Happy Holiday's December 2013 keeping the train on the tracks

San Diego Botanic Garden

Happy Holiday's to all who are celebrating this season.Thank you for reading and I plan to have a few posts over the holidays.

You can also count on me tracking my food, getting in walking, sleep, and de-stressing, as needed. I'll be keeping a super clean Paleo template again this year.

I don't eat too far off template, but I may melt my 85% Chocolate squares and drip a drop or two of peppermint extract for the flavor/smell of the season. I also may add a spoon full or two of coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon to my coffee.  That's the whole extent of my holiday "special food".

Proteins: I will switch up to a more expensive cut of meat for our balsamic pot roast and I bought some Red Argentine Shrimp that taste like lobster. This is the way "I put life into living" as Vinnie Tortorich likes to say on his podcast. And YES! Anna Vochino is the best voice in podcasting. Love listening every week. (this podcast has "language' so don't listen in front of the young kiddos, Vinnie's promised a kid friendly episode. Really looking forward to this so I can share it with Jr. Family Member)

Tastes a little like lobster and shrimp! Trader Joe's

That's it. I don't "Indulge, eat treats, eat off template, eat the family sugar cookie recipe, the random crap that shows up, the lovingly made and decorated sweets, or just one holiday meal." My emotional/binge eating does not take a day off, so I don't either. I could eat these food products, but I like my food sobriety too much. I'll wake up feeling great, eat a normal amount of food, enjoy the family, take epic photos on my walks outside , and go to bed feeling great. Best Christmas gift to myself- for life. 24/7/365

In December 2011, during my weight loss, I concentrated on minimizing my activities and putting myself first. Card sending, cookie baking, over decorating- I don't miss it. Food sobriety "tastes" better.

Taking time to cook good meals, take photos, visit with friend- much better time investment.

What's working for the Christmas Holidays 2013

1. Tracking food and my fitness pal, with daily weighing.
1.5 Looking at protein and carb macros.
2. Taking time to walk, get outdoors, sleep,and rest.
3. Taking time to buy and cook food.
4. Taking time for friends and family

What did not work in the past:

1. Not tracking food starting in October, ostrich effect.
2. Not being aware of the hormonal effects of glucose and insulin on my body and mind
3. Eating whatever showed up at the parties. Going to the parties to eat binge food!!
4. Feeling terrible and not wanting to have friends see me, using huge sweaters to cover up my body.

Safe travels. Stay on track. No cookie was ever worth that cycle. Those Red Argentinian Shrimp- that taste like lobster, no emotional/binge cycle and paying a little more for protein,   that's worth it. :)