The weight is off, now comes the hard part!

Wow, never did I think that maintaining my weight loss would be much harder than actually losing the weight. I don't mean this in the I want to eat everything now way. I mean this in the How can I learn to eat more now way. My calorie goal to maintain my weight is set at 1,800. I maybe hit 1,400 at the most, and that may only be once or twice a week. My average is about 1,000-1,200 before exericse! After exercise my net is about 700-900...I know, not good! As much as people may not believe me, I am full, and I am satisfied. A lot of the time, I eat just to push up my calories, not because I am hungry.

When I was 252 lbs, I had to adjust to eating less and moderating my food/portions. Then when I was exercising I was adjusting to a healthy caloric intake with exercise. Now that I've reached my goal, my stomach has shrunk, and my body/metebolism is used to the lower calories and the high exercise. Working out is like my sanctuary! I use it to get my "me" time, to blow off steam, to sweat out a long day, etc. I look forward to the gym everyday, so reducing exercise has proven to be very difficult for me. So, instead of changing that, I am trying to eat more/higher calorie foods. Again, hard. I am stressing out more when it comes to maintaining than I did when I was actually trying to lose the weight.

Starting this week, I have been trying to eat more, and I'm not quite succeeding but not quite failing. It's a learning process, just like losing the weight was.

One day at a time...

Dealing/Recovering with the Holidays

In Canada, we have already had Thanksgiving (October 8th) but Thanksgiving is approaching quickly for everyone in America, and I know that it can get people that are on the "Weight Loss" wagon a little panicky. So, I thought I would share some of my Holidays tips. Some tips that you can use during the Holidays, and then tips that you can use to recover from the holidays.

 During

If your preparing your own Holiday dinner, then it's easier for your to incorporate some of those healthier options. Of course, you want to accomodate some of  your family's favourites as well.

Mashed Potatoes 

Yes, you can serve up some of those creamy mashed potatos, but why not toss in the oven a Sweet Potato as well. Sweet potato is loaded with all kinds of goodies! Vitamin B6, D, C. They are also a great source of Iron and Magnesium as well! You can just bake it plain in the skin while your turkey is roasting a way. No fuss!  

Steamed Veggies

I know nothing beats that creamy bean cassarole, but that one is a major calorie fest! Toss some veggies in the microwave and steam them. If you have the healthier version available, you'll be more likely to spoon some onto your plate.

Rolls

Have a mix of white and whole grain rolls

Side Dishes

Instead of Coleslaw, or aside from it, do up a fresh garden salad! To make the work load even less for you, feel free to use the ready made bags of spring mix greens or lettuce.

Turnip is also a fantastic side dish and it works wonders for your metabolism! 

Desserts

Fresh fruit. Instead of two scoops of Ice cream, have one scoop of fruit and one scoop of ice cream!

Pie. It's a holiday staple. You deserve to indulge at least a little bit! Food for thought: Pumpkin Pie is the healthiest and better in calories VS any other pie out there!  

 Now if your not preparing your own meal, and your attending someone else's family dinner, don't hesitate to call up and ask if you can bring anything. Offer Salad, veggies, or a healthy fruit salad!

 Recovering from the Holidays

Okay, you decided to give in and enjoy all of your holidays faves. That IS NOT a crime. We all deserve a cheat from time to time, and what better time than the Holidays, right? So, how do you recover from all that turkey, bean cassarole, stuffing and pie?

The Next Day

Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Try to add a cup of one or the other to every meal. It will provide your body with it's vitamins and will detox you.

Lots of water! This is pretty obvious. The water will cleanse your body, and boost your metabolism and digestive system.

Get a good sweat on. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in. A walk, a run, a visit to the gym. Working out a good sweat will definitely make you feel better!

Yoga. This is a personal staple of mine. I recommend Yoga for everything. A long day, a tiring day, in the morning or after a long holiday. You cooked, you ate, you visited with family. Your exhausted. Have a good Yoga Session in the morning. It's relaxing for your mind and body, but will also boost your system as well!

Sleep. I know, this seems obvious. Try to get at least your 8 hours of sleep the night of and the night after your big holiday.

That's it! Don't stress over the holiday season. Eat, visit and enjoy!