One year, my DH and I were both disgusted with our post holiday bodies. In the New Year, we took markers and outlined all the areas the other person needed to work on. It was harsh but effective.

I'm hoping I haven't gained weight bc my jeans still fit but I feel like someone will need to roll me to the airport after all these holiday parties.

December is just the month of spanx. I've got a jelly belly I'm trying to keep in.

Thanks, I think that's the kind of Christmas I'm headed for, definitely not going to like the photos.

Anonymous wrote:Also, I hadn't fully realized how bad it had gotten-- the dressing room mirrors weren't kind. I looked like the great white whale and the rear view had changed more than I thought it had. On the bright side, no stretch marks and my legs look the same.

I'm eating peppermint bark to feel better. I get everyone's comments but I don't think it's realistic to buckle down/reign it in at this time of year.

I lost 30 pounds doing Weight Watchers and have kept it off for a year. The real key is that it changes how you eat, no matter the time of year. I do still have treats occasionally but you have to relearn how to eat. I actually think this is a great time of year to start because even if you do not stick to your points, you will truly know what you are putting in your body.

Also, I just wanted you to know that I started WW because of pictures from Christmas. I had not realized it was that bad and I immediately got to work.

Thanks, this is all good advice!

OP it's clear you love food, I'm a big fan myself, but maybe you can try taking a bite or two of something really indulgent, enjoying it fully, and then moving on. Because your desire for food isn't gonna just change on January 1- you have to develop new habits around this.

In the meantime, spanx and wrap dresses ftw.

I'm eating peppermint bark to feel better. I get everyone's comments but I don't think it's realistic to buckle down/reign it in at this time of year.

If I were a betting woman, I'd say OP better embrace her new body.

Also, I hadn't fully realized how bad it had gotten-- the dressing room mirrors weren't kind. I looked like the great white whale and the rear view had changed more than I thought it had. On the bright side, no stretch marks and my legs look the same.

I'm eating peppermint bark to feel better. I get everyone's comments but I don't think it's realistic to buckle down/reign it in at this time of year.

OP back: took a little break to try on a few dresses. I'm definitely going to need a new bra because I was quadboobing badly in everything. I appreciate all your suggestions.

Tried on:

-ruched red dress-- could see my belly button outline and love handles through the jersey and it really emphasized my stomach. Besides the color really increased the santa claus look.

-Black wrap dress- ok, but am pretty blond and it washed me out.

-navy wrap dress- was slimming and a better color, the winner. I'll wear it to the holiday party tomorrow.

I think OP is overestimating how easy it will be to lose the weight. I gained 15 pounds last winter (lots of stress) and am just losing the last of it now. I wish I could go tell my December 2013 self with her cute double chin to put the fork and wine glass down.

OP I recommend cutting back on carbs and booze in the new year and ramping up your workouts (sprinting is great). I do think this all gets harder as we get older-- I could lose ten pounds in a month in my early 20s, no problem. Also go buy new clothes so you can feel better about yourself while it's coming off. Also just tell people you overdid the holidays and stop worrying about hiding it.

Come on, people, it's a tough time of year. I put on my holiday dress from last year and was feeling pretty good till I realized the seams basically outlined and highlighted a little extra holiday cheese and cocktails.

Op, I get that you don't want to hear it, but you've making your life a lot harder by waiting till 2015 to start cutting back.

Oops by months above, I mean weeks. Thankfully.

That's the scary part. So much harder to lose the weight than to gain it. For me losing 2 lb/week is a good pace.

I guess I've gained about 2.2 pounds a week for the past ten months so if I can just reverse that I should be back to normal by March (then hopefully gain it all again in a healthy pregnancy, my poor body/wardrobe).