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Posts: 667
12/14/09 5:06 P

I think that having a few minutes of "alone" time during this hectic time is extremely important. I try to read every night after my daughter goes to bed and I find it's a good way to unwind from my hectic day.

current weight: 165.0

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SparkPoints: (10,829)
Fitness Minutes: (7,811)
Posts: 1,871
12/14/09 4:13 P

When things are "getting to be too much," I often get in the car and drive to a parking lot on the edge of a large lake. I just sit and watch the water for about 15 minutes - the smoothness and the rippling waves, the water birds, the fishermen... It always seems to get me past the stress.
If I can't do that, I take a 10 minute "ALONE walk" around the neighborhood - no kids, family, pets... just me and the fresh air.

Posts: 388
12/14/09 2:49 P

Take 15-30 minutes a day ALONE, no phone, no radio, no tv, no kids, no husbands/wives/SO's, take a bath, meditate, sit in your car, or sit on the edge of your bed and just let your mind go free...put your feet up...what ever works for you...It's a great stress reliever!! We need mental 'breaks' too, not just physical ones...it makes gathering your thoughts easier later on...

SparkPoints: (10,829)
Fitness Minutes: (7,811)
Posts: 1,871
12/11/09 3:31 P

I keep an emergency "snack pack" with me when I go to parties or gatherings. Nothing major, maybe almonds, walnuts, Kashi bar - When I feel that I HAVE to eat more than I should of the served refreshments, I use that snack, telling myself I'm making a choice that will benefit me in the long run instead of going for immediate gratification!

SparkPoints: (5,266)
Fitness Minutes: (4,590)
Posts: 73
12/9/09 1:13 A

1. Be flexible, especially when traveling.

I will be flying for 15 hours, then driving for 4 hours to get home for the holidays. That includes a layover in London. I can pack a small amount of healthy snacks in my carryon but no water. So I will buy water after security at the airport because I know the airlines I'm flying on isn't very good with service. I will be eating at least 1 meal on the plane and one on the road, the plane I can't do anything about so I will record it and be done with it. On the road I will be at the mercy of the family - it has been a while since we have been home and they have been craving fast food. I will pick the most healthy and record it. When traveling you can't have an all or nothing attitude or you go nuts.

2. Stress - it is a big problem during the holidays. In the evening if things get too much and all you can think about is snacking, dress warm and go for a walk to look at Christmas lights. Maybe listen to Christma music while you are doing it.

3. Just enjoy yourself. Remember what the season is about and embrace it.

Posts: 44
12/8/09 11:10 A

Bring the healthy snack so I have something to eat. Fruit platters can look so appetizing. Keep tracking my food.

Pounds lost: 30.0

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SparkPoints: (50,608)
Fitness Minutes: (27,628)
Posts: 4,130
12/7/09 2:53 P

1 Eat something before you go to a party and take a healthy dish with you to share.
2. Mix diet seltzer or soda with your drink if you are going to have one.
Drink a glass of H2O between drinks
3 Keep up with your fitness routine, do extra!
4.Track during the holidays
5.Drink plenty of water
6 Remember the Holidays are a time to celebrate but not with food with family & Friends!

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Posts: 9,401
12/6/09 10:29 P

Traveling - make a plan BEFORE you go and take pen & paper to track. I get home from trips with tracking notes in ALL my pockets!

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Posts: 28
12/6/09 5:40 P

Put yourself FIRST! Stick with the plan you made for good health, exercise and eating the right foods. Sure there will be 'temptations' throughout the season but remember how far you have already come and look to the future for completing your goal. Focus on your strengths and forgive yourself if you fail. Work harder the next day and realize where your 'weakness' lies so you are ready for it the next time. It's not just 'getting through this time of year' we are eating healthy and exercising as part of a life plan.

SparkPoints: (4,394)
Fitness Minutes: (4,527)
Posts: 30
12/6/09 1:29 P

Here's my list:
Write down your meal plan everyday BEFORE you start eating (like the night before).

