Losing Weight During The Holiday Season--Can It Be Done?

Thirteen years ago I became quite intrigued with the idea of LOSING WEIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Even knowing the chances of finding success with this idea was highly slim I was nevertheless still intrigued.

Please note, When I refer to, "LOSING WEIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON" I am NOT referring to:

1) Avoiding family and friend get togethers,

2) Avoiding all other meals to splurge during just the one dinner,

3) Limiting my meals to five pounds of plain turkey and maybe a heaping tablespoon of mash potatoes or stuffing. (Not trying to be sarcastic--just being truthful),

4) Taking supplements or DIET pills of any kind.

*Here's How I Found Success...

In the beginning, thirteen years ago, I simply began deciphering which foods I was going to eat for the holidays versus the foods I really needed to stay away from, like those scrumptious tasting butter rolls served at the beginning of dinner.

RESULTS: Weight loss didn't take place the first year. But I didn't gain weight either. What I really enjoyed was this preplanning approach especially the greater sense of feeling and being in control so I continued my efforts and after many years of enhancing this concept I created what's known as the Replace, Eliminate, Limit(REL) Theory.

REL

*The REL Starts With REPLACING Foods. It Works Like This:

After making a mental note of the specific foods that may be available at the dinner table, start deciphering what foods to REPLACE and what foods to REPLACE them with.

Ask Yourself These Questions When Deciphering What Foods To Replace With What

~What foods can provide me with the same fullness yet without all the carbs? (TIP: The more creative you can be the better the results.)

_____________________________________________________

________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________________________________

____ _________________________________________________

~What FOODS would I be willing to settle for?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________ ________________________

_____________________________________________________

_________ ____________________________________________

EXAMPLE:

~Would I be willing to REPLACE the potato salad (major carbs) with regular salad (low in carbs) --maybe I could put more croutons on my salad... more cheese... maybe even splurge with some good ole Ranch or honey french dressing on the top.

~Write a list of FOODS you would like to REPLACE:

_____________________________________________________

_________________________ ____________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____ ________________________________________________

~After deciphering which foods to REPLACE, begin asking:

~Which foods should I ELIMINATE? Certainly there must be ONE food TO ELIMINATE, Just for control purposes, if anything else.

~What Foods Would You Like to Potentially ELIMINATE? Write them Down:

_____________________________________________________

____________________________ _________________________

_____________________________________________________

________ _____________________________________________

~If you are new to the REL concept perhaps ELIMINATE just ONE of the heavy carb ladened foods: rolls, potatoes, rice, noodles, breaded foods, etc.

~What ONE Food would you like to ELIMINATE? Write it down:

_____________________________________________________

____________________________ _________________________

_____________________________________________________

________ _____________________________________________

~If you are a die hard REL user and/or want an awesome challenge then ELIMINATE ALL desserts and replace with fruits. OR perhaps ELIMINATE just one or two types of desserts; pumpkin pie, fruit pies, chocolate cakes, nut pies (Pecan), etc. It's your choice.

NOTE: You can make your own rules too. For instance you may want to ELIMINATE all fruit pies and instead limit your desserts to sugar free fruit pies. Its' your choice.

~If you're feeling challenged and want to consider ELIMINATING more than one food item what would those food items be? Write them down:

_____________________________________________________

____________________________ _________________________

_____________________________________________________

________ _____________________________________________

~And lastly, foods to LIMIT.

~When it comes to LIMITING foods simply acknowledge those foods that quickly fill you up more than others.

For Instance:

I am going to LIMIT the stuffing so I can enjoy more of Mom's favorite Gooey Butter Cake?

Or, I could probably (just maybe) LIMIT the cream peas and fill up on some of the scrumptious salad.

Or I could choose to LIMIT both stuffing and sweet potatoes so I could have both versus splurging on just the one.

~Know what foods you want to LIMIT? Write them down.

~List of FOODS TO LIMIT:

_____________________________________________________

___________________________ __________________________

_____________________________________________________

_______ ______________________________________________

***Who know's. I was once told I think too much. Maybe thats the reason why REL works so well;

Doing more thinking then eating---LOL

~CONCLUSION:

I find that when we walk into the holidays blindly or should I say without a plan we tend to find ourselves gaining weight. Even worse caught up on the sugar high. This can be avoided and in many cases weight loss can be a reality DURING THE HOLIDAYS. So the first goal is to have an REL PLAN.

Use the REL theory if you like--it's pretty fun actually. You may even find yourself looking at the dinner table thinking maybe I'll REPLACE the green bean casserolle with the stuffing. No maybe I'll ELIMINATE the potatoes all together and instead treat myself to a small LIMITED piece of the scrumptious hot pecan pie.

THE REL Theory has been taken from the highly popular book---The Medium Carb Diet.

QUESTION:

Have you ever thought as to wonder why the REL works so well?

