, I've only snitched a few, but I did find out that I don't dump on small amounts of sugar . I have been on a plateau for over three weeks. I get my water in, trying hard to get the protein in, hard when you are only 5 weeks post-op. I gag down protein drinks, but I am being patient. Sometimes I feel like, oh well, here is something else that is not going to work to help me lose weight! I am trying to focus on the good stuff, family, friends, the fact that I have lost 20 lbs. and a few inches off my waist, hips, and bust! Pam

Hi Pam, I'm not really baking much this yr. Whatever I make has to be consumed (by others) on xmas eve when I have company. I will make myself a sugar free cheesecake, and that will help. I also bought the sugar free cookies that Pillsbury makes. I haven't made them yet though. I guess I'm disappointed in the fact that I "still" have "old behaviors". Thanks for your support. JA PS I don't dump either and am mad as hell that I don't!!!

In the refrigerated section of the food store, I found Pillsbury Ready to Bake Sugar Free Chocolate Chip cookies, flavored with Splenda. 90 calories each, so there's a price...but if you must have them, that is one alternative. And by the way, they are very good. --Steve

Hi Steve, I found them the other evening, and will be baking them for xmas eve. My uncle who is coming for dinner is a diabetic, so he and I can have them. Thanks for your support! JA

Yes, it has been hard for me. Before Thanksgiving I was feeling great and shedding pounds and it feels like the past 3 weeks I have been at a stand still. I've only lost 3 lbs, because I have been snatching a cookie or holiday ****tail here and there. I am probably hitting a plateau, too. Exercise has been taking a backseat also with all the get togethers. (For some reason, I do not dump-wish I did though, then I wouldn't try stuff.) I am lucky, though, because my husband had the surgery, too and we don't keep "bad" food in the house. I should be losing again in no time. Keep your chin up and look forward to January 1st. Hugs~Anastacia

Thanks Anastacia; hopefully we'll ALL be back on track sooon!!! JA

M&M's have 'somehow' teleported themselves to my desk from the kitchenette here. I feel SO guilty. But, yet, ther are still her on my desk. It's a sickness. I'm telling you. I need shock treatments...or chocolate aversion therapy... I'm not REALLY trying to make light...but, I want you to know that it happens. You're not magically immune to the pull of treats and goodies (heck- even the words TREAT and GOODIE make you want one) In my infinite practicality...and lack of willpower to defy chocolate... Here's what I decided: Instead of beating myself up because of a cookie or so here and there...I'll take a different approach. I'm giving myself permission for ONE small treat a day over the next few days...and then make sure I PLAN in extra exercise and additional protein to balance myself out better. I KNOW I'm going to eat it, so instead of fooling myself and then BLOWING my menu for the day...and being depressed about it...I give in just the slightest bit. It's a compromise...but I feel OK with that. PERHAPS it's because I am at goal that I feel OK with this. I know that last Xmas I did NOT do this...because I was still trying to loose weight and to compromise in any way felt like I was giving up on myself. But, in reality I just went throught the cycel of guilt anyway. so...I guess I'm babbling at this point. My point is, I guess, to try and control youself in the best possible way and account for your little sins. Best of luck to you (the holidays ARE almost over!!!!) Lisa C I assure you after the holidays I WILL yank my chain hard and have a protein fest.

Hi Lisa, I so feel like a failure, as I am only 5 months out and behaving like this. I said I would never, and here I am doing what I said I would never do! UGH! I'm gonna try to take one day at a time. That's all I can do, and jump back on the train again! Happy Holidays! JA

Wow, i am so glad it is just NOT ME! I am 3 weeks post op and am happy with my weight loss of 25 lbs! Can't complain about that but I do think to myself ok, this will stop at some point and this is not going to work for me like everything else!!!! So far the foods of the holiday have not gotten to me. Maybe because I have stayed out of work. I am taking a good amt of time off just becaues I can and hey going to take avantage of that for sure!!! Thank you Steve about the cookies!! How great is that in SMALL AMTS! I have noticed more and more foods with Slenda. I wonder why? Maybe because they know so many people are having the surgery, people eating better, people watching carbs??? Well good luck to us and GOOD FOR US! We did it. There are going to be SO many times we want something and most likely will try it. We may get sick, we may not but you now what everyone. We are pretty incredible people to do this surgery, this lifestyle change!!!! We also have to admit we have weaknesses and that is ok! This surgery certainly has changed our lives for the better but we are also only human....... Happy Holidays to all!!! I love and appreciate this site so very much! I think that we all have so much to be greatful for!!! The future is ours!!!! Carrie!!!!