Do not change your meal plan.

Use the Spark fitness program for each day.

Set a goal of how many fitness minutes you want to achieve each day.

Reward yourself for the small goals met with a new t-shirt or other inexpensive item to walk/run/workout in.

In other words: Make a Plan & stick to the plan. You are too important to let yourself down

Edited by: DCTALKS at: 12/6/2009 (13:31)

Posts: 228
12/6/09 1:08 P

Keep on smiling! I really mean this too, I just started a fitness class and I can't follow the moves at all. I'm uncoordinated, I have no dance steps or rhythm, but I'm moving and I'm smiling throughout the work out. It helps me stay positive and will keep me coming back, which is motivation I need because the class is also far away from my home. The trek is all worth it and I will keep on smiling! (BTW, don't worry the instructor will be offering a beginner's class soon to teach the moves to new students.)

Pounds lost: 12.0

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Posts: 1,218
12/5/09 4:41 P

don't overeat. That's a big no no and you'll add more calories than what you need in a meal and for the entire day.

SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
12/4/09 6:57 A

Spend time cheering others. Here's a craft activity to keep you busy and cheer up recipients. www.craftbits.com/project/across-the-miles
-tea-poem

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
12/4/09 5:54 A

Manage your stress. Esp your credit cards. 7 Ways to Avoid Credit Card Fraud How to Keep Credit Card Fraud From Happening to YouBy LaToya Irby, About.com
Don't be fooled by scammers who try to trick you.
1. Keep your credit cards safe.
Keep your credit cards in a purse or wallet close to your body where it can't easily be snatched away. Ladies, make sure your purse is zipped. If you're shopping in a high traffic area, carry a smaller purse. For both men and women, carry only the one or two credit and debit cards you'll be using that day. Leave all your other credit cards at home.

Thieves can take pictures of your credit card with a camera or cell phone, so don't leave your credit card exposed any longer than necessary.
After you make a purchase put your credit card away immediately. Confirm you have your credit card back in your possession before you leave the store or restaurant.

Edited by: EGRAMMY at: 12/4/2009 (06:04)

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (10,829)
Fitness Minutes: (7,811)
Posts: 1,871
12/2/09 7:00 P

I keep 2 or 3 100-calorie packs of almonds or almond/walnuts in my car for a quick pick-up when I'm running late, or need a quick energy post. I sometimes keep Kashi bars (especially the chocolate/raspberry -120 cal.)

Posts: 667
12/2/09 5:50 P

I had to have a root canal done on Monday so I didn't eat a lot on Thanksgiving and we had it at my cousin's house so there were no leftovers!

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Posts: 531
12/1/09 10:31 A

I have a couple small containers in my purse and totes that I have portioned out 1 oz of raw almonds into. When I'm out and about longer than anticipated I munch on these to keep my energy up and desire to hit a drive thru down.

Pounds lost: 1.4

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SparkPoints: (9,907)
Fitness Minutes: (13,710)
Posts: 246
11/27/09 1:18 P

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and came through the eating temptations with flying colors.

I think I did pretty well. I took a fast 2 mile walk in the morning. We went to my FIL's for dinner, so I had nothing at home, no temptations to taste things ahead of time. I did eat a little of everything (except the ham, they had ham AND turkey), but I had only one serving (1/2 cup various veggies, 3 oz meat, one small roll) of each item. I did have a slice of apple pie, but only one slice, with 1/4 cup ice cream, and I skipped the pumpkin pie (don't really like it anyway, so no big sacrifice there, lol). I didn't feel like a beached whale after dinner, which is a nice change. My sister-in-law sent rice krispie treats home with us, so that will be a temptation, but I guess there are worse things she could have sent. All in all I think I did well, I feel good, and today I'm ready to start walking. Already did a 5 mile Leslie dvd this morning, and plan on a walk outside this afternoon.

