Starting a pre - Christmas health kick. Anyone else?

[LokiBear]

53 days to go until the big day, but probably only 38 days to go until the season gets into full swing. For me, that means more booze than usual, 3 course meals and chocolates galore. I like to be able to indulge in nice food at Christmas, so will be starting my November health kick and wondered if anyone else wanted to join me? No prescriptive diet to follow, just a conscious effort to cut down on booze (im going to try and cut out), make healthy food choices and cut down on treat foods. Today, I have upped my veggies and avoided bread, no crisps or afternoon chocolate biscuit! The idea is to get to Christmas a few pounds lighter so that the rich Christmas foods and selection boxes do not impact too unkindly on my waistline. Damage limitation if you will.

Loki there was a thread in Style and Beauty (but it may have slipped down the pages in favour of threads about hair'n'handbags) I'll try to locate it and bump it (lots of people going to the gym and doing Low Carb stuff)

OK- I'll join ya!

If I overdo the good then I won't want to undo all my good work over Christmas (I once did a 6 week no chocolate fast up to Christmas and really didn't want to over-indulge in chocolate but I overcame that )

I don't drink or smoke and I;m vegetarian so bugger all to give up eh?. I had my gallbladder out, recuperating now. I did have to have a serious look at my diet to see where I went so wrong. Cholesterol levels are now 'normal' but I cannot rest on my laurels.

Water- lots of water. Drink a pint at a time. It might wean me off coffee a bit?
Wear the clothes in my wardrobe don't keep for best.
I bought a couple of lambswool jumpers rather than endless synthetic ones,
I'm still in leggings and soft top jeggings (scars) but my one pair of jeans that fit are looking dog rough. I have a brand new pair that I will try on again (they might fit now).

If you're on a health kick, treat yourself to nice bath soaks (Boots 3 for 2 bargains). Moisturise to keep your skin nice when you lose weight (though I CBA with that, I need to start)

Eyebrows and nails - neither of mine grow without a struggle and winter is worse for my hands. I wore false nails for Hallowe'en and I really loved them, but I should try to grow mine.

What else are you planning Loki so I can steal your ideas

I'm a veggie too so working on eating more protein. Often I will eat toast as a meal and end up suffering for it. I am trying to be less lazy and planning meals in advance to include plenty of nutrient rich foods. The daft thing is, I make my daughter a balanced meal and then just do whatever is easiest for myself. Usually something with bread which isn't good. So, I'm going to eat properly, no more excuses. Breakfast today was a weetabix with chopped Brazil nuts, seeds and banana. Lunch was a salad with caramelised onion houmous and I've eaten fruit as a snack and a very small chocolate brownie (someone's birthday at work). Tonight's tea is quorn sausages, roast potatoes (practising for Christmas day) and lots of veggies. Must up my water intake too!

I'll join you

Was thinking this morning after I'd bought a bottle of baileys that I should lose some weight and take better care of myself in order to offset the damage of christmas excesses!

I'm going alcohol free this month and generally trying to eat better. Although it shames me to admit I'm a vegetarian who isn't very good at eating vegetables . I've just got a soup maker though so I'm planning on making lots of healthy veggie soup.

Made an appointment at the dentist this afternoon for a check up and scale/polish which I have been putting off for over a month so that's a start

Ooh can I join in, I've had a very over indulgent couple of months and am really looking and feeling like it now.

I'm starting today to try and eliminate most carbs (except the ones in fruit and veg) sugar and grains, from what I can gather its a bit paleo/primal but I'm still having diary and tomatoes. I've never really tried a diet before so I'm not sure how I'm going to get on but something drastic has to change.

I'm currently in my late afternoon slump where I would normally be reaching for biscuits or chocolates. Why does this time coinside with tired and squabbling children???

Yes please! a healthy summer has given way to a cakey October half term I need to get back in control and make those party clothes look better!

I feel the October cakeyness! I'm a teacher and we have had so many birthdays over the last few weeks! I'm bloated and I know it is bread/sugar related. I can't ever stick to a diet so I'm not cutting anything out, just cutting down. I am a lazy vegetarian and I've gotten into a bit of a rut. I usually eat really well, but recently I've lost myself to some bad habits. I want to enjoy indulging at Christmas and feel like I'm treating myself rather than feel like its more of the same. It will be nice to have this thread as support! Bring on the Christmas party dressed!

I'll join you - would like to loose 7lbs by Christmas so at least my clothes will fit a bit better.......plus I caught someone looking at me today and I'm pretty sure they were wondering if I was pregnant. its actually left over from a 10lb baby - any suggestions how I can flatten my stomach a bit?

Hi I'll join in. I've done diet after diet but an now trying 5:2 fast diet with a few to it's health benefits as much as weight benefits.

But i really want to break my chocolate and cake snacky habit.

