It’s finally over – the major holiday season is past us. For many of us – myself included, avoiding the post-holiday letdown is an important part of our continued success. The whole months of November and December were spent either planning how to avoid forbidden delights, or planning how to include a taste of those delights without going overboard and feeling like we were ruining our hard work.
It can be stressful.
But now that is all past us and I thought it would be a great time to check in with you and see how you are feeling now – a month after the new year started.
I still remember “making it through” the holiday season WAAAY back in 1997 without a gain. I felt triumphant that I had seemingly conquered my never-ending desire for sugar cookies, cakes, and chocolate. But when January rolled around I almost felt a little bit of a let-down. Sure I was energized because it was the new year – but on the other hand I was a little bit tired of the continual need to watch what I ate and became weary of always “being good.”
I remember I had a slight gain in January of a pound or two and I think it was because I had been good for so long that I almost let myself slip back into some old habits. Fortunately, the gain went away quickly and I continued on to reach my goal shortly after that time.
So as we continue with the dreary winter weather for those of us in the US, I want to encourage you to use these quiet months to reflect on how far you’ve come, affirm that you are doing the right things for yourself, and commit to yourselves that you can reach your goals. Because you can.
Here’s some ideas to get your started as you reflect how far you’ve come:
◊ What can you do now that you couldn’t do six months ago?
◊ If you graph out your weight loss over time is the line trending down?
◊ What are some Non-Scale-Victories (NSV) that you are particularly proud of?
◊ What foods have you discovered are tasty that you might have rejected before?
For me, taking the time to reflect on how far I had come was a great way for me to push through and keep going towards my goal. I realized that January long ago that I could do things like:
◊ Sit on the floor (and GET UP) without practically breaking the chair
◊ Walk 3 miles whereas before I couldn’t walk to my mailbox easily.
◊ Say no to things I previously would have said yes to in excess
◊ Walk into a room without feeling embarrassed by my appearance
◊ Talk with people who I would have previously considered “above me”
◊ Buy clothes in the regular sized departments
So as dreary January draws to a close and February comes into view – I’d encourage you to take stock of where you are and all you have accomplished. Refocus on your goals and commit to sticking with it for the long term. So how about you? Have have you been feeling since we have closed the door on 2009? Diane
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I discovered prunes! I thought they were evil, but they taste just like candy. Naturally. Perfect for a sweet craving.
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..Tasting! Stonyfield Yo Kids Yogurt
one tactic I used to use with clients was posing the question (broad):
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW THAT YOU WOULD NOT BE DOING HAD YOU NOT STARTED YOUR WAY DOWN THIS HEALTHY LIVING PATH?
It was amazing to watch how easily they tapped into their successes (one piece of pizza last night versus, say, four
) that they previously had deemed FAILURES/giving up on their new year goals.
Miz´s last blog ..Blissdom conference & preview of coming MizFit’tractions.
Because my birthday is in mid-January I am notorious for taking a mental nose-dive right after that passes. I think it’s because I often find that I have nothing immediate to look forward to combined with the generally grey weather. Right now, I feel like I am doing pretty good for a change, and I largely attribute that to the journey that I am on. Nevertheless, I have felt a slight drag in my step so this post was good for me to read. I need to focus on what I have accomplished so that I can continue to make progress towards my ultimate goals.
266´s last blog ..Happy To Spread The Love
I have learned to always have SOMETHING to look forward to in the future. Even if it is up to 8 or even 10 weeks in the future. I like to have goals, things that I am working for in the NOW, that keep me focused and upbeat. Life for me then has more purpose and I feel less like a piece of flotsam being tossed around in the water.
Mia
I feel optimistic and happier than I have in years. I have not cheated once on my last-ever-diet. And even though I gained in the fall from last year’s great loss, I started 1010 lower than I had in years so am well on my way to my goal weight which I am determined to stay at this time! And my blog and the blogging community has really added to my journey and life and I love being part of it.
