Almost a month. Christmas has come and gone. I returned to my weight loss group a week before Christmas, and after being away for 6 months, had a 3 pound gain. Not so bad, you may think, well not so. The weight gain was not the problem, the mindset afterwards was. Due to the holidays, my weekly yoga classes have been cancelled till after the first of the year. My limited mobility enjoys the classes, a gentle yoga class Wed evenings, and a seated yoga class Friday mornings. They not only help my mobility, but keep me focused, and spiritually uplifted. That being said, my reserve for remaining true to my program fell to the wayside. It all started with cookies. Attending a cookie exchange party is not really a good idea for a person like me, who has little self control when it comes to yummy homemade cookies. Of course I tried each and every one, and bringing home a platter with 3 each of all the amazingly delicious cookies, put me on a slide. Trying my best to control my eating was difficult to say the least.  Shorty after came Christmas Eve, and more eating of amazing food..seafood: shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari, lobster, and of course pasta, bread and antipasto.  Many deserts followed and my control was shot. This happened even before Christmas Eve, as we were eating out, and my choices were not weight loss friendly. Drinking of alcohol also added to the slide. My journey has hit many a rocky path on the way, and this one was just full of boulders. So over them I rode, making my way into candies, and foods that just do not belong in my body. So, what is the answer? How do I refocus and loose whatever gain that got added on during this fall? Determination! Goal set and in place! Mini goals to help me accomplish this! A purge of junk food from the house. Shopping for what I need to remain on course. Not being swayed by others that may or may not have a similar problem. Thinking about and believing in a positive outcome. Working to accomplish movement and incorporate into my daily routine to the best of my ability. Planning, a really important aspect for weight loss, by knowing what I need, and making sure I have access to what I need. Now, I missed a meeting of my group, as my day is Thursday, which was Christmas Eve. Same problem this week, New Year's Eve being Thursday. So what can be done? I will attend another meeting. There is one on Saturday mornings, and I will be going to that one January 2nd come what may. I will be fully prepared to face the consequences of my slip and slide behavior. There will be support, and I will share and not be judged. This is my journey. Each of us have our own unique journey, and in the time that is correct we will accomplish what we have set out to do. But we must work at it, and realize it may take us longer than others. Do not give up, that is key. Never say never. Know in every fiber of your being that you will do this! Yay! I am doing this!

False starts lead to false hope........

It's been a while, and for good reason. So much happening. Totally overwhelmed. Thanksgiving came and went. There was a time that my Thanksgiving was embraced with and surrounded by love and sharing. Nowday's it seems it has become a day of eating with family. The best part of Thanksgiving Day has always been watching the Macy's parade. Love that it has become a showcase for the Broadway shows, and musical talents of High School Marching Bands. The magnificent balloons have always been so cool to see. Popular musical performances with the culmination of Santa making his arrival have always made my heart swell. I love to start the Christmas Holiday when Santa passes Macy's front door by hanging my first Christmas decoration. Black Friday for me, an avid shopper, means finding a wreath and hanging it on the front door. Shopping with crowds does not in the least appeal to me. A day of relaxation is much more alluring to me. So, what has Thanksgiving become? A day where Vin and I travel to his parent's house, and eat like pigs. There is so much food, it is downright sinful. The meal starts with a pasta dish. This year it was lasagna. The main course is not just turkey, but turkey and ham with all the trimmings. Yep, all calorie laden sides that will pack your tummy, and also your jeans the next day. Sweet potato casserole, homemade, amazingly delish mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, home made stuffing, applesauce, and more! EAT! EAT! EAT! Does this reflect the meaning of Thanksgiving? Deserts are an entire tableful of home made, pies, pudding, pastries, nuts, cookies and a homemade cheesecake with various toppings. Wow! Are we able to really eat all this? No need to answer, you know we can! Coffee, wine and whatever other beverage you may desire are also freely poured and enjoyed. O! at the end of the meal, salad is served! Why at the end? No idea, it is the way it's done, is all I know. But usually everyone is so full, the salad goes by the wayside. LOL

Now here is my version of how I would like to celebrate. A quite day of reflection upon what I am thankful for. Not saying I don't want to participate in the tradition of eating turkey. I love turkey, but there are so many healthful sides that can be prepared. I would love to dress as a pilgrim and eat fried corn, and whatever else was first enjoyed by the settlers, but in moderation. There are so many great veggies, and they can be cooked in ways that are healthy and tasty. Sharing conversation is also important to me. No one should have to do all the work. The idea of "pot luck", done thru sharing ideas and recipes would suit me. Entertaining is something I no longer do since  the house is small, and we are far from everyone. We always go to my inlaw's home and eat, visit and go home. It doesn't seem fair. There are others that should "take the reigns", or at least participate in the preparations. This seems to be happening to a certain extent, but exclusions exist.

Thinking that next year will be different. We are in the midst of spiffing the house for sale, as we will be relocating. A new house, with room to entertain. Yes, it's true, we will be even further away, but it is what it is. My journey took a sharp turn after Turkey day this year. Being off track for sometime now, I have become refocused, and am giving it my best. My sadness over the recent loss of my cat Sassy, has not lessened, and sometimes is even worse, but I am learning that this is acceptable. It is OK to be sad, it is OK to cry, but not OK to revert to eating sweets like they're going out of style! I have shopped for greens and fruits, and have an abundance available. These are so much better to grab when an emotional eating binge rears it's ugly head. I am not unaware there are ways to cope with emotional eating, but sometimes giving in satiates the need to overindulge. Having correct and healthy choices available is key. Thinking about goals, and consequences must stay in the forefront. Wanting to feel well, and good about yourself will keep you centered. Well, I have blogged, and hope that others may identify with my journey. We each have our own journey, and will accomplish our goals in our own proper and correct time, but there are many similarities that bind us together. Have a great weekend all! Do your best, and you will succeed!

Please share your thoughts, and great healthy recipes! I will do so next post. Thank you.