What's your Xmas food strategy?

[Blankiefan]

I've lost 5 stone in last six months. This is the 5th time I've lost a lot of weight and don't want to out it on again. How are you tackling the Xmas balance of avoiding heading down a slippery slope vs not being miserable at Xmas?

[Myusername2015]

Similar situation here. Sadly I know myself too well and know if I give myself “time off” for Christmas I’ll slide back into binge eating. So I’m calorie counting but at maintenance calories and trying to stay super active. I’m actively planning the food I really want to eat and will enjoy rather than just mindlessly eating like last year things I don’t even like

[AlwaysOnAbloodyDiet]

Long walks, and I'll be back to my usual eating habits on Friday.

Although it doesn't help that Friday is usually my cheat day

[thismeansnothing]

I'm doing WW. I'm still tracking between now and Xmas day and staying in my allowance.

Xmas day I will have what I please. Telling myself ONE day isn't going to ruin 8 months of healthy habits. Well go for a long walk on Xmas day too.

Boxing day back to tracking.

[Hopefullysmart]

OP that's incredible well done! May I ask how you did it? I need so badly to do the same and haven't a clue where to start having tried and failed with so many methods. At the moment I'm just having a few days of being very strict, no cakes biscuits chocolate crisps nuts alcohol, but majnly so I have a bit of energy come Christmas Day. Sorry that doesn't really answer your question, really just posted to get some inspiration from you!

[FartnissEverbeans]

Xmas dinner doesn’t have to be a particularly high-calorie meal. Just load up on turkey and lots of veg. Avoid chocolates.

[NiceLegsShameAboutTheFace]

I don't do anything different at all. It'll be lean protein, complex carbs, vegetable and fruit: same portion sizes as usual.

It doesn't make me miserable. In fact, quite the opposite: it keeps me well Added to which I'm training for a bodybuilding competition in May. There is much work to do. And little room for error

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[NiceLegsShameAboutTheFace]

Just to add, I lost six stones in my late 40s. I'm now coming up 53 and am still maintaining my weight So, it's an additional reason for keeping an eye on things.

[VeryMerryChristmas]

I be lost 10lbs in the last month from low carb and very little booze.

My strategy is that I can eat what I want 24th/25th/26th, then back on it no excuses.

[Bluewavescrashing]

Pick and choose what you really enjoy most and have small amounts. No mindless eating.

[riotlady]

I’m having Xmas eve, Xmas day and Boxing Day off. I don’t really drink much so it’s mostly the chocolate I have to keep a bit of an eye on

[Rainallnight]

I just came on to post the exact same thing. I’ve lost a stone over the past few months and am now at my goal weight for my DB’s wedding at New Year. With just the big issue of Christmas in the way!

I think the @Bluewavescrashing plan is the way forward. I had a tiny mince pie and glass of sherry last night when I was wrapping, and a piece of panettone the day before. I am feeling a bit deprived, though, and conscious of holding myself back all the time. Usually we just don’t have fattening food in the house but currently all the Lindor are calling to me from the cupboard.

[Blankiefan]

My plan was to stay on 1200 calories except 24th to 28th when I'd go up to 2000 calories- except Christmas day when I'd eat what I want (but track all the way thru).

Ive been fine til today but since parents have arrived, I've been on it. 1590 calories cobsukwd so far today but that includes breakfast and lunch no dinner yet. I suspect I'll be near 2500 by end of today.

I think the crucial bit will be other back on calories restriction by 27th before tapering back to 1200 by 29th. And I'm planning to track regardless of the damage.

Good luck everyone

[Rainallnight]

I had bad news today so hit the cheesy canapés and cava pretty hard.

[DownUdderer]

I had a few snacks and off-plan things the other day as a 'treat' and afterwards I felt sick and gross and next day I still felt gross, so that helped me realise it's more of a treat to feel nice and to have a clear mind!