ANSWER:

All to often, we only need a one second distraction to prevent us from acting on those last minute, "sound good" ideas.

Sure EVERYTHING looks good on the dinner table but if we have a focus... a plan... we tend not to reach for just anything and/or everything NOR splurge on those foods that are surely to put the weight on.

I know there is a lot of information this time around-- but I really want you to feel comfortable and complete this holiday season while managing your low carb regimen.

This REL thought process is generally all thats needed to prevent one from reaching out for all the fattening stuff.

RESULTS: REL has helped thousands of people succeed not just through the holiday seasons but every day of the year. Try just one of the ideas and I assure you'll feel more in control and happier with self as you look at the up and coming New Year.

If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a friend.

With www.cookingwithflavors.com, you'll discover how easy it is to:

*Learn how to create flavorful low carb meals,

*Learn how to create low caloric, low fat, low carb meals,

*Learn how to use everyday ingredients versus wayward, hard to find ingredients,

*Learn how to read the new food labels,

*Learn secrets to losing weight on low carb diets,

*Learn about the new MEDIUM CARB DIET,

*Learn how to entertain low carb guests,

*Hone your low carb cooking skills,

*Set realistic eating and healthy weight loss goals.

About the Author:

Robyne Arrow, a successful 23 year veteran of the Low Carb lifestyle is the author of eight books including "Cooking Low Carb with Flavor" and the popular "Medium Carb Diet." She has helped thousands of individuals overcome the many hurdles to low carb lifestyles.

Visit her site to find out how you can get a free subscription to her e-zine, "Move Over Mr. Cheat, Ms. Flavors Moving In..." at http://www.cookingwithflavors.com or mailto:ezine@cookingwithflavors.com

---

Buying Jewelry for Mother?s Day or How To Buy The Perfect Gift for Mom Without Getting Ripped Off

Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother's... Read More

Gift of the Month Clubs: The Lazy Mans Guide to Gift Giving

If you are like me and are a very lousy... Read More

10 Stress Free Tips to Pamper Mom This Mothers Day

Mothers Day is the day we set aside each year... Read More

Christmas Holidays: 5 Ways To Make This Holiday Your Best Ever

For many people the end of a year is a... Read More

Visions of Sugar Plums and Holiday Safety!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Holiday greetings to you!Every year at this... Read More

Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to... Read More

10 Tips for More Meaningful Holidays

No matter how many lists you make, cards you send,... Read More

Tips For Less Holiday Stress

Holiday Stress? Some Tips For Having LessWe all dream of... Read More

Create a Holiday Feast For The Senses

This is my daughter's first Christmas. Naomi will be nearly... Read More

Holiday Gift Ideas For Antique Lovers

1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting ?... Read More

5 Things Your Christmas Table Should Not Be Without

Christmas dinner probably the most elaborate and complex dinners you... Read More

Memorial Day a way to Celebrate

Memorial Day is May 30th this year, are you ready?... Read More

Top 50 Christmas Quotations

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving... Read More

Father?s Day Gift Idea: Do-It-Yourself Backyard Pond Kit

This Father's Day, sit back and enjoy a nice cold... Read More

Unique Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season! Go Digital!

Instead of scouring the mall for gifts this holiday season... Read More

Fourth of July Safety

Of all the holidays throughout the year, the Fourth of... Read More

2 Quick and Easy Halloween Crafts

Making Halloween crafts can really get you into a festive... Read More

10 Ways to Keep Your Expectations From Making You Crazy This Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time! Everyone is full of good... Read More

Eggs-travagant Eggs

Wonderfully simple to do and oh so impressive!You don't need... Read More

Stress-Free Party Planning

It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and... Read More

Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day

Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays,... Read More

Orlando, The Vacation Station

If you were asked to name 10 reasons why you... Read More

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they... Read More

Dress To Impress! Find Your Sexy Halloween Costume And Shake What Your Mamma Gave You

Everyone loves to look and feel good, right? Well, why... Read More

5 Ways to Having the Happiest Valentines Day Ever (even if youre alone)

The thought of Valentine's Day conjures up romantic evenings, a... Read More

Why July 4th ?

On July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration... Read More

Outside the Box Gingerbread Houses

Beyond trees and wreaths, there are few symbols of the... Read More

Nine Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Head To The Office Party

One thing you can count on during the holiday season... Read More

This Mothers Day -- Give The Gift Of Fitness

Do you know a Mom that deserves a special gift... Read More

The Last Laugh: Parental Pranks for April 1

The exact origin of April Fool's Day is uncertain, but... Read More

Ideas For Toddler Halloween Costumes

Depending on the age of your little ones, you may... Read More

Keeping it Simple this Season

It's back. The holiday season and all the challenges that... Read More

Making Time to Write this Holiday Season

As the countdown to Christmas day continues, most everyone is... Read More