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Approaching the Holidays

Lisa Eirene

About Lisa Eirene Lisa lost 110 pounds through calorie counting and exercise. She swims, bikes, runs, hikes and is enjoying life in Portland, Oregon. Her weight loss story has been featured in First Magazine, Yahoo Health, Woman's Day and Glamour.com.

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12 Comments

  1. Andrea@WellnessNotes

    The holidays sure can be tough!

    I make a very concrete plan before every holiday event. These days, oftentimes I actually don’t eat at parties. Since I can’t eat gluten anymore, the choices are limited and often there is hidden gluten, which leaves me feeling not got at all. Instead, I focus on interactions. If I have the mindset from that start that I will stay away from the food table, it’s actually fun and easy to spend my time socializing. If I really want something, I plan for it and have it (for example, one of my friends always makes amazing eggnog, and that’s what I have at her party). It’s my splurge for the day, and I still feel good at the end of the day.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      You make a great point I missed–when food issues are part of the equation. Yep, gluten free complicates things. When Michael went GF we ended up bringing dishes to parties that were gf or we knew he could eat (like a veggie tray or something). Bringing your own “safe” foods often helps when there are other things tempting you.

  2. Jess

    The fortnight before Xmas is terrible, calorie wise. There is my birthday, staff Xmas party, end of the school year, and then Xmas itself. I try to eat really well inbetween and try to keep my exericse on track. And I don’t drink alcohol at every event. That and making good choices is basically all I can do!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Oh man! All of that stuff at the same time?!
      That’s a good plan–skipping alcohol at some events frees up a lot of calories.

  3. CARLA

    the same as the rest of the year.
    mindfully.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Yes! Mindfully! And not eating things I don’t want/like just because it’s there. Having one bite of something to see if I like it is a good plan that I use often. Then I don’t feel obligated to eat more. Having a spoonful of each item on the buffet that interests me is enough usually.

  4. Biz

    with my husband in the hospital these last 10 days, I’ve found it extremely difficult to stay focused on food or working out – if I get out of this year maintaining, I would be thrilled!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      You’ve had a hard time. I don’t think anyone expects you to make it to the gym right now! Priorities!

  5. Jennifer

    I am definitely going to watch the calorie intake where drinks are concerned because I definitely tend to have more drinks at this time of year. Like you, I was hoping to have a few more pounds off before the holidays, but if I at least maintain where I am now through Christmas, I will call that a success. One year a few years ago, I actually lost weight over the holidays! I’m going to follow your advice and keep the workouts up to hopefully balance the extra indulgences … but I want to try not to go too crazy!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Man how did you lose? Do you remember? LOL It’s a Christmas miracle!

      1. Jennifer

        I think that year I was definitely more careful about what I ate and drank, but I didn’t completely deprive myself. I could never resist my mom’s thumbprint cookies altogether! But I remember I had a 10-mile race scheduled in early Jan., so I had no choice but to train throughout. I’ve been considering doing that race again, to help me stay on track … if I am, I better get on the ball!

        1. Lisa Eirene

          Training, good tip! That might be something to consider for next year. Sign up for a New Year’s Day 5k or something to keep at it….

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