abbadabba's Journal, 08 Oct 19

I thought I remembered you having a serious dance partner a while back (but more recently than 6 years)? 

Sorry about the family issues; stress between loved ones sucks the worst. 

Sorry you are upset with family fighting. That happens sometimes with my sisters and nieces. But they get over it. Hope you meet your year end goal! This is the start of the tough time of year to lose weight. Halloween candy, all the food and baking that happens with Thanksgiving and Christmas. I feel good if I can get from October to the New Year without a gain! Hope you enjoy the date! I haven't done any dating since I retired, but before that I was on match.com and really got used to meeting people and first dates (not many 2nd dates, but one nice relationship that ultimately ended).  

I’m excited for you❣️ 

When I am coaching people on their weight loss journey I always sit down with them and specifically discus the Hollidays. What do they MEAN TO THEM. Is keeping up with family food traditions a super big deal to them or are they feeling fully focused on thier goal. One thing I actually encourage many of them to consider is making their goal for this 2 month period of time to not gain weight. No weight LOSS REQUIRED. I also ask them to be diligent with their portion control and to make the better food choices on the days that there are no events planned, and to be faithful to their exercise regime. I ask them to be thoughtful of their food choices when faced with a table loaded with good looking food and focus on things that they do not get to enjoy often as opposed to chocolate chip cookies from the grocery store. No mindless eating just because it is sitting there. Also, to have sample sizes of different items not real portion sizes. Alcohol does not have to be part of a great Holliday experience. Choose not to drink your calories. I have found over and over again that removing the guilt and failure component from this trying time of the year works so well and I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed in how well people have done. The pressure to perform is gone, they are free to use the techniques they have learned . Lastly, they track their everyday foods and exercise but I ask them not to try to track their special events. They are on the honor system to do their best and not have to worry about coming up with numbers for different items. It works. 

I am so sorry things are rough. When relationships are rocky for any reason it is so disheartening. I hope you feel things are better soon. Kenna, that is such great advice. Maybe, could you do a whole post on holiday maintenance plans... Or a few? 😁  

@TomLong I have had some meetups since I had a breakup with a boyfriend in 2013 but nothing that was a second date after many weeks of friendly in-person conversations. 

Kenna, I have just enoyed overeating all summer and now I'm sick of being fat. I have no big family eat-too-much events coming up in the next few months so I am not likely to be sabotaged. I understand where you are coming from though! 

I hope today is a better day for you, abbadabba. 

I'm having stress between children as well. As Mother's we feel the need to cure all that ails our children(let's face it the world). We can only advise them and pray they listen. Remember if it wasn't for the sperm donor(let's face it, some people should not be parents.. donate then leave)they would not be the good people they are. You've done a fine job, trust in your good work, they will figure it out. BTW, my goal for Feb is 150...we can do this😘🙋🌹