I hope everyone else is ready to get back on track and work off the turkey and stuffing, and to resist any leftovers you may have. Have a great weekend.

current weight: 130.0

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SparkPoints: (10,336)
Fitness Minutes: (6,339)
Posts: 510
11/26/09 7:03 A

Thanks for all the terrific ideas. I just got through a challenging week with very sick cat, sick dog, and, a friend going for tests to determine whether she has a brain tumor or MS (looking like probably the latter). And I'm grateful for a chance to land here and get positive reminders of things we can do to take care of ourselves.

We're doing the turkey dinner here - Lots of good veggie options and a crustless pumpkin pie. We plan on an afternoon walk and some Wii games for the restless amongst us!

Thank you and enjoy your day, however you prefer it!

SparkPoints: (42,964)
Fitness Minutes: (30,826)
Posts: 6,237
11/26/09 6:35 A

Today – Have a Plan – Stick With It!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

from the one and only

current weight: 192.0

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SparkPoints: (7,366)
Fitness Minutes: (7,422)
Posts: 164
11/25/09 10:42 P

1) PLAN AHEAD ~ Start now – a few days ahead of a planned entertaining event eat lighter (less calories) and add in an extra workout or two!!

2) Eat healthy meals / snacks BEFORE arriving. DO NOT get there HUNGRY!!!
(Sort of like grocery shopping when you’re hungry ~ everything looks good!

3) Be mindful of the more calories eaten – the more workouts needed to off set. "Is it really worth it?"

4) Join in more conversation than grazing on the snacks ~ it’s hard to talk with a mouth full of food!!

5) Remember “PORTION SIZES”! All things are editable but in MODERATION!!!!

6) When offered a beverage - request ICE WATER or seltzer water or flavored carbonated water with a slice of lemon or lime.

7) DO NOT fill plate full to the rim. Use a smaller plate (if possible) and don’t crowd your food, be generous with the little space you have. NO PILES ONS!!.

8) Eat S*L*O*W*L*Y; savor the taste of each bite, each item.

9) If you grew up as I did in the CLEAN YOUR PLATE CLUB… Thanksgiving is not included. Force yourself to leave a little of everything you take on your plate… a once a year happening!!

10) After the meal and before desert take a walk if at all possible, even for 10 minutes only.

11) BE IN CONTROL… Bring a snack or desert (low calorie - no one needs to know) so if you do splurge, splurge on what you brought - less collateral damage is done!

12) ENJOY THE DAY, THE PEOPLE, THE ATMOSPHERE and lessen the focus on food!

SparkPoints: (42,964)
Fitness Minutes: (30,826)
Posts: 6,237
11/25/09 5:13 P

Stacy I am sorry to hear about your tooth. It affects the whole mouth for sure. Hope you are not in too much pain. Is this a blessing in disguise?

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

from the one and only

Tomorrow – Have a Plan – Stick With It!

current weight: 192.0

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Posts: 667
11/25/09 4:47 P

Well not eating a lot on Thanksgiving shouldn't be much of a challenge. My back tooth broke while I was eating the other night and so they removed that portion and informed me that I need a root canal. They put a temporary filling on that tooth and told me to not eat on that side. I get my root canal done on Monday. Yuck!

current weight: 165.0

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SparkPoints: (42,964)
Fitness Minutes: (30,826)
Posts: 6,237
11/25/09 4:45 P

KAUAICAROLANN, I love the paperclip string. I used to do that Years ago when I was in TOPS. I might do that again. Goodness knows, I have a gazillion paper clips around the house.

Thanks for the idea.

My 1st goal: Not to gain weight between Last Friday and This coming Friday.

My 2nd goal: Not to gain weight between Last Friday and This coming Friday.

My 3rd goal: Not to gain weight between Last Friday and This coming Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

from the one and only

Tomorrow – Have a Plan – Stick With It!