WaistingTime´s last blog ..When Scouting Goes Bad
I realized that I can maintain my weight. For all of 2009 (although I “wanted” to be losing), I pretty much maintained my weight loss within about 5 pounds. I think doing that helped me realize that I shouldn’t fear maintenance. I know that nothing will change for me as far as how I eat and exercise. I will keep living this way the rest of my life. Knowing that and showing myself that in 2009 helped jump start me to want to finish off those last pounds and finally get to goal for 2010.
Marisa (Loser For Life)´s last blog ..Celebrate The Scale
My husband and I always plan a post holiday vacation in a warm climate to have something to look forward to in the new year. That really helps.
For me, hiring a trainer to help me work on my knee issues is the best thing I did in 2009. It’s amazing how quickly I’ve been able to get pain-free. It’s so nice to know that when I walk downstairs in the morning my knees are not going to feel stiff or cause me pain.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..The Health Police
That is a great question! I am feeling energized in the new year. I love how my body is really taking shape to my new lifestyle
I hope you have a great weekend!
Staci´s last blog ..Quest to 100 Giveaway….
I have had some great NSVs this past year. Some of my favorites are:
1. Buying a bra at Victoria’s Secret, I have been too big for a long time
2. Finding new muscles in my arms from planks and in my legs from “running” on the NordicTrak
3. Having this conversation with a waitress: “I’d like a bowl of chili.”, “That’s it?”, “Yes”. And then only eating half. All while wearing jeans that were too tight 3 weeks ago.
I had a rough 2009 but wouldn’t change it for the world. I learned a lot about my mind, body, and spirit!
Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..BLOG YOUR HEART OUT!
This is so good! Important, too! Whenever I start doubting myself, I think about how different my life is now. And it’s not necessarily about the weight. My energy level now is so much higher than it was 100 pounds ago.
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Food Fight! – Yogurt Parfaits
Great post, January is always tough for me. It seems to drag on with nothing to look forward too. It is always good to take time to reflect on your accomplishments!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner´s last blog ..almost….there….
I was surprised that I made it through the holiday season as well as I did. I was really proud of myself for that! Not only did I come out of it still on track, but I also did my first 5k on Thanksgiving, and also had THREE birthday parties that I attended and didn’t overindulge as well. The thing I learned the most this holiday was the importance in being prepared. I had a plan B on Thanksgiving when my mashed cauliflower didn’t turn out, so instead of gorging on mashed potatoes, I had strawberries. Plan B’s are crucial!
josie´s last blog ..Rewards!
I kind of chuckle at the idea of January being the end of the holidays, because there are holidays all year. Superbowl Sunday is right around the corner as is Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, Imbolic, Presidents Day and so on.Then comes Lent, Easter, Mothers Day, May Day, Memorial Day,Graduation Day, Fourth of July… there is no end to the holidays ! For myself this weekend I celebrate one of the 8 festivals that make up our spiritual year , this one about cleansing, purifying and starting again. Each holiday on the calender can also be like a checkpoint, as you seem to suggest. I like that idea !
Diane´s last blog ..Water and walnut hummus
Very good post.
For me, I felt like I had control during December and then lost it the first week or two of January. It was weird. I wanted more chocolate then than before.
Now I’m finally settling back into some semblance of order and am feeling very powerful at where I’m at. I’m feeling so accomplished and ready to just keep taking it a day at a time.
Leah´s last blog ..Weigh-In … Intuitive Eating Works
Those are some really great things to think about. I’ve actually been relieved that the holidays are over. It’s much easier to focus on health without all of those tasty treats around! This time of year is inspiring to me because it’s almost Spring- almost time to be able to workout outside and I want to be in better shape than I was last Fall.
Alissa´s last blog ..Weigh in Day
The biggest thing I’ve learned about post-holidays is that you have to get back in the habit of NOT attending parties and such. Clean eating is essential for me to get back on track!
Erin´s last blog ..Bootius Maximus
Obviously you aren’t into football: January is playoff weekends, followed by Super Bowl Sunday, followed a week later by Valentine’s Day. Still holiday season, albiet different, around here! LOL must.remain.vigilant.
