I’ve had this on my mind for the last few weeks, so decided I just needed to write about it. I’m so excited about the holidays. So excited that I’m going to do it differently this year. So excited that I’m not going to blow it out for the next two months and gain 5-10 pounds. So excited that I’m not going to feel like shit from not taking good care of myself for the next two months, and will be able to be full of energy for my kids during this special time. So excited that I don’t have to put myself on a crash diet in January and not drink and not go out to dinner and not see my friends. Y’all, I’M SO EXCITED!
I finally figured out a different way! I have a program that is flexible enough to maintain as a LIFESTYLE. It’s not so restrictive that I have to be “all or nothing” and make myself crazy and be psycho. If I get off track, I have all the tools to get back on. NO MORE SHAME SPIRALING. NO MORE BINGING! Thank God that pattern is over! I can finally just be consistent, stay on plan and forgive myself for a bad day or two along the way. There is room for splurges and Christmas parties and Thanksgiving Day. Enjoying myself doesn’t not equal failure like it did for so many years.
Typically, starting with Halloween, the 2 month binge begins, and because it’s the holidays, I’ve always said, “well, I’ve already blown it. I might as well enjoy myself over the holidays and I’ll deal with this in January (January 2nd after my New Year’s Eve hangover is over, obviously).” Then I have to start January with a 5-10 lbs weight gain in addition to any other weight I wanted to lose. I start the year completely disgusted with myself. I then go on a crash diet, either the Fast Metabolism Diet or Whole 30, which are both so restrictive that I turn into a hermit because I can’t eat or drink or do anything fun and have to turn down my friends for dinner dates because it’s too hard to eat on plan at a restaurant. I of course, rope Miles into doing whatever diet with me (he’s such a good sport), and we end up fighting for the whole month because we are both hangry and miserable! Why have I done this to myself for so many years?!?! Life is too short to be fucking miserable and hangry!!!!
Does that sound familiar? If so, why not just start now? Why not avoid the 5-10 lb holiday weight gain and start a manageable lifestyle NOW. You could start the New Year AHEAD of your goals instead of BEHIND. Next Challenge Group starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. Message me if you’re interested. erinmhopkins@gmail.com
