Post-Holiday Detox

I have a tendency to start my holiday over-eating (and drinking!) around October. So, by the time Christmas rolls around I've put on more than enough of my winter weight and I've also gotten to the point where I really feel the need to cut back and start fresh.

If you know me, you are probably well aware of how much I love Mireille Guiliano's book, French Women Don't Get Fat. If you don't know me, you will find out just how much I love her and her books. After my daughter was born, I went to buy a pair of jeans and had to buy the biggest I have ever had to buy in my life ... and they were still a little too snug. I decided it was time to really do something.

I had read FWDGF a few years prior and had some success but had not yet quite figured out how to adapt my lifestyle for lasting success. I knew it was zee best though, so I decided to start fresh. If you want to know what I did, read the book. It is very different from the way we look at weight loss, and life and food, in America, but it has changed my life altogether. All in all, I have lost 130 lbs and maintained this weight (give or take a couple of pounds) for the last 3 years. To do this, I follow her advice about compensations and occasional detox rituals.

I'm at that point now again where I needed to reset. I did my 36 hour leek soup ritual, increased my simple fish and steamed veggie routine, started eating her Magical Breakfast Cream again, and am feeling much better. I don't know what my weight is right now, but as I learned from her, I pay attention to how I feel and how my clothes fit. Even though my weight fluctuates quite a bit at times, I will not buy the next size bigger. It's a mental trick I use to keep myself within range and it works. When I feel like I'm about to burst I kick in and recalibrate.

So what am I eating now? A pretty normal diet, but I have cut out a few of my "offenders": beer, cookies, chips, and, sadly, scotch. I won't go without them entirely, but for 5 or so days, I think I can stand to go without.

I've picked up my favorite herbal teas -- Tazo Zen, Refresh, and Wild Sweet Orange (which I drink with just a little honey). Lunch just now was a little leek soup, steamed tilapia with lemon and olive oil, steamed red potatoes with the same lemon and olive oil mixture, steamed broccoli, leek salad, and half a banana. Boring? No. It was delicious, but the flavors are delicate so I had to eat slowly to pick them up. Now, I am enjoying a little Tazo Zen and studying for my insurance licensing.

It really doesn't take much to take care of yourself. A little extra effort in terms of planning and adapting can make such a difference in how we feel. I know I need to remind myself of this often.