Sunny´s last blog ..Something Worth Celebrating!!!!
*Continual need to watch…* Sometimes I don’t even realize how vigilant I’m being.
Great ideas about reflecting and taking stock.
I find it much easier to be on the healthy living path once the holidays are over so I think it’s a good thing!
AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Great runs and a blogger meetup
This post really struck home for me, I appreciate the tips on gaining a more positive outlook this time of year. I always struggle a bit during the dark days of January, although by the beginning of February I try to focus on the lengthening days as a sign that Spring will surely come. Right now here in the north it is bitterly cold. Years ago I purposely chose to be married in February so that there would be a celebration when I felt I needed it most. Next week I’m celebrating (25 years!) and am headed to my closet – I think this year, after 2 years of slow but steady progress, I can probably fit into my wedding dress. So I’m off to try it on – not that I plan to wear it but it’s nice to think I could if I wanted to. Thanks, Diane, for all the encouraging words which I find very helpful. I believe a big part of successful weight loss is staying positive (even when you slip), maintaining that commitment, believing in yourself and believing you can do it. Come to think of it, that sounds a little like marriage as well, don’t you think? Anyway, encouragement, like your blog, helps us all stay positive, so again – thanks!
I always get those holiday blues. For me it starts Christmas evening when all the ‘magic’ seems gone and the presents are all opened. It lasts the rest of that week. The one great thing the last 2 years for me is that I can be ok with myself for feeling a little blue and I don’t turn to food to help that feeling ‘go away’. Buy this time each year the blue week has long been over and I’m pushing forward with my new year. It’s so great not to have those 10pounds of holiday gain to weigh me down even more
Brenda´s last blog ..no scale friday
5 weeks ago I couldn’t last 15 minutes walking on a treadmill much less an hour at the gym. But, I proved myself that I can do it! And now it seems a little easier! Go me! And I find that I LOVE to move my body. Whereas before, I could have ran for the “Miss Couch Potato” contest.
My weight is going down. I think in a normal month I might be up a pound or two instead of down 10. So I definitely feel like i’m making progress!
I’m not too far on my journey yet, but those are the things I have noticed so far!
~Kellie
The Chubby Girl Diaries´s last blog ..House update – moving forward
and I thought I was making up all that stuff in my head!!
took me about 3 weeks to fully snap out of it, and now am rearing to be in tip top shape for the summer!
rebecca @ durch dick und duenn´s last blog ..Weigh – In #29
So glad to be back in the more routine time of year, if that ever happens! I’m feeling psyched for hard work and success.
Leslie´s last blog ..Week 4 P10 and diminishing oatmeal!!
2010 has been great! I want to start half-marathon training soon, though! : ) That’s my goal!
Great post Diane to get people back on track that have left already OR to make sure they know that staying on track is important & to keep those positive thoughts going! This is a life long journey. Never forget that. It does not stop just because a person lost the weight they wanted to…. And, with all that a person can accomplish, why stop & go back!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Tuesday at the Gym & My Cardio Workout
What a great post! Did you write it for me? I’ve spent January eating more than I should, kind of testing how much I can take without gaining weight. But while the numbers on the scale have increased, I haven’t stopped the eating. Last night I couldn’t believe I was watching TV with a bag of cookies on my lap. And they didn’t really taste that good, they weren’t worth the extra (and totally unnecessary) calories at all.
And now you just made me think about how far I’ve come – I started my journey exactly an year ago. During the last year I lost 54Lbs (gained 6 back) and went from barely being able to walk 30min on the treadmill to running 5K comfortably. I improved my health and lifestyle so much, and at the end of year I was proud to finish a 15K race in under 2hrs. And I don’t want to let go all these accomplishments by overindulging in bags of cookies. :S
Nov and Dec sucked for me…and Jan followed suit! I’m looking forward to a MUCH brighter Feb (I hired a personal trainer to ensure that, lol). And I’m back on track with 1500 cals as of today….hooray!
tammy ortagus´s last blog ..A Profound Lesson on Cookies
I’ve been having issues getting back on track. I let the entire month go by without losing a single pound. oops. However, I haven’t “let go” I’ve stayed aware of what I was doing and when it was a mistake I was able to mitigate the consequences….so that’s something
Mackattack (Beth)´s last blog ..Warning!
