How are you dealing with the Holidays

Lots of holiday revolve around food.  Food traditions, food at parties, food gifts, seems like food is everywhere.  How we deal with food is certainly different if we are a newbee with WLS or a vet having had surgery years ago but here are some of my ideas and I hope you will add your plans for surviving this holiday and others to come.

There are just 3 adults in my house for the holiday.  DS, DH and me.  DH family traditions revolve around food and holiday cooking.  Mine too to some extent but his family was deserts and baking, etc.  We have been married for 40 yrs and he pretty much has learned to accept I just don't do all that.  So WLS hasn't changed that as much as it changed over the years anyway. 

for parties with snacks, I stay away from the table.  If I hang out near them, I eat.  And even though I can't eat a lot at one sitting, I can nibble away the whole night and eat a tremendous amount.

for parties with dinner, I plan on mainly protein.  Usually there is some main meat dish and I am always hoping it will be turkey, ham, roast, not laszania or a pasta dish.  I may take a tablespoon of Aunt whoevers sweet potato casserole because this is the only time this year I will get it, but I stay away from mashed potatoes, any bread, mac and cheese, etc.  If I am bringing a di****ry to brings something I can eat.  Plain green beans, roasted asperagus, butternut squash.  There are tons of sugar free deserts on line that are great and most folks won't even know that it is "diet".

I usually skip the alcohol.  It has empty calories and it lowers my inhibitions regarding food.  I eat more if I drink.  Wi**** wasn't so, but it is. 

My family has never been one to bake cookies, etc, thank goodness.  I would like to do some of that for DH but in reality, he doesn't need it and neither do I.  I just cross that off my holiday list and have some extra time.  I don't know if I had young children we would do it or not.  Holidays are special but you also want them growing up with health traditions, not all bad food ones.

Exercise.  This week has been cold and wet here and I haven't walked.  I did get to my exercise class on Monday but it doesn't happen again until next Monday.  I need to take care of me and get some exercise in, rain or shine.  Mall walk, go to the gym, pull out the exercise tapes.  It lifts my spirits and helps my body. 

So there are my ramblings for a cold wet morning in WNC.  Hope you will add your own and find something in mine useful. 

Merry Christmas or whatever you celebrate.

Initially, I had a lot of anxiety trying to figure out how the holidays would be for me since it is my first since WLS.  I spoke to the dietician and looked up recipes and have enjoyed cooking and baking things everyone can have, including me!  It actually has been super fun making new things and having people try them and like them!  For the first time in my life, I am making a whole wheat low sugar home made apple pie for Christmas.  I can't wait!  My relationship with food may be a little different than others though because I am not sad if I don't get to eat it all or eat a lot.  I actually enjoy making it and just tasting it and everyone else enjoying it.  I have young children and that is maybe why I still do these things.  It has been cold and wet here as well so exercise has been a little on the slacking side.  I have yet to try alcohol so I am not sure how that feels.  I wish you a very happy holiday and appreciate the post!!!

You have done great!!! You need to add a golden apple to your signature because you have lost 100+ so far and it hasn't been that long.

Sounds like you have come to a good relationship with food and that will serve you well as you get closer to maintaining.

My daughter did her doctorate at UO in Eugene.  Yep, it can be cold and wet there too.  It has felt kind of like that here these days. 

Merry Christmas. 

Thank you!!! I am not sure how to do that. Yes Eugene is a bit away from us but I think the whole state has been went and cold. :)

I think I'll skip the snacks and meals and have the alcohol!  lol

before the end of this one, I may be joining you, lol