Edited by: TEDYBEAR2838 at: 11/25/2009 (16:46)

current weight: 192.0

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SparkPoints: (11,584)
Fitness Minutes: (8,819)
Posts: 2,238
11/25/09 1:07 P

You guys are all so great. Good job. Your determination and strength are very obvious.

current weight: 199.8

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SparkPoints: (13,890)
Fitness Minutes: (7,140)
Posts: 1,510
11/25/09 6:40 A

What I am doing to help with the healthy living quest that I am partaking in ....I am making healthier versions of the TRADITIONAL Thanksgiving Day Feast....and my family will not even take notice. I have been doing this ever since joining SPARK. That way my husband and I (both on Spark) won't be suffering during the holiday. I am using several SPARKrecipes and some from Eating Well....
Good Luck to everyone

Happy Thanksgiving.
Amy

current weight: 201.0

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SparkPoints: (3,535)
Fitness Minutes: (4,695)
Posts: 105
11/25/09 1:20 A

I'm homeward bound to see Mom and Dad for american thanks giving. My plan is to really pay attention to what I eat inbetween meals and skip any nibbling. i'm not talking about a healthy snack, I'm talking about the extra slice of pie, the sugary coffees, candies. During the main meal I will try to stick to healthy portions have a taste of everything but load up on the greens.

Edited by: SWEET_SARCASM82 at: 11/25/2009 (01:21)

Pounds lost: 10.6

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63

SparkPoints: (1,903)
Fitness Minutes: (1,090)
Posts: 65
11/23/09 12:46 P

Not sure what my three goals to stay on track Thanksgiving are except

1. Say "NO" to whites. They are mostly starches and empty calories.

2. Keep in mind how great it will feel to lose weight over the Holidays for a change.

3. Not sure yet. Still working on this one.

Pounds lost: 0.0

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61.6

Posts: 1,063
11/23/09 11:40 A

I avoid sweets.
We host and I added veggies with healthy preparation to the menu - and encourage others to give them a try. Brussel sprouts are being added this year - if you have not tried Brus Sprouts roasted with Mrs Dash and a touch of olive oil you are missing out. (trim, quarter, place on aluminum foil Pam and a little olive oil, put in oven at 375 for 15-20 minutes (lightly browned))

Watch the skin, the gravy and the carbs - have a little of everything but the skin and you can anjoy your Thanksgiving dinner with everyone else.

It also tends to be a long day - some will be visiting others - make an excuse and grab an buddy and walk around the block before dinner - maybe do it twice - activity paired with chance to catch up with a friend or relative.

Do well.

Shark

current weight: 202.6

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SparkPoints: (16,230)
Fitness Minutes: (9,395)
Posts: 2,007
11/22/09 10:08 P

This holiday season, I plan to walk around with a bottle of water and a small snack so I don't overindulge at dinner.

current weight: 255.0

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Posts: 106
11/22/09 12:41 P

I like to eat a little of everything when it comes to THanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

My trick is that I mentally divide my plate up into sections and I fill the biggest section with salad and veggies that have not been covered in sugar, butter, etc.

The next segment is for protien which I try not to cover with gravy but if I have budgeted my calories correctly for the week, I will put it on there.

THen the next two small sections are for things like mashed potatoes and desert.

current weight: 169.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/21/09 7:16 P

LuLuLowry

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Posts: 211
11/21/09 12:24 P

I have scheduled my annual physical for the week after Thanksgiving. I have been working really hard to bring down weight and cholesterol since my last doctor's appointment when she told me I needed to get serious about my health. So I do not want to let a day of Thanks ruin all my hard work!
I will also bank some calories (eat on the low end of my calorie spectrum) on the days leading up to the feast, so I can eat some dessert.

Posts: 54
11/21/09 11:14 A

I have a recipe for pecan pie that is slightly better. Substitute 2 TBS cider vinegar and 1 TBS of cinnamon for the Karo Syrup. It still has the butter and sugar, but it's not sickningly sweet.

