This time of year can be particularly trying for me—there’s all the special holiday treats AND I’m visiting family in Georgia where there’s TONS of tempting food we don’t have in NYC. But this year I’m avoiding temptation while still indulging and not feeling deprived. It’s like the coolest thing ever because I’m feeling like I’m finally eating like an adult like I always said I wanted to do…lol. I’m just about 15 years late on my proper eating adulthood.
So I’m down 25 pounds thanks to Weight Watchers, exercise, and primarily my own willpower. Making a decision to lose weight and be healthier is probably about 80% mental in my opinion. You have to want it and continue to act on it—but for me WW made it much easier for me to make longterm lifestyle changes I can keep. Because I’m free to eat what I want as long as I stay within my point range, I’ve learned to make better food choices over the last eight months. Something fried may come to mind, but by the time I look up the points I realize it’s not worth it because then that one fried meal takes up almost all my points for the day—I’d rather eat a ton of food that has fewer points than to have that one fried meal that’s going to make me feel sluggish and I’ll be hungry again like an hour later. And then if I want the fried meal later I can use my “anytime” points but you best believe that I’m getting the most delicious fried meal so it’s worth it. You can read more on how I’ve been doing on Weight Watchers here.
When I got down to the family house, first thing I did was go to the grocery store so I have the right food at the ready. I have a ton of delicious, filling, and easy to follow recipes I use from Weight Watchers (see some of them on my Pinterest board) and I try to plan meals before I get hungry—because once I’m hungry or even worse ravenous, it may not go so well with making the right choice…lol. Plus anytime I look up the point value for anything from places like Zaxby’s, Chik fil A, or Steak N’ Shake, they’re wayyyyyy too high and not worth it. For the next week I’m going to eat properly and save my anytime points for Christmas dinner. Maybe I’ll be lucky and my mom will make roti :)
I also lucked out royally that there’s a YMCA about 5 minutes from where I am—I only got the membership because Nas and I were going to go hard in the gym together for a month but then she got sick, I got sick, and it was just easier for me to go to my other gym. But I’m glad I kept the YMCA membership even though it’s $52/month (my gym is $30/mo and the price goes down each year I have it) because I can use it at locations across the country and I’ve been going regularly while here in Georgia and following my new workout plan.
And finally, I haven’t had a ton of holiday parties to go to, but I did go to an event in Atlanta and managed to steer clear of the cupcakes because I know how they affect me—they spike my blood sugar and make me want to eat more food. I also read a great post on Black Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss that has GREAT tips on how to avoid overeating at holiday parties and gatherings—eating before you go and starting with protein and veggies were HUGE game changers for me and she has TONS more tips. Check out her post here. And while you’re there, nose around a bit—she has amazing content.
I’m staying within my limits, still able to indulge (my latest guilty pleasure are the Ghirardelli Sea Salt and Almond minis–sooooo good), I don’t feel restricted, and I’m working out. Life is great! Hoping my holiday eating tips can help inspire you :)
