So...whadda'ya think?

[redqueen]

As I mentioned in the check-in thread this morning, I am having a Holiday Tea at my home tomorrow. It will be a minefield of South Beach unfriendly food!

I was thinking, "why do this to yourself?"

Then I thought, "this is a tradition with your chapter, and tradition is important!"

Then I thought, "this is about your health and well-being!"

To which I answered, "but celebrations are a big part of life & they contribute to your well-being!"

"Make a NEW tradition", I say!

I grumble, "But I LOVE Tea Parties!"

Do you think I will ever win this battle?? What about those traditions that are so much a part of your life? How do I disengage from the food = family & fun? I know it is especially hard this year, since it is the first Holiday Season without both parents. All of us kids are trying to hang on "for dear life" to the family traditions.

Gotta' figure out how to make through 'til Jan 1st! After that, the whole world will be dieting!!

[justmarvi]

Morning Chris,

I'm no expert and can only share my thoughts.

I don't think I'll ever change all our traditions and SBD has planned that into the scheme of things. We change what we can, as we can and what means the most and others times, we stay the same since it isn't always just about "me". I too know the difficulty of losing parents and wanting things to remain the same. I've changed a few things, like not quite as much butter as my sweet Mother used in the dressing but the family doesn't seem to have noticed and most of us tolerate less fat better with age.

I'm finding some things aren't easily changed but as we all get older, it's the spirit of the getting together that really matters since I can't really ever make a coconut pie like my DMIL, lol, we just say remember with fond memories.....and we'll just make do with something lower fat with a smile.

I know my grandson will still want pralines and seasoned crackers Christmas Eve and I'll make them just because, so like you, I'm looking forward to Jan 1st too and wondering if I'm missing a blessing in that . We'll just do the best we can in the moment, some times I'm stronger than at other times but it's just life and I'm thankful for it.......

I'm so glad you're on board with us as we travel through this journey and learn together! Oh, I'm happy to say Merry Christmas too!

P.S:

DD2 and I ALWAYS celebrate Christmas with a FEW boxes of chocolate covered cherries. This year we decided to make lf, sugar free fudge instead, and we smiled and cheered each other on as planned it together, made it together and ate it together, knowing it wasn't the same but because we shared the change, it worked, so we made a new tradition, .

[zeraspride]

I think Marva has given you some wonderful advice! The holidays are not a problem for me per se but I did have a dinner party celebrating me and DH's 12th anniversary which fell over the Thanksgiving weekend. We had plenty of the "regular" stuff for my family and since the event was held at my house, I made sure there was plenty of stuff that me and DH could eat too. I had a sister make homemade mac and cheese with Dreamfield's pasta and one made regular and sugar free cheesecake for dessert. I admit it wasn't like the meals "mom used to make" when we were kids but I am trying my best to separate joyous occasions and food. Food has always been my excuse all my life for overindulgences. I want to stop that vicious cycle. It's not easy though.

I have to totally agree with you that in a few weeks, everyone and their momma will be looking for some program to take off the pounds they have gaiend between mid-November and the end of December. You have to ask yourself if you want to be one of those people. I want goal, I want health, I want control. I will have none of these things if I constantly give into the "crowd" mentality that this time of the year is a time of excess eating. I also don't want the guilt that comes from overeating/off plan eating then back peddling to lose the same old pounds again. Holidays, vacations and/or special occasions are part of life. We each have to decide how we are going to deal with them. I do believe how I deal with these special events will be different once I hit my goal than how I deal with them now that I still have weight to lose.

I don't have the answers for you but I know you'll do what's best for you and your family.

[redqueen]

Marva & Lisa,

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response! I think this has just been an emotionally draining year for me in general. But I have the positive direction my health and diet is taking me to focus on!

I am going to RELAX, continue to do the things that have been working well for me, and just try to enjoy the journey! I tend to be an "all or nothing" kind of person. I'm going to strive to be less hard on myself; to celebrate the successes and forgive myself for the screw-ups!

I am going to have fun today, AND I am going to have a successful day managing my food!

[justmarvi]

I think we're going to do great ladies!