So I’m just going to cut right to the chase. Last night, I weighed in after one week following the new PointsPlus system on Weight Watchers (you can see my impressions of the new program here and here), and I was so happy to see that I lost 5.6 pounds in the first week! The best part is, I didn’t change my eating very much from my normal habits, I just was more conscious about eating fruits and vegetables, drinking my water, and measuring out portions rather than eyeing them. In the last week, I had THREE Christmas parties, and I still managed to lose a good amount. I’m so happy. 🙂 Onwards… exactly 16 to go!
Last night I had a get together with three of my best girlfriends in DC, which is what I made the quinoa salad for. We had quite the spread but I only managed to snap a few photos.
Cheese (montery jack and cheddar) and crackers.
Plus homemade bruschetta.
We also had hummus and pita chips and a spinach artichoke dip for appetizers but those came out later. I think one of the biggest changes I’ve made with holiday gatherings is trying to focus more on the company and less on the food (which isn’t easy for me!). I tried to position myself away from the cheese because thats my downfall and I will just keep eating it until its gone, which worked really well. I had 3-4 pieces of the bruschetta, and some of each of the other apps.
For the main course, we had veggie lasagna and the quinoa salad (good combo, right?) and I had a small serving of each. I also had a few glasses of wine, and had an awesome time hanging out with my friends who I hadn’t seen in a while.
Lianne, Rachel, Jess, and Me.
I left feeling good, but not stuffed, and had a really nice time. I even tracked everything to the best of my knowledge when I got home (which was 40 points even though I was conscious of it!!) and was in bed before 12.
What are your best strategies for navigating holiday parties and not overdoing it? Recently, I’ve been trying to focus more on the company and less on the food, which is easier said than done. I also try to strategically sit myself away from the food so I can’t just mindlessly grab it. Also, I try to let myself have 2-3 of the things I really want, rather than try to only eat vegetables because I think I should, because I know I’ll crack if I don’t have what I really want!
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Beth's Journey 
That’s pretty impressive. I might try this new WW idea, or at least the fruit part. I’m just one of those people that is against paying money for weight loss programs. 😛
Measuring though……….such as hassle!! 🙂 I guess I could keep a 1Cup and a 1/2 Cup out for measuring to keep it handy.
Yeah measuring is not my favorite thing to do, but it works. I don’t really measure veggies or fruit, but I try to measure grains, other carbs, oil, and dairy just because eyeing it tends to inflate portions A LOT. I only have a few measuring cups and a food scale, but I find it makes a pretty huge difference.
Congrats to you. It’s amazing what one can do if you set your mind to it. If only we try. Happy holidays.
Thanks! And happy holidays to you!
Awesome job!!!! That’s great you lost all that weight just in 1 week and were still able to eat basically the same. Keep up the good work! I think your idea for concentrating on the company and less on the food is definitely a good plan!
It’s a good plan for sure but its tough to do! Thats why I have other strategies to go with it. 🙂
ww..CONGRATS! You can do this! 🙂
Thanks Katie! 😀
Wow, Good job and keep it up.
I think I may have to check out the new program at the new year. There will probably be some special going on. 🙂
That is an amazing loss! Way to go girl!
I don’t really have a strategy for holiday parties. Mostly because I often fall victim to them. But I do know that I just have to stand or plant myself elsewhere than the dessert/snacks table. My aunt has gotten smart about this by making it a little walk away from the “visiting” area. Whew!
Congrats on the lb loss! Yea!
Hi Beth! Great job tracking what you ate. That is my downfall at parties is the mindless eating, I can talk and stuff my face and not even realized how much I have consumed. Your trick of eating 2-3 things you really want is what I have been doing lately as well. I eyeball all of the selection before getting anything and I make a deal with myself. I can have what looks best to me so I don’t feel deprived, and then only healthy choices the rest of the night. So far so good (crossing fingers 🙂
Congrats on the weight loss! There are a lot of things that I would do while on WW that I don’t do now.. measuring is def one of them!
I saw that on facebook! Great job!!
Congrats on that number! You and your friends all look gorgeous
Awesome results! I’m seriously considering getting back on the online WW plan to get ready for the wedding…but I’m freaked out to step on the scale and face the music.
That is so awesome! That should definitely keep you motivated through the remainder of the holidays. Seeing results makes it easier!
Yeah seeing progress definitely makes me want to stay on the same path!
Congrats on your success! You must be so proud of yourself.
Way to go on 5.6 lbs! What a great first week!
Thanks! So excited! 🙂
Congrats on the weight loss, girl!
I bet you’re really excited!
Btw – you look awesome! Glow-y, happy…
Like you were really having fun 🙂
Congratulations! Isn’t it funny how just a little tweaking can make such a big difference?
Holy moly – those are some speedy results!!!
Since I’ve had to go gluten free I’ve gotten pretty good at focusing on the company and not the food. I usually bring a dish I can eat and just eat a bit of that and have a drink. Sometimes in restaurants I just order a drink and eat at home before hand. It can be tough but you get used to it over time.
Sometimes I just hang on to a glass of water to try to keep me from wandering. I was at a party last weekend where people kept offering me wine – and I felt like I had to apologize for not taking it! I had just gotten out of a three hour car ride where I drank coffee the entire way, so I wanted to just sit and relax – not drink more fluids! I think sometimes people are just a bad influence, so having something helps!
Or – come prepared with board games. That will distract everyone!
Congrats! 5.6 lbs. is amazing!!
THAT IS AWESOME! What a wonderful first week, way to get after it!
I have been trying to follow the advice that you posted at Thanksgiving and are now discussing again regarding the shift in focus to company instead of food. It has been helping me a lot!
Hey beautiful! I’ve missed your posts, they’re so fun and I loooove hearing about your amazing weight-loss journey (shoot 5.6 pounds!) it’s uplifting and inspirational.
My only problem with the unlimited supply of homemade cookies, boxed chocolates, and carmelized popcorn that has been living in my work’s lunch room: while avoiding it, I eat waaaay too much fruit, and my insides pay for it later! haha, but hey, at least I don’t have 4 pounds of chocolate in my gut 🙂 right?