OK people, let's move on!  There is nothing to see here.  The holidays are over.  Step away from the accident and move along.  Let's move down the block and talk about the catastrophe.  The train wreck that is your diet!  If you're one of the few that kept on track this season, my hat is off to you.  I was not so lucky (RE: disciplined.)  It's crazy isn't it?  The amount of damage you can do in a few short weeks?  But the holidays are over.  It's time to get back to work.  And NO, I'm not counting New Years as a holiday.  Why?  Because that would mean 5 more days of indulgence.  And our pants are already tight, aren't they?

So, I am starting today.  Back to work.  In more ways than one.  Back to the office.  Back to eating right and back to exercising.  My vacation is over.  Was it worth it?  Well, I guess that all depends and how long it takes me to get back into my skinny jeans.  I'll let you know :) 

Damage Control

I wish I did everything right.  I don't.  Not by a long shot.  I ate and drank everything in sight this weekend.  Whatever wasn't nailed down went into my mouth.  It was almost like a contest.  The how much junk can I shovel in contest.  I'm sooo paying the price today.  I'm bloated, gassy, and muffined into my skinny jeans.  I feel miserable.  Not because I look any different.  I'm sure no but me can tell I've put on 5 pounds in one week.  But physically, I don't feel good.  I'm absolutely sure that eating poorly makes me ache,  gives me a low grade headache, and leaves me tired after a full nights sleep.  Was it worth the indulgence?  Well, no.  But these things happen.  What I do now is the important thing. 

It's time for damage control.  I have to take off these 5 pounds before they take up permanent residence.  Right now they are just visiting and I can get rid of them if I act right away.  If I let them linger a day or two they become mine.  I will own them.  So today I'm pulling out all the stops.  Today is going to be a pill.  But I must take it if I want to start 2012 at the same weight I was before these relentless holidays.

Step one is to go protein only today.  Lean meat, eggs, and cheese.  Nothing else.  I know it's going to be painful but it's just part of the process.  My plan is to eat 12 ounces of protein today.  I'm going to eat 2 ounces of lean protein every 2 hours.  8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.  It sounds crazy but it works for me.  The small frequent meals keeps my blood sugar levels nice and even.  No insulin spikes to make me crave.  I don't get hungry this way.

Tomorrow, I will move to 10 ounces of protein and green leafy veggies only.  And on day three I'll be back to 10 ounces of protein, 4 veggies, and 2 fruits.  If all goes well, I should be back down 5 pounds in 1 week.  If there is a  good thing about a binge induced weight gain, it is that the pounds come off quickly.  Like I said before, it hasn't yet taken up permanent residence yet! lol!  Actually, the real reason is fluid retention.  Binging for a few days on sweets and junk food will definitely increase the bloat factor and that water weight will disappear with a few days of healthy eating. 

Whew!  I made it through Thanksgiving.  Now I have the Christmas hurdle.  It's always something!  Hey, I think I blogged that, see post on August 31st.  I want to start 2012 without a weight loss resolution.  That has been my goal for the past 6 holidays.  I've succeeded every year.  So I know it CAN be done.  If I can do it, you certainly can.  You just need to be prepared.  Of course, there is a blog on that too!

For me ( and who else is there? *kidding! ) it isn't what I add that makes me gain weight.  It's what I take away.  I rely on my routine to get me through.  If I take my routine away, the fridge becomes it replacement.  Not the best substitute, I can assure you!  A good diet and exercise routine is invaluable in weight loss and weight maintenance.  It hard enough to to stick to the routine during normal times.  The holiday season makes it that much more difficult.

Here is what has worked for me the last 6 years ( and hopefully this year too.)  I don't give up three things during the holidays....

     1.  Sleep.  8 hrs.  Period.

         When I don't get my sleep,  I'm cranky, puffy, tired...everything that makes me want
          oatmeal cream pies.  In years past I would have late night present wrapping sessions that would
          not only lead to an extra meal but extra snacks the next day in an attempt to keep myself alert. 
          FAIL.

     2.  Exercise.  Just a little.

          10 minutes a day is enough to reduce my stress level.  No stress, no oatmeal cream pies.  It's that
          simple.  Plus, it's hard to eat when I'm exercising so that's less time I have for food.  BONUS. 
          The holidays are stressful enough without giving up your exercise routine.  Don't skip the
          workout, as meager as it may be.

     3.  Grocery Shopping. Seriously.

          With all the parties and shopping and holiday whatnot, it's easy to skip the store and hit the
           drive-thru.  I can't do it.  One bad choice turns into 10 for me.  On the other hand, one GOOD
           choice turns into 10 for me also.  So go to the store, have some good choices in the fridge.
           Let those good choices procreate and make all kinds of little good choices.  WIN.

 That's it.  What I won't give up for the holidays.  Happy planning to you too. :)