[Guest Post from Dr. Brian Grossman.]
I hope you're not thinking this will be the regular goal setting plan that you've been through time and time again!
This plan is been created through research and my personal experience. It also comes from feedback during patient interviews and in weight-loss groups for the past 7 years.
First a little bit about myself: I'm a psychologist, former lap band weight-loss patient, and had gastric sleeve surgery 6 months ago. Through the last 7 years, I have learned more than any research study can teach anybody. Through trial and tribulations I've learned what weight gain means, why and how it happens, and now believe the missing piece all along has been coping with the emotional issues related to weight- loss .
The holiday period has always been about food, family, food, sweets, friends, office parties, food, relationships, dating, marriage, kids, and of course, food. This all changes once you have Bariatric surgery. After Bariatric surgery though it’s about health, family, kids, friends, relationships and healthy food choices.
What is your mindset about the holiday season? Mindset is a huge component of success on the bariatric journey.
So many of us talk about “only one indulgent desert, or one cheat during the week.” But for many people, the idea of indulging or cheating during the holidays works for them and weight gain/health issues are not an issue. However, for others it isn’t that way. Did you know that Jan 2 is the highest level of gym memberships and home gym equipment purchases? Did you also know that 50% of all new health club members quit within the first six months of signing up according to the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association. By March new member attendance has diminished "considerably". Though I don’t have the statistics, I’m sure the home gym equipment for many has clothes laying across it or it’s gathering dust.
So, how do you handle the holidays on this bariatric journey?
The best way to make it through the holiday period without gain, dumping or generally being uncomfortable, is to write down goals. Goals that are written succeed!
Some of the goals or ideas you want to write out includ:
• What will you do for fun?
• What are your favorite recipes?
• What are your portions?
• How do you think, or how have you felt eating small portions and eating healthy while other are indulging?
Writing it out helps your subconscious prepare for making better choices.
When it comes to all of your favorite recipes, MOSt can be adapted to low sugar, low carb, TASTEY, DELICIOUS options. As long as you substitute, and stay on your portion plan, you can do this, have fun, celebrate and keep the weight off.
A sample goal plan looks like this:
· FUN: Spending time with the grand kids and teaching them to cook with grandpa!
· Picking the recipes for holiday events and adapting them or looking for alternatives.
· Favorites: Butternut squash soup, Chicken soup, Brisket, sweet potato casserole with cinnamon and pecan topping, egg salad for snaking, Cauliflower rice/broccoli mashed potatoes, assorted fruits for dessert.
· Teaching the family how to use the Instant Pot and Vitamix.
Again, my example may be boring, but writing it out helps me keep to the plan. Once you write out your plan, you will have a roadmap to follow through the holiday season.
If you are searching for more information and support for your bariatric journey, then check out our new Men’s Coaching Program. You can find more information here.