Walking in a Sugar Wonderland

[RacerBill]

I have to confess at the outset that I am a horrible sugar addict. I've been trying to change my ways, but lately it has become nearly impossible! Everywhere there are Christmas cookies, candy, treats galore.

Monday was my department party, and I made some healthy stuff to bring, but we had a spread of all sorts of goodies and it was a party, so I indulged. Then I woke up Tuesday morning, and swore to myself I'd avoid sugar. One of my friends on the bus made banana nut muffins for everyone, so we had a little bus party. Okay, I woke up this morning and AGAIN said, "no sugar for me today." And someone on the bus made cookies for everyone. I took one and pocketed it, hoping I'd forget about it. Then I arrive at work and one of my coworkers left little Christmas packages of fudge on everyone's desk! AAAAAAGH!!!! Yes, I'm a spineless wimp. I ate the fudge.

I've mentioned to my friends and coworkers that I'm trying to avoid eating this kind of junk, but everyone's attitude seems to be "well, just have some now and we'll all be dieting on January 1."

Anyone have the same problem? Care to share any coping strategies? It's a long time until January 1.

[emartin10]

It's ridiculous this time of year, so you're not alone. My only advice would be to always have water in hand, and have a few sips when you think about eating. This will help fill you up. Keep some nuts on hand as well, and nibble on these to make sure you stay full.

Two other, kind of weird options. One, when you see fudge or cookies, find a private place and crank out 20 pushups. This should quell any sweet tooth craving you have. And, when you know you're going to be tempted, always be chewing gum. This keeps something in your mouth and you won't be as apt to inhale sugar.

Best of all, be tough. It's a hard time of year, but temptation will always be there. Keep at it, and coming from another sugar addict, I know it's freaking tough. Happy Holidays!

E

[Marykaa]

I tend to be very anti-social.. so I have no probleme with saying no..(it's more at home alone that I eat) but somethings that do help me at times..

-thinking about my brother who has a 44" waistline .. and that I want to keep mine as it is.
-brushing my teeth after a meal helps me end it and not take a bite of stuff later. Or saying to myself.. I can only eat when I can brush my teeth after.
-taking the candy and saying I'll eat it later..(being given something sure feels good) but then give it to someone else.. (feels good to give also)

[Ogedei]

Perhaps your goal is counter productive.

Saying you will not have any sugar today and then caving in quickly means, to me at least, that your goal is unrealistic.

Instead of making it no sweets, start by making it 1/2 the amount of sweets. This is a hard time of year to avoid everything.

As emartin mentioned, nuts. I just bought walnuts. I love walnuts and they are a treat at xmas, one that is way better for me than chocolates.

I would also say, if your going to have the junk have it on your terms. For me I know Christmas day and the week after have potential to be bad. So I have had 2 small chocolates out of the plethora of chocolates and candy that have rolled through here. I have avoided alcohol knowing that on xmas and new years I will not.

My co-worker was actually getting upset because I wouldn't have alcohol at a company dinner the other night. But THAT is another tale!

Ogedei.

[Marykaa]

I just thought of something else.. My main goal during this holiday season is not to gain any weight.. and yesterday I decided I'll take new fitness photos on January 1st.. not to post, but just for me.. but even then.. I know that it will encourage me to stay on track, since I won't be able to think "ahh well, I'll loose it in january and no one will know.

[castufari]

I don't care for sugary stuff but I like nonsugary items. I can eat nuts all day and I can't keep away from the eggnog (I just don't buy it).

When sweeties land on my desk I might have 1 item. Just one. Eat it with green tea or something and spend time eating it. One of my bosses baked me cookies (those mexican wedding ones) and the person across from me ate all of 'em in an hour (no wonder she's massive). I took one, made some tea and spent several minutes eating it. I really allowed myself to enjoy it.I took a nibble, then set it down. It took 15 minutes but right around then the stuff hit my body and I was sated.

Someone should ban that crap from our office. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Brian A.]

Oh man eggnog is so goood! It has to be Hood's though. Anyway, My name is Brian and I am a sugaroholic. I hear admiting it is the first step. My usual way of dealing with my sugar addiction is out of site out of mind. So you can probably guess that this is a bad time of year for me too. Sugar is friggin everywhere. For God sakes I can't even escape it at my gym, my coworkers bring in candy and baked goods. And they call themselves fitness professionals.

So I try to practice moderation, but more importantly I work on the preemptive calorie strike. I do heavy HIIT before parties where I know I'm going to inevetably give in to weakness. Also I try to my heaviest weight lifting workouts this time of year, as well as eating some extra protein with the sugar to make use of some of those calories. My nutrition will get back to normal in January and hopefully at least some of that extra weight will be muscle.