Daily huddle for the holiday battlefield? Who am I? I AM A CHAMPION!

This holiday season is my first since having weight loss surgery and I have discovered it is a bigger challenge than I thought it would be. In an earlier post I asked you for advice on how you are coping with the temptations that are everywhere this time of year and it seems I'm not the only one who has fallen off the wagon more than once. 

I realized that trying to stick to our eating plans in the face of all this temptation is like a battle that must be fought and won each and every day until the daily onslought finally ends on Jan 2!  I was thinking about how football teams huddle together with their coach in the locker room before a big game and they get mentally prepared to fight the good fight.  I propose we do a daily battlefield huddle each morning during this holiday Battle of the Buldge in order to keep our eye on the prize and to keep our minds focused. 

I don't particularly like football, but I looked up on the internet how coaches inspire their players to win and I came across this incredible video of a great coach getting his players pumped up for a game and it gave me goosebumps. Maybe it will be inspiring for you too. I suggest you watch and listen all the way through.  It worked for me! 

This was the introduction that the author wrote for the accompanying video:

....The toughness in your mind and the grit in your heart will determine how well you play; how much you’re willing to sacrifice for victory. It’s not only the game that I love, but the elevating calm before the storm.  Getting your mind in a place that will know no surrender-no defeat.  Creating a mental zone to give it everything you have and leave nothing on the battle field. Now watch.....
www.youtube.com/watch

Hi Kathy...very motivational.  Luckily, so far I have been pretty well.  I have eaten a couple of pieces of candy here and there, but overall I have not felt those temptations AND I made goal last week!!!  I haven't seen any takers so far, just wanted to wish you luck.  Lee has a weekly holiday challenge, posts on Sundays, join us there if you like.

Jane

Hi Kathy.  Haven'****ched the video but the discussion reminded me of how I approached the 4 week optifast diet my surgeon required.  Failure was not an option, cheating was not an option.  I was going to stick to the plan, shake for shake, bite for bite day after day for 4 weeks.  And I did. 
Normal life and the rest of our lives is different for sure, and we all know holidays are different.  But I identified myself as a rule follower a long time ago, having nothing to do with weight loss.  My eating rules have changed.  For me, if I allow a slip into bad eating, I have to get right back on track.  Doesn't mean I never do, just that I can't let it take over my life.  When I am going to slip, I give myself permission.  I tell my husband, I'm going to have 4 potato chips (or what ever).  I set a limit, then I don't have to worry with the whole "I cheated" mentality.  That has worked for me, so far, at least.

Exactly! This is my philosophy too and why I think of my WLS as a weapon and not just a tool.

--gina

I just wanted to say that you kick ass! I think you will do just fine and are keeping very mindfull (maybe even a little too much, which is ok)

I've missed you lately.  Hope you are just busy with Christmas and family.  We miss you at the LW board. 

Aw, thanks, Price.  Your comment was nice to come home to.  I'm doing fine. I have been busy with kids who are home for the holidays and guests from out of town.  In fact tonight I decided to stay at home while the dh and kids are out seeing a movie because I have to catch up on some things!  I still don't have time to relax and read everybody's OH comments though.

I really appreciated seeing your message in my email inbox.  It means a lot. Thank you, sweetie :)
Kathy