More Ideas on How to Not Gain Holiday Weight

I'm more than half way through my cleanse and just about 10 pounds down. Remember though, that when I start eating, some of that weight will come back. However, I have to say it really has motivated me. My clothes are fitting, I can bend over with out cutting off my air, and I can cross my legs and feel comfortable.

While my focus has been taken off food, I'm also considering my strategy for how I'll eat once I finish the cleanse. Portion control seems to be one key to keeping weight off, and for continuing to lose. Along with that is learning the habit of eating slowly. These are all elements to take with us into the holiday season. Instead of saying you can't have any holiday goodies, which tends to be unrealistic, allow yourself to have a little. Yes, little. For example, a tradition in my family is to make Christmas cookies. In recent years I've cut back to making two kinds of cookies instead of six or so. And my plan is to make them for other people. That way I can have a couple from a batch and give the rest away. And I'll savor my goodies, eating them slowly so I can enjoy them.

Our society is one of excess, and that's one of the reasons we have such a weight problem. We think nothing of super sizing, eating plates piled with food and then having dessert too, or snacking enough to equal a big meal and then still eating a full meal.

Portion control. Let's take a look at how much a serving is, and when in doubt, use your palm as a guideline. If it fills your palm, it's a serving.