2009 Holiday Survival Challenge: Week 6

Okay where has everyone disappeared to again this time?   
    I know I have been very busy but I really think a lot about what my New Year's goals will be.  I know I have around 20 pounds to lose to get to my goal weight but I think I will continue to work at mini goals of 5 - 10 pounds at a time to avoid getting discouraged.  For some reason it just feels good to reach a goal and if I make them attainable more often then I seem more successful.  I have been working with a dietician to analyze my serving sizes and how the different starches and proteins add up.  I have a clearer understanding of what the different portions are now and what combinations can be more detrimental to my weight loss so that I can get back on track.  I don't usually keep a food journal but I am very cognizant of what I eat each day.  Part way through the day, I take a mental count of all that I have had so I can finish out the day staying on track.  Now if I can just stay strong to keep the sweets to a taste or none at all.  Holiday temptations seem harder this year than last year!
    I have laxed on the exercise this past week but it is just because my schedule has been so hectic.  I still try to walk briskly from classroom to classroom.  I really miss walking outside and having time for longer walks.  I think my resolution also needs to be for me to take that time for myself to work at making exercise a priority for me again.  I know I feel so much healthier when I do get moving around so I guess the New Year is a great place to recommit to getting back on the exercise track.   I guess I will attack the exercise resolution by just remembering how I started with my exercise program back in July of 2008, by just taking the time to put one foot in front of the other and by doing it enough times that I actually started an exercise routine. 
I haven't even been able to get on the boards much lately either.  I do miss the support I get here.  I just know that things will settle down after the holidays.  I will be going on vacation for a few days in Florida so maybe some beach walking is in order. 

Good Morning,

I don't make "New Year's Resolutions" per se. Usually I make my resolutions in the fall and in the spring. This fall was the resolve to get back on the beach and stick it out and drop the weight. So far so good with 12 pounds gone so far.  For New Year's I plan on continuing that commitment and with all the others who will bring fresh resolve, I am sure I will find new energy and perseverance. 

I will commit to continuing my endeavor for beachie healthy eating and I will continue to commit to keeping my exercise momentum going.

It feels to good not to continue!

This little challenge has been great for focusing my attention week to week so I know my New Year's goal will be to successfully complete the annual New Year's Challenge!

Hey FeelingGreat,

Great Post!  Are we the only intrepid souls left?  There has to be a few more...probably scrambling for those last minute details.

I liked that this week's discussion moved our thinking ahead to the New Year's...made me Think Past Friday, you know and remember my longer term goals.  Here's to your continued success throughout the holiday season!

Thanks for joining in this week.  I was getting kind of lonely.  I am sure everyone is just really busy or maybe they are getting geared up for the New Years Challenge ;o)  You have done very well since you recommitted in October....12 pounds how wonderful!  This must have given you great motivation going into the holiday season. 

It really has helped me keep the momentum and motivation going when, quite frankly, I probably would have said, "Oh, Sod it! I give up" but I feel great...and it's easier to dance around to Christmas Carols when I'm lighter weight! 

Well do enjoy your dancing now that you are lighter on your feet ;o)   I hope you get your 1.5 pound goal soon.   I'm off to points warmer in hopes of walking myself out of this small gain I have incurred.  Happy Holidays

I guess my first resolution should be to remember to look here for new challenges!

My second resolution (which I borrowed from VerpTwerp) is "no more excuses".

It's a good, general, positive resolution and should get me doing all those things I've been wanting to do, but have been finding excuses to delay.

For the first time in ages my health, diet and exercise are NOT on the list of things for which I am making excuses - thanks to the beach I feel have I plenty of momentum going on all three!

Megan,
    Isn't VerpTwerp wise/???  You sound very determined.  I have been away from home for a week for vacation and even though I did wander from the beach a bit I am proud at all the great choices I did make while away.  I will have some work to do getting off the couple pounds I gained on vacation but I now know I have the skills to get rid of those pounds and get back on track.  I don't have cravings so that is good.  Hope to see you on the New Years Challenge.  I did it last year and it really made me reflect on what was good for ME and helping me to get healthier and work towards my goals. 

Shawn,
   Did I miss a week 7 response?  I have been away for over a week on vacation and no computer access...good and bad at the same time.  Lots of exercise though and a bit of naughties but nothing I can't fix now that I know I have the healthy strategies to do so.  Happy New Year. 

I don't believe there was a "Week 7".  Not that I ever saw posted.  I think it only ran for the 6 weeks.

Thanks...I will go look up the orginal posts on this, which I guess I should have done first.  I was away for a week and just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything.   Are you doing the NY Challenge?  I will if they change the times for the forum meetings as I am teaching during the times they have them set up.  I hope to be able to join as last year's challenge really helped me refocus and recommit towards my goals. 

Well I am back from my Florida vacation and even though I now have a couple extra pounds to add to my New Years goals, I am proud of the good food and exercise decisions I did make while away.  I did have a few off program treats but I did use the strategies I have learned from my support friends here on the South Beach to keep those to a minimum.  I also do not worry about a couple of pounds because since I started the South Beach Lifestyle change in April 2008, I have learned that it is up to ME to decide to get right back on track at working to attain my goals for a healthier me.  When I was in Florida on vacation, I chose to walk the 3 miles to the restaurant rather than drive.  Of course, when one walks to a place they need to walk back to;o).  I did rack up some exercise points walking along the beach with my family that night.  It was a blast!  I did get back to a regular exercise routine while away and I realized that I really missed my daily walks.  Since I have been home, I have been on Netflix investigating new exercise dvds to try out and am excited to rev up my exercise routine.  I will miss walking outside but am determined to find successful alternatives as I have come to realize that sensible eating is only a part of my success.  I have found that I also need to keep the exercise routine in place to keep those pounds away and to help me feel better about myself.
   I am sad that many drifted away from this challenge but I am sure they are just getting ready for the New Years Challenge.  Hope to see you all there.