Post-Holiday Reality Check

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Well, what a test we had over the holidays.

I wanted to see how I'd be with all the food, drink and general temptation all around during the holidays. For the most part I did pretty well, although Ferrero Rocher chocolates are evil...! However, as my scale revealed a few days ago, I'm up to 147...a full 5 lbs higher than pre-Christmas maintenance weigh-in.

Uh oh....!

So, as we are taught to do on the Bernstein diet, it's back to basics for me. No 4 oz glass of wine for another month; gone are the 1/2 cup portions of potatoes, rice and pasta, and certainly no more corn or carrots.

Actually, I can honestly say with all the hedonism over the holidays, I need a bit of a flushing out. The salt, butter and preservatives...I actually feel weighed down.

So, before the extra poundage turns to 10 lbs, I'm back on strict - but just by myself at home. I'm going to do it on my own. I think...I hope.

I've already announced to my husband that cookies and treats must be banished from the cupboards again. It's amazing how quickly they creep in again (not from my persuasion mind you, but his and the kids!) So - they're gone.

I have to. It's self preservation. I know what my weaknesses are, so why deny it?

As a family we're reaffirmed that we're going to healthy again. We're buying a bread machine (to make Essene bread and whole grain baguettes) and I'm back into no salt soup making mode.

I've even encouraged (sucessfully) to make a weekly cooking project with my son, so he can learn to cook (he's 9) and get used to food preparation, tasting new flavours and recognizing calorie and sodium/sugar content. Wish us luck. It's a toned down version of Julie & Julia .... without the deboning of a duck. More like Dakota/Helen & Dr. Bernstein...relishing in all things weighed, premeasured, veggie and protein. The true test will be if he can actually embrace the brussel sprout. I'll let you know how that goes.

Anyway, I'm not going to beat myself up for 7 lbs - it's a learning experience and I can't take back the Baileys in my coffee, or delicious steak and cheese fondue. I had a great time preparing the rich and flavourful food, and enjoying it.

It just goes to show how portion control and ingredients have to be measured and monitored.

After January 1st.

Here's to 2010 everyone!!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I rejoined Dr. B on Monday. Your posts have been very inspiring...I was glad to read your post today. Keep posting!
January 6, 2010 at 8:49 PM
Helen R. said…
Glad to hear they help you! If you have any questions, just post away here and I'll give some feedback. Good luck - and here's to a slim 2010!
January 12, 2010 at 9:36 PM
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