Getting through the holidays is really hard. The thought of being stuck somewhere with people who are going to push food in my direction for multiple days is stressful and often times, I opt to not go to parties or meals or events because I just can’t handle it. This means I miss a lot of opportunities to be with family and friends, or I blow a whole week of hard work on one day of obligated mingling.
Over the years, I’ve gotten really good at a lot of skills that have helped me face the onslaught of food during times when people gather to celebrate, but the one thing I haven’t gotten very good at is trusting people.
When someone tells me they “get it,” they’re usually met with suspicion and distrust. I’ve learned the hard way that not a lot of people “get it.” Either they’ve never had an issue with weight, or with food, or they’re just really good at executing fitness goals without realizing that there are people like me who have been staring at that piece of cheese for 20 minutes trying to fight the desire to snatch it, eat it, and add it to the growing list of things I’ve put in my mouth that shouldn’t have gone in there.
Whatever difference there is, it’s hard for self-claimed allies to understand exactly what they need to do in order to ensure that I don’t melt into a pile of stressed-out tear muffins because I’m losing my mind around the tortilla chip bowl.
What I learned this holiday season is that I need to trust people more. I need to trust that they do have my best interests in mind, and that they’re going to do their best to make sure I’m not about to explode because of unexpected food.
The week before Christmas, Alex and I sat down together and painstakingly planned out every single meal and every single moment when there would be food for the whole two weeks of Christmas and New Years. And then I got to spend three beautifully relaxing days with his family, where our plan was followed. It was so easy. I honestly never thought a holiday could go over so smoothly and so flawlessly.
One of the nights, I made chicken and red pepper empanadas, which were super delicious:
I even got to feed a horse some carrots, WHICH WAS AWESOME.
I mean, look at how happy that pony is to get a delicious carrot!
I worked really hard to make sure I met my end of the bargain and stuck to the plan too, and as a result, I lost three pounds this week.
That’s right, I spent the whole Christmas weekend away from home and LOST THREE POUNDS.
Alex’s mom even found these insanely healthy sausages I never knew existed, which have now become the only sausage I’ll eat for breakfast anymore.
This is proof to me that when someone is determined to be an ally, anything is possible. Sharing the work of planning and preparing was fun and honestly, after this holiday, I can’t wait to do it again. Month-long vacation anyone?
I’m really grateful to Alex’s family for being so generous with the Christmas menu, and I’m especially lucky to have a partner who is determined to understand and help me however he can. I’ve never felt so relaxed and ready to tackle a new year–no matter what comes my way, I have a team of people who have my back. I’m lucky beyond lucky.
Wishing you all a beautiful new January with love and allies!
Starting weight: 210.2 lbs
Current weight: 196.8 lbs
Total loss: -13.4 lbs
I is for Ice Cream
