Holiday Temptations

[jsj0305]

I was wondering, what kind of things will you be doing to get through the temptations on the holidays??

Do you have alternative dishes to make?? Or are you going to ban them all together, or do the applepie stare down and "JUST SAY NO".

I'm really interested in knowing what you are going to do, and it may help give others some great ideas.

For me, I'm doing the staredown... it will be right infront of me, so I have to say no. I can't wait for my own home where I can have a completely legal Atkins only Christmas Dinner....that'll be nice

[cleochatra]

I never do alternate dishes because the point for me is to not emulate the junk I used to eat so much as to totally change my perceptions about what I actually enjoy eating when I give myself the chance to enjoy it.

So, I do the apple pie smell-down (I don't cave due to smelling things. It actually pacifies me), and I will take what I can eat with me or simply eat what I can wherever I am.

I don't mean to sound cavalier about it. It's not always easy--but it's always worthwhile. I like your positive attitude! I can tell you are going to make it through this holiday season with no problems!

[jsj0305]

I had a feeling you were gonna be the first one to reply! I like hearing how you handle things, especially after looking at your pick, I'M ALL EARS!!!

I love your point about having a new perspective. That way you have no temptation to ever go back, even after you lose the weight! Great one Cleo. Sounds simple but I never thought about it like that!

As for me, I'm trying my hardest. Thanks for the compliment!!!

[Moochiecat]

So I'm assuming you live with your family and they are not on the diet.
What you need to do is focus on the food you can have, as opposed to the food you can't. Sounds pretty trite, but that's what I do. I'm fortunate that it's just bf and myself and he doesn't have a sweet tooth, so I don't have that in my face, but everywhere I go, sweets are SO predominant this time of year. This is when things like my progress pictures really get a work out...to remind me of what all that sugar did to me.

Also, I am reminded this time of year how obsessed I was with sugars and starches, and how screwed up I was with my priorities. If we had chocolates, it was always stressful to hide from bf how much of them I was eating each day. Same with baking or goodies that people would give us. Since bf rarely eats sweets, I had to be careful not to inhale everything too quickly. If we went to friends, my thoughts would always be on how I could get that extra cup of stuffing on my plate, or how many butter tarts I could mow down without looking like a pig. When I look back on it, my memories are of the food, and not so much of my interaction with friends and family..How pathetic is that!

I am just tired of food ruling special occasions, and I'm done with it for good. So what if there's pie or cake or whatever...what did it ever do for me? Piled on 70 pounds of fat is what it did!

So focus on what you can have...turkey is delicious with some of the pan drippings spooned over it (take your portion out of the pan before the gravy person thickens it with flour)...brussel sprouts are great roasted, or steamed with lots of butter...I loves me some mashed cauliflower with cheese in it...oh gosh, there's lots of good eats at Christmas!
And I find that a good cup of decaf (Starbucks decaf Christmas Blend...droooool!) with cinnamon, splenda and cream, really hits the spot after dinner. And remember you can make yourself some Induction legal treats with pumpkin and cream cheese and such, so if you really feel you need a little sumpinsumpin, you can have something ready for yourself.

It's all about being prepared and being aware.
Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends...have a great Christmas!

[dreamof145]

I agree with Moochie. I focus on the foods I can eat and just ignore the ones that are not on my plan. I don't let negative thoughts about feeling sorry for myself pop into my head...instead I feel blessed that I can eat so well and be satisfied with what I am eating.

I also used to focus on the food instead of the event. Now, I am more concerned with the company and the conversations instead of the food. If I know ahead of time what is being served and know that it is not on my WOE, then I take something for myself or eat before I go. I can always sip water and be satisfied talking and enjoy the party or event.

I always have a baggie of 'legal foods' in my purse for emergencies to tie me over till I get home. The best advice I can give anyone for the holidays or for any time is to never come unprepared. Plan ahead for every place you go and always carry emergency foods with you. If you don't make food a big issue, then it is easier to relax and have fun -- and you'll learn that food does not make the party, connecting with friends and family is what makes the event memorable.

[tabekat]

The answer is Pumpkin Flan with a dollop of whipped cream.

Did you know you can have pumpkin on induction?

2nd guilt-free helpings of ham and turkey. Yes! Pick, Pick, Pick!

And then theres the cheese platter - pass that around the party with some pepperoni slices. Maybe try a few fancy cheeses you have never tried before.

And how about preparing some mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese and sausage and a sprinkle of parmesean to take to holiday parties?

And cook. Experiment. Check out the recipes at the ADBB.

And this website is very good and she marks the recipes that are induction
friendly.

http://users3.ev1.net/~fontlady/

Let everyone know you are fascinated by low-carb cooking and wouldn't take amiss to some low carb cookbooks for Christmas. (Hint! Hint!)