Edited by: FRANMA76 at: 11/21/2009 (11:15)

SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/21/09 8:43 A

A chocolate fountain with fruit dippers is healther for your family than a pecan pie.

current weight: 202.0

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Posts: 54
11/20/09 11:00 P

I just registered for a Thursday morning Turkey Trot. It means getting up a little earlier, making sure the bird is oven ready when I leave, and heading out in the probable rain to do a 5k in the hills of NE Tacoma. Sounds like a great way to allow for a few extras at the meal. Within reason.

I thank my WW leader for the idea and inspiration to do this.

SparkPoints: (1,930)
Fitness Minutes: (1,230)
Posts: 192
11/20/09 2:42 P

Altoids ... :) When you see (smell) the h'orderves being served and you just wanna Gobble till you Wobble (and dinner is not even out yet)?!?

ALTOID ... Yup, pop that sucker in your mouth and I assure that you wont even want anything but water. hee hee You can chew gum too but boy ... there is just something about that grin curiously STRONG Mint that will have you saying ...
"No, I'm good thanks"! Will power? I think NOT! hee hee Just the thought of eating with even an after taste in your mouth is a bit MUCH~

You can save this for when all REAL Goodies come out!

current weight: 149.0

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SparkPoints: (9,223)
Fitness Minutes: (2,003)
Posts: 1,111
11/20/09 10:29 A

Four things I will make sure to do on Thanksgiving Day are:

1) Exercise
2) Use Portion Control
3) Have a glass of water or iced tea in my hand or nearby for a good part of the evening.
4) Have a plentiful portion of salad FIRST to fill me up some before I have the main course

Hope these tips help you, my fellow Sparkers!


Edited by: AHEALTHIERME9 at: 11/20/2009 (10:31)

Pounds lost: 44.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/19/09 12:14 P

DH did a quiet nice thing to support me. There is cake in the kitchen from a friend of his. I noticed he had set the bananas on top of the container. Ergo, I would have to move the healthy food first. (Normally we aren't keeping sweets on hand, but he has gotten holiday gifts.) Bananas are a stop sign for me.

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/19/09 10:06 A

You sum it up well.

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Posts: 14
11/19/09 8:13 A

I have gotten so many low-fat,low-calorie recipes off the enternet, I will be making a lotof them over the upcoming holidays. I want to be and example for my family and friends and make them understand that ,you can eat good and still enjoy holidays.

SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/19/09 6:46 A

Pumpkin Dip esp. for me and grandkids. From news WKYC just now on TV. "A special thanks to our friends at Giant Eagle for providing today's recipe and ingredients for pumpkin dip! This can be used as a starter or finish."
Pumpkin Dip

2 - 8 ounce package Giant Eagle Cream Cheese
1 - 15 ounce can (about 1 ¾ cup) thick pumpkin puree
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (these can be omitted or saved to sprinkle on top)

· Using a mixer or processor, beat cream cheese to make a smooth mixture. Add remaining ingredients adjusting spices to your taste.
· Cover and chill. This can be made ahead.
For Dipping
Ginger Snaps
Sliced Apples, Pears, Asian Pears dipped in orange or lemon juice to prevent browning
or
As a filling, use to make a trifle or parfait layering the pumpkin filling with crushed gingersnaps, graham crackers, or fruit.


Edited by: EGRAMMY at: 11/19/2009 (08:03)

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Posts: 1,063
11/18/09 10:55 P

Lose weight over the Holidays and have a great time.

Time - it is our friend - during the holidays you will have time - use every second - exercise - be active.

Or you can eat - I used to do so but now I enjoy the time - walk, treadmill, lift weights, wrestle with the dog. Headed into the second set of holidays since my lifestyle change - I have no fear. I know this is my time. I will lose weight, I will thrive. So can you.

