Holiday Moderation

With a lofty goal on the horizon & holidays licking at my heels, I had to do a little planning when it comes to holiday indulging.  I believe in the idea of moderation.  I have to have "permission" to eat what I want in order to avoid feeling like I "have to" eat what I'm "not allowed" to have.  It's all part of the big game I play with myself when it comes to framing my thoughts for success.  Here is what I came up with for a game plan:

1. I will not drink my calories.  By this I don't mean that I won't have some wine or spirits (doesn't that sound festive!).  I'm talking about the specifically holiday drinks that are mean mean mean.  Cider & cocoa & the nog of eggs...what is nog, anyway?  The crazy thing about all of those drinks: I don't even really like them.  I know for some they are the epitome of holiday spirit.  For me they're just kind of tasty...so out they go.  I'm saving my calories for the things I really want, which brings me to...
2. I will only eat one cookie in a sitting.  Tomorrow night, my book club is having our annual cookie exchange.  I will eat one tomorrow night & then I will come home & put the whole lot of them into the freezer where I will be able to exercise a smidge of self control--since I will have to go out into the cold garage to get them.
3. I will not eat treats that don't make me drool.  This time of year is FILLED with baked goods & confections--the loves of my life (or at least my taste buds).  But not all baked goods are created equal.  I will not eat something, no matter how lovingly prepared for me, if it's not making me weak in the knees with desire.  Everyone has special holiday treats to share.  I don't luurve them all.  Therefore I will not eat them all. 
4. I will recognize that not every meal is a "special" occasion.  Just because it's got the stamp of "Holiday Party" on it, doesn't mean that it is actually a special event in the grand scheme of life.  Old Sara thought any Tuesday at Wallaby's was a special occasion & reason to whoop it up with a three course bonanza of fried fare.  While I've come a long way, it is so easy for me to slip into the mentality that something is "special" or a "treat" when really, the part that is special is the company or the setting...not the food.  Prioritize & budget.  My food is like currency.

As a reward for practicing moderation through all things holiday, I prepaid myself with a reward: a new dress.  I've always loved sweater dresses, but they were mighty unforgiving on my former figure.  I splurged on a soft grey cowl neck from Banana Republic that will be my permanent fixture for all things holiday this year.  I'm a big believer in having one great outfit in each new size as you work your way down & this is certainly mine.  When you look good, you feel good.  Hopefully when you feel good, you make good choices.

In completely unrelated news, The Treadmill has a name...but she hasn't had a proper christening or ribbon cutting, so I'm keeping her under wraps, but I have to say that it is perfect...not at all "unfortunate"...& that's all I'm going to say about that.  To be continued...