I just want to have been in a good place that the Christmas season has "treats" in it rather than "normals" as sweet stuff currently is to me.

I'll join you. I decided to start today, all I've had is a bowl of shreddies., ham and cheese sandwich, an apple and a jacket potato for an early tea.

I'm going for a run tonight for the first time ever (excluding school).

My aim is to lose 2lb a week!!!

I have over indulged a bit over the last month, so I'm cutting back on over indulgence!

If I have alcohol it will only be on a weekend, total cut out of cakes, puddings, chocolates etc. Need to make sure I get enough exercise as I've been a bit sloppy with that.

Me! I've been on a bit of a health kick since April anyway, lost six stone. I have eleven pounds till goal weight so it'd be nice to lose that before Christmas but if I lose another 6 lbs before then I'll be satisfied . I did slip with Halloween and the day after just being chocolate/cake/candy/pizza filled so have got properly back on the wagon today. Don't really drink so that's not an issue, just need to cut down on the chocolate and cake... I'm also forcing us to eat really frugally throughout December so that December is even more special after eating boring pasta dishes and not much cake for a month . I've written off December already, I bake something different every day so there's no point even trying if I'm honest. So I'd like a really good month this month then let go massively over December and sort myself out again in the new year, that's the plan.

6 stone is amazing! Well done

I've just done my run.... got back 15 minutes ago and only just starting to feel normal again!!!!

Can I join in please? I have had a rough few months culminating in me needing some emergency surgery. Since then I have been slobbing around the house and eating rubbish. I really need to get my bum in gear! Starting right now (I was just planning on having some cheese and biscuits but instead I am going to have a pint of water.
I am going to try and think of some treats I can spread over the next few weeks that are not booze/food related...any ideas?

6 stone is amazing by the way and go you on the running front, did you just go for it or are you doing c25k?

patilla I've been on 5:2 since April and I have to say it's completely changed my life for the better! My total weight loss is around 2 stone but once I'd reached my target in September things started to slide. Half term has been particularly sinful but I'm now back on track as I don't want to be back where I started. I have found it really easy

Hi dolly. I probably need to lose about two stone. Can you tell me what you eat on a normal day and then a 500cal day? Thanks.

I just went for it on the running front I did 15 minutes constant running which didn't seem too bad for first time!!

That is really good! I'm resisting the urge to snack!

I'm doing this a bit rubbishly, will try and spur myself on a bit. I have some tablets supposed to help tiredness and make you all fit and well but they don't seem to work sat in the cupboard. So I will start taking them and eating less crap.

I've been bad about getting going. I started and fell off the wagon.

I am trying to eat proper breakfast again, I have my salad again today (I made 2 Sunday night - it's easiest to do that as it includes half an avocado and half a pepper, and it's easier to peel and chop 4 carrots at once rather than 2 carrots each night).

I have also remembered my nighttime serum the past few days. I am trying not to pick at my nailbeds on my fingers (anxiety thing). I am deep conditioning my hair with every wash at the moment. I have a facial booked for Thursday.

I opened a beer last night for dinner, but only drank half of it, just wasn't in the mood. I have a half a bottle of wine in the fridge to finish off (we opened it last Thursday), and I will be enjoying this coming weekend (40th celebrations!!). But then cutting back on alcohol again for a while. I am ignoring the Halloween sweets. I had fresh fruit for desert last night.

And I am trying to make time for a swim on Thursday before my facial, but it's looking like a busy day. I have a new role at work, and childcare issues so I am not able to get to the gym before work just at the moment, I need to try to get out at lunch instead. But I am doing more walking and that is helping. And even remembering to pull in and hold my tummy for a few breaths, a couple of times a day, is helping tone that area too. (I even occasionally remember to suck up pelvic floor with it!).

firsttimer I generally eat what I want on normal days as long as the total is around 2000 cals. On 500 days I usually have soup (shop bought as its easier to calculate calories), veggie stir fry, scrambled/poached egg with grilled mushroom and tomato or low fat ready meals.
There's a 5:2 thread (sorry can't link) that can give you loads of in depth info and offers great support .

I've fallen off the wagon since the dcs went back to school after summer but I started again yesterday and I'm trying to make better food choices.

Hell yes I'll join in. Weight has been creeping on this year. I run a lot (half marathons) but sabotage all this by snacking and boozing way too much.

I'd like to lose 7lbs so my clothes are a bit looser by Xmas.

I've had good results with 5:2 previously so going to try this again.

YEP SAme here Loki, desperate to shed a few pounds before the seasons, also we tend to eat so well all the time, there is no special difference at xmas, so I am cutting down on treats for all the family

I've had a headache all day which is a sure sign of sugar withdrawal. Already feel better though! Might have to have a high lights hot chocolate to make it through to dinner!