Do well

Shark

Edited by: SHARK59 at: 11/18/2009 (22:57)

current weight: 202.6

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SparkPoints: (19,504)
Fitness Minutes: (22,390)
Posts: 462
11/18/09 8:19 A

We have 2 thanksgiving's thursday and Saturday. I'm going to be signing up for a turkey trot on Thursday, and on Saturday if I can afford it too. If I can't I will be taking a spinning and yoga class instead.

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Posts: 858
11/17/09 8:34 P

I THINK WHEN I EXECISE THAT MORNING I DONT WANT TO EAT ALL THAT JUNK.LOL

Pounds lost: 3.0

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Posts: 4,008
11/17/09 2:44 P

Yoovie - that was a great idea and you executed perfectly! With moderation you found a way to enjoy all the goodies without all the regret! I am inspired. Hugs, Nancy

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Posts: 561
11/17/09 1:11 P

Way to go YOOVIE!! What a great idea keep up the fantastic work!

SparkPoints: (11,584)
Fitness Minutes: (8,819)
Posts: 2,238
11/17/09 12:03 P

This past weekend, I had a 'practice' holiday weekend! I had turkey and ham and mashed potatoes and veggies and wine and dessert and EVERYTHING! I got small portions, and substituted some things (less potatoes = more wine later lol) and my total calories for the day was 2012. I think that is normally what my calories turn out to be on days when I'm hungrier than normal and tend to snack alot (TOM, etc).

The high end of my calorie recommendation is 2000. So I think 2012 is PERFECT! Now I know that at Christmas and Thanksgiving, how to eat and just make sure to get in a run (or another kind of cardio) and a little bit of strength (so my metabolism runs all day)

I can do this!! YAY!!!!

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Posts: 5
11/16/09 6:03 P

Be prepared! Eat a small snack before going to a big holiday meal:

wp.me/pB1yI-47

Pounds lost: 13.4

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Posts: 14
11/16/09 10:18 A

Enjoy the your loved ones,not the food. Try go keep a journal of everything you eat. I do and it really works, plan to workout sometime,even if it is in 10 minute intervals. Invite family members to go far a walk in ,weather permitting. The holidays can be magical, without food. Share the magic,love, time whatever you can give that is not food related.

Posts: 164
11/15/09 6:56 P

Don't let the scale influence you negatively, especially during the holidays.

Posts: 7,812
11/13/09 5:27 P

Hi All!
Thanks for all the great ideas! My favorite is to focus on portion control, because I know I've still got to eat during the holidays. And I've also got to remember, there *will* be food again tomorrow.

Pounds lost: 24.0

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11/13/09 4:27 P

Don't waste your calories on heavy holiday drinks! Here are some better options:

tiny.cc/JJXDW

Edited by: MEGGIE1801 at: 11/13/2009 (16:27)

Pounds lost: 13.4

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28.4

SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/13/09 8:17 A

Give a tea or take friends out to tea or meet them at a tea shop. We don't have to plan a party with huge amounts of food, less can be more.

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/11/09 2:09 P

Survive and start new traditions for your family. Show them the importance of fitness. Have a family fitness evening or other time..Pick activity or sport you'll enjoy and make memories of of check..

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=382

Edited by: EGRAMMY at: 11/11/2009 (14:12)

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/11/09 11:44 A

Gifts? Survival? Give yourself and friends a mint plant.... www.prevention.com/amazinghealthyproducts/
7.html

Edited by: EGRAMMY at: 11/11/2009 (14:08)

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/11/09 9:54 A

Free Avery holiday templates and organization ideas... www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Projects-&-Ideas
/Do_It_Yourself-Organization.htm?cmp_I
D=email-nov2009-primary_DIYholidays

Edited by: EGRAMMY at: 11/11/2009 (09:55)

current weight: 202.0

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SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/11/09 6:37 A

DESIGNATED DAYS. Look over your weekly schedule. What are the easy days? These are your designated comfortable days for good nutrition. Vegetables, Fruits, nutrition. Designate them as Enjoy the Spark Days.!

