Losing weight is never easy. Losing weight at the end of the year is arguably the hardest time for most people. There’s more food, more pressure to eat it, and for many people more stress and other difficult emotions.
No wonder weight gain is common this time of year. No wonder so many people just say, “forget it, I’ll worry about my weight after the new year begins.” While I wouldn’t talk anybody out of their decision to put weight loss on hold, I would ask, “is that what you really want?”
If the answer is, “yes,” then I’m all for a weight loss vacation. If the answer is, “no, but what other choice do I have?” then I’m here to tell you that you have a lot of choices. Nobody every has only one choice, or even two. Choices are endless, but we often don’t bother to try to find them.
If your choice is to continue to work towards your weight-related goal during the hectic, challenging last month of the year, I can help keep you on track. I’m going to start by asking you more questions.
- Did you know that it’s okay to choose to gain a little weight while sticking to your commitment to getting to goal?
Yes, it’s okay to stay focused on your goal, but make a conscious decision to take a little detour. You’re still moving forward, just not taking the fastest route. Think of it as taking a road trip and deciding to get off the highway for a bit to take some back roads and enjoy the scenery. Yes, you’re going to slow down reaching your destination, but you’re still going to get there and you’re going to enjoy the ride all the more for the side trip.
- Did you know that it’s okay to choose to maintain your current weight while sticking to your commitment to getting to goal?
Yes, maintaining your weight during the holidays is fine and it gives you a little more freedom to enjoy some special holiday foods. It also teaches you what the difference between maintenance and weight loss eating behaviors look like which is helpful later on when you’re at your goal.
- Is it very important to you that you lose weight during December?
If it’s important to you to keep losing you need to figure out why it’s important.
- Are you able to get fully enjoy the holidays and lose weight too?
- Are you afraid if you switch gears from a weight loss mode that you can’t get back on track in the new year?
- Did you know that you get stronger when you challenge yourself by learning how, and knowing when to relax, weight loss efforts with confidence?
Regardless of which option you choose, gain, maintain, or lose, be aware that none of these options are without risks. The risk is what will happen if there are multiple, unanticipated challenges and you get overwhelmed and feel unable to take any actions to manage your weight. You’re just going to quit and hope the damage isn’t devastating.
Maybe after a couple of out-of-control eating episodes you’re saying to yourself, “Eh, I’m just going to enjoy myself and eat anything and everything and forget about portion control for now. I’ll start fresh in the New Year.”
Think about it, if you’re planning to trade in your car for a brand new car do you beat up the old car because it’s already got high mileage or do you take care of it to get the highest possible trade in for it? Didn’t think so, so don’t apply the “who cares anyway, it’s already wrecked” philosophy to your weight.
If you run into a tough spot give yourself a positive message. Here are two of my favorites that are very fitting for this time of year.
Read this blog often to get going when you feel like you need a boost of motivation. Better, yet, Take screen shots of the posters and print them to hang where you’ll see them often.