The Downside of December

I recently read a new post by Mel over at Tall Mom on the Run. It was a very honest and hard look at weight and weight loss. It was so refreshing to read something that I myself have always struggled with, but at the end didn't offer to sell me anything or promise a quick-fix. Her post was about the roller coaster ride of weight loss. How there are ups and downs and no sooner you think you got this weight thing under control, it completely crumbles, much like the cookies you shoved in your mouth.

Usually this time of year brings me to thoughts of baking and eating all the wonderful delights of the holidays. It also reminds me how frustrated I feel when my clothes don't fit on Christmas morning. I try hard to keep a steady routine of somewhat healthy food and regular exercise. Running has helped me forget about the calorie counting and just enjoy being healthy. I've fallen off the running habit since June and have struggled to get motivated ever since. Combine that with the extra Halloween candy and birthday cake around here, and it's just a recipe for disaster.

Last year at this time I was determined to not feel the crappy, over stuffed, bloated feeling at Christmas and vowed to exercise everyday of December for 30 mins a day. And I did! Including Christmas day. In the end, I tweaked a hamstring and am still dealing with that issue today...a year later! Lesson learned.

Although I'm not in the commitment mood of late, I have made a conscious effort to scale back on the treats over the next month. That is, I will view baked goods, cookies, pies and cakes for what they are...treats. As opposed to how I normally view them...as vitamins. Taken twice a day with tea.

My daily fix

 
As well, I hope to step up the exercise. If anything, it just might make me feel better when the stress of the holidays really takes flight (in about a week from now).

I don't think December is the perfect time to start a challenging weight loss program. I do think it's a great time to think about the accomplishments over the past year and think about the great things to come in the new year.

I don't want to drown all my hard work throughout 2011 in mugs full of mint hot chocolate.
I do want to start 2012 on the right foot, preferably wearing running shoes and heading out the front door.