Which are the hard days.? These are the uncomforable days for food eating, so Designate these as Spark for Food days. Who's the designated driver as you Spark for healthy Food? Do a Spark for Food search in that restaurant, the holiday party, the family event, the stressed workplace, or busy home. You pre-designated this as a Spark for Food day, so rise above the din and enjoy your game.

Yes, you are being asked to think anew. Spark People has given us permission and information to visualize that the good foods are the nutritious ones. That the good times are nutritious times.

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Posts: 370
11/10/09 11:59 P

Portion control!!! Everything in moderation...if I try to deny myself something I really want then I will just end up binging. And I am tracking everything in the nutrition tracker...I think that will keep me more accountable and make me think twice before I put something in my mouth!

Pounds lost: 43.0

0 26.75 53.5 80.25

107

Posts: 286
11/10/09 10:57 A

My tip for myself this year I wanted to share:

The Holidays are about family and friends, not the food. Use my mouth to talk not to pig out :)

Posts: 323
11/9/09 4:34 P

Plan,make good chooses,have a good time with family.

SparkPoints: (2,154)
Fitness Minutes: (2,903)
Posts: 58
11/9/09 9:19 A

:D:D Love it! Kids just make life so fun!

SparkPoints: (14,332)
Fitness Minutes: (4,537)
Posts: 1,708
11/9/09 8:35 A

I got the grandkids to do exercises with me this weekend. they read directions and we tried them out on the exercise ball, the stretch rope, etc. A sight made eyes sore, not a sight for sore eyes.

You can't do guilty things once you have included the kids in your SP goals. They become SP "sheriffs".

current weight: 202.0

220 207.5 195 182.5

170

SparkPoints: (2,154)
Fitness Minutes: (2,903)
Posts: 58
11/8/09 9:32 P

I loved reading about Carol's visual of the paper clips! I used to do that sort of thing often, but I wouldn't tell anyone about it in case they thought I was really crazy... but maybe I'll go back to it! :D:D:D

Posts: 199
11/8/09 6:24 P

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2
326204/feeling_fit_through_the_holiday
s.html?cat=5

How to Feel Fit Through the Holidays

Pounds lost: 47.0

0 16.75 33.5 50.25

67

SparkPoints: (15,195)
Fitness Minutes: (8,654)
Posts: 666
11/8/09 12:42 A

I haven't scrolled down to read everyone else's tips, and I bet this one has already been mentioned, but I think it's a good one!

TIP!: Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead... but be flexible and adapt to whatever curve balls life throws your way!

current weight: 181.8

261 233.25 205.5 177.75

150

SparkPoints: (26,139)
Fitness Minutes: (17,429)
Posts: 2,423
11/7/09 10:22 P

I can't believe this. I have the news on and it's a pizza diet that he lost 25 pounds, raised good HDL etc because he owns a pizza place but is now writing a book on this.

current weight: 187.4

271 238.25 205.5 172.75

140

Posts: 171
11/7/09 7:44 P

My sister has cooked Thanksgiving dinner for about the last ten years. She does a great job and tries to do healthier things. This year, it is my duty as she is on a trip until the day before. I am looking forward to it and am going to plan some healthier veggies to serve rather than the same old stuffing, etc. We are 4 of us 60+ and all watching our diets and my 90 year old Mom-in-law so why not. I even plan to get out the never used antique china. Whoa. Can't even put it in the dishwasher. Carol

SparkPoints: (30,616)
Fitness Minutes: (34,406)
Posts: 2,988
11/6/09 11:43 P

I just experienced this today and realized it's something I do every year....slow down!

Every where you look people are rushing, lines are long, tempers might be a little frazzled.

Let the stressed out person in line behind you step in front. The 3 minutes longer it will take you, might mean the world to that person. Drive with kindness, let people merge in front of you and stop for the pedestrians. I see people stalking parking spaces...I say park way out west and take a short, but brisk walk in & out of the store.

Slow down, it will get done!