I love the Idea about taking a post holiday vacation. I would love to be around some sun. Winter months make me blue. I have had a hard January also. I have a weight loss blog and love helping others. I have had to motivate myself and it’s been a hard thing for me this month. A friend died and I have just been down.
II have had a hard time getting to the gym. Luckily my sweet son got me a Wii fit for Christmas and I vowed on the days I did not make it to the gym I would do the Wii fit. It’s working. It’s fun and the kiddos love it. I love beating my own score.
Sometimes it’s just of reading the words of others to lift your spirits.
Jill
Lovely post and a valuable reminder. Let’s see… I know I haven’t lost a lot (10% of my starting weight) but it really has changed my life in so many ways, large and small. I don’t get the “BMI blink” anymore– you know, when weight or fat is mentioned and the people around you blink because they’re keeping the sympathetic look off their face? It’s also nice to put on my former “skinny pants” (the ones I couldn’t wear at all if I gained a few pounds) and they are now my “parachute pants.”
Larkspur´s last blog ..I Get a Star
Oh, I missed reading your posts. This is really good, but I have no brain power to thing anymore tonight. Will ponder these things tomorrow.
Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..C25K Week 3 Report
“Think”…no brain power to think, not thing. (see?)
But now that I’ve mentioned it, I can’t “thing” anymore tonight, either.
Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..C25K Week 3 Report
I’m definitely not. This is a crazy year for me so it just keeps getting better post New Year.
Mary :: A Merry Life´s last blog ..Back Pain Having, Good Food Eating, Adventure Junkie
A very timely post Diane. I am trying to focus on the nsv’s lately since the sv’s seem to be at a halt again. Hoping that is going to change this week. Have a nice weekend.
Kat´s last blog ..8 miles! And John’s Miso Glazed Cod with veggies and quinoa
Oooh, 2010 has got off to a rocky start for me. 2009 was such a whirlwind, I sort of lost my strength to hold it together in January. That includes a weight gain over the holidays and first few weeks of Jan. I think these up and downs are okay though, as long as I know how to pick myself up and get back on track. Mentally, I’ve come a long way this past month, and am in a much better place than I was at the end of ‘09. I’m much more happy about that than I am disappointed with a little bit of weight gain.
Susan´s last blog ..Survivor
Thanks again, Diane for being so amazing! I feel very optimistic and thankful here at the start of the new year. At times I can get bogged down in reaching my final goal, rather than thinking about how far I have come. But your positive posts are helping me think about the big picture– so thanks!
I was reminded of this yesterday, when I ran into a teacher I had worked with 10 years ago. She looked at me curiously, and then said, “You look so familiar– did your mother work at _____Elementary 10 years ago?” I had to laugh and said, “no, but I worked there with you!” She was astounded, and said, “But you look so much younger now, and you are half your size!” So, that kept me smiling all day long, and it was good to put things in perspective.
I really enjoy reading your blog each day– it starts my day with a positive message to keep in mind. You are an inspiration! By the way– I watched a random movie the other night– Margarita Happy Hour– which is not the greatest movie ever, but I kept looking at the gorgeous actress in it, thinking she looked familiar. Diane, has anyone ever told you you look like Eleanor Hutchins? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0404269/resumephotos
take care!,
angie
Wow…these are the words I needed to hear! I have lost 54# since May 2009 but after the holidays and with this dreary weather…..I was focusing on how much more I have to go before I hit goal…..not at all I have accomplished.
So, THANKS for the reminder!! I am making a list of the things I can do now…. 8 months after starting my weight loss journey….that I couldn’t do before and will post it on my refrigerator!
Char´s last blog ..One whole month!!!