heidij123's Journal, 18 Jan 16

The holiday season is so damaging, everyone wants to enjoy it, but getting back to 'normality' is so difficult afterwards. I am sure you can do it though Heidi, sounds like you are ready to re focus now. Good luck x 

I am SO with you Heidi! It is a tough one every January - but that's what will make us succeed by knowing that and just getting on with it. Keep Calm and Carry On x 

I can identify with that so easily, and recognising that January is the hardest on everyone, mainly because of the sales people waxing lyrical about new year resolutions of loosing weight. January for me is a preparation time, rather than a start. Getting into habits of eating the right kind of foods, after the excesses of Christmas where any food is eaten be that plain or rich and detoxing the body. You cannot expect to suddenly switch to a careful nutritious pattern after such excesses. :) Start by a gentle detox, and prepare your mind and body for the gentle loss of weight, from February on. 

For me the key is to not get too lax in December. I had a few indulgences but didn't go crazy. For me that makes getting back on track in January easier. It takes a lot of planning. 

My late-November/December 'follies' overstayed their welcome and lingered into January as well -- I do think I turned a corner this past week in terms of routine/consistency and believe that my newly-revised "Every day is Day #1" approach had something to do with that . . . but I know you'll figure things out in short order in a manner that's meaningful and lasting for YOU -- YOU. GOT. THIS. 

I'm struggling with getting back on track as you are...not willing to get off track ever again! Once on the right path the only thing to do is stay on that path! FS is saying 11 months if you keep losing .3 per week but I think 3 months might be unrealistic. You can achieve 1 pound if that is what your body says is OK. My body says .8 is what is best for me and when I don't achieve that it's always because I wasn't staying on the path! I have confidence that we will both get back on the healthy path that is best for each of us :D  

Thanks for your support, all. I thought I had it all worked out, but apparently not. It's somehow reassuring to hear that others are also having issues this month. Losinit, I like your 'Day 1' idea! CH, I thought I did reasonably okay in December, and that January wouldn't be too much of a problem, so maybe a false sense of security there? I will be better prepared next year! (Or will I? I sometimes think I never learn! And I do have a short memory. I'd better make a note in my diary for next January!) 

Slow and steady my friend, that's what it take's. And you've got what it take's! 

I have complete faith that you can do this, Heidi. You will do it. Pulling for you. God bless your efforts and ease your way. 

Take heart, Heidi - in what you've already achieved, and that you didn't backtrack, AND that you set a new, lower goal for the months ahead! Going a bit slower can be annoying, but it's good for your skin and easier to maintain! I remember when I started, at the pace I was losing, I was on track to be done by November 2015 (hahaHAHAHAhaha...*cough*), then it was February 2016 (*raises eyebrow* - at this rate I think it'll be March. Yes, Winter is part of it, (-29C today), so I just don't get out as much, but also, of course 1200-1300 cals at 81kgs doesn't carry the same loss "punch" or represent as big of a deficit as it does at 67kg. I'm not willing to drop under that for my daily average because I like flexibility and variety...and burgers. Haha. ;-) 

Ah, don't take any notice of the FS 'at this rate...; the other day my goal was 2 weeks away (rofl) and now it's somewhere nearer a year :) You are on the way, you know what it takes. Nice and steady does it and you will reap the rewards.  

Thanks again, all. I've had a couple of good days now, and if I keep this up (and I AM feeling motivated) I should be in for a good weigh-in on Monday 😀 I do have a couple of meals out coming up at the weekend, though. Going to have to be careful!