Posts: 25
11/6/09 11:27 P

My tip is to consider skipping the cook-all-morning, eat-all-day routine on Christmas. Thanksgiving is about food, that's why we have that particular holiday. Christmas, on the other hand is not about food, its about Christ. And family, and gratitude. So, for several years our family does a brunch, most of which we prepare the morning before, and we spend Christmas day relaxing and playing, and visiting, instead of cooking, and then eating ourselves into a coma.

Posts: 25
11/6/09 11:23 P

I think those are wonderful ideas! I bought some autumn candles the other day, a pumpkin spice and an apple pie candle, and they are wonderful!

SparkPoints: (30,616)
Fitness Minutes: (34,406)
Posts: 2,988
11/6/09 9:52 P

Wish we had a Trader Joe's here!!

Posts: 6,736
11/6/09 9:41 P

I have tried Trader Joe's Candy Cane tea and you are right, it IS good!!

Pounds lost: 9.0

0 9.75 19.5 29.25

39

Posts: 15
11/6/09 12:00 P

Have you tried Trader Joe's Candy Cane tea? Its awesome. Sweet and minty like a candy cane with NO CALORIES!

SparkPoints: (5,266)
Fitness Minutes: (4,590)
Posts: 73
11/6/09 9:36 A

Plan ahead, exercise daily even if it is only a walk or yoga, it will keep you calmer, stay hydrated and track everything you eat and drink. Plan on having some treats, if you deprive yourself, you may end up gorging.

Posts: 626
11/5/09 8:46 P

Don't buy the usual holiday treats and goodies so prevalent at this time. Chances are you will come across them at relatives, friends and at work which will be enough of a challenge; so why keep them in your home to temp you further?

Pounds lost: 5.2

0 7.25 14.5 21.75

29

Posts: 96
11/5/09 8:39 P

Eat before going out so that you're not hungry when you get to your event.

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 7.75 15.5 23.25

31

Posts: 96
11/5/09 8:32 P

Those are great visuals. I like them and might do something similar. Thanks for the ideas.

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 7.75 15.5 23.25

31

SparkPoints: (30,616)
Fitness Minutes: (34,406)
Posts: 2,988
11/4/09 10:16 P

This evening I am making (another) visual. Keep my goals for Nov/Dec written down & in my face. Along with listing the several challenges I'm participating in with all my teams. Smaller version will be in my car.

Don't know if any of you did/do a visual motivator, I kinda thought it was bunk at first. I throw a buck in a jar every time I loose a pound. If I gain one, I don't take one out. At goal weight I'll have $80 or more and that is a really nice & new outfit!

The other thing I did was string paper clips together for each pound lost, using one of the jumbo ones for every 10th pound....that string is nearly as tall as me - 5'11" woohoo! I have another string which is the "clips to loose" string. Thank goodness it's way shorter than the other one. The "lost string" is right next to the door, so I see it every time I come & go. The "to loose" string is in the kitchen. It's rewarding in a small way to add a clip to the lost string. About a month ago my neighbor noticed the lost string and asked what it was. Great big smiley me held it up and said "this is how many pounds I've lost!"

Posts: 3,620
11/4/09 8:21 P

I never go to a party hungry. I always eat something healthy before I go, and then I'm not tempted by the goodies on offer. I also offer to bring a dish to the party - then I can guarantee that there will be something healthy that I enjoy.

current weight: 164.0

298 256 214 172

130

Posts: 759
11/3/09 7:15 P

OK, I know it's only the third, but this seems to be working for me. Each day I "celebrate" the season in a little way. So far, I've been including holiday flavors in my breakfast by mixing pumpkin puree and spices in my polenta/grits or soaking my muesli in apple cider, but I'm not limiting myself to food. Tomorrow I'm going to put out some autumn decorations I think. I just feel like it's such a positive way to make it through the holidays, as opposed to "Oh yeesh, I have to exercise" or "No cookies, I'll be over my range!" Makes each day a little fun!