Hi,
Quick question… (apologies if this has been asked before – I’ve literally just joined and I haven’t fully mastered searching the forum – besides – I hope you’ll agree – it’s a topical question!)
Should I start my 8-week low-calorie diet now and navigate around holiday events like Christmas, or wait until the season is over to complete it without interruptions? I’m fully committed but concerned about staying on track after Christmas Day if I take a break. I’m not one to make excuses or be tempted by holiday treats, but family events like Christmas Day make it nearly impossible not to participate. Looking for advice from those who’ve done the 8 weeks and had to pause it for things like weddings and Xmas?
I’m sure it won’t make a huge difference – to not do it for a couple of days over the holidays – but psychologically speaking – how have others managed when this happened?

Welcome lifemaestro, I have never had Christmas Day as part of my 8 weeks by design, even my current Hundred days challenge finishes on Christmas Eve, but if you are fine with the idea I would say go for it! I have navigated funeral buffets and parties by selecting the lowest carb options, tapas or two starters instead of a main course can work well when eating out, and just leaving the bread and potato servings if not. Christmas lunch or dinner is quite easy to low carb / 800 if you avoid, or strictly limit most of the traditional accompaniments. I am on a longer than 8 weeks plan due to the amount I still need to lose, but mine is currently 5:2 until after Christmas. Caution is needed if you decide to stop totally controlling what you eat, i will be allowing myself three ‘joker’ days where I can go out and have a meal through December but if used I will be adding an extra fast day for each joker used after Christmas. I have found it difficult to get back the control afterwards, but then I am very much a carb addict, and find them pulling me back if I indulge in too many, until I have a fast to reset. Whatever you decide it is best to have a plan and stick to it, good luck!

Thank you for your thoughtful reply Mixnmatch!
Yeah -the timing for me totally sucks – I think it’s hobsons choice for me really. I don’t want to wait until after Xmas before I start – I’m obviously worried that Xmas might scupper me – but I’ll just have to keep my eye on the bigger picture. I was just curious to know how hard it is to keep going if you lose a day here or there to unavoidable food-centric events. Hard, but not impossible by the sounds of it.

Hello lifemaestro.

Yes hard but not impossible! You don’t say if you have diabetes or want to lose weight per se. If you have T2 then start now and do your very best to limit the damage over Christmas. As Mixnmatch says you can limit the damage by not having all the trimmings. Maybe one roast potato rather than a plate full. Plenty of green vegetables. A ‘taste’ of one of your favourite ‘goodies’ rather than all you can eat.

If on the other hand this is for weight loss then a day or two off will stop your progress but won’t affect your health.

Start today, tomorrow never comes? Good luck!

Hi there, you have just under 5 weeks to get used to the diet and possibly lose between 8 and 14 lbs depending on your start weight and how strict you follow the plan. If you can manage that you are already at a psychological advantage to manage with no treats or be selective because you will have great knowledge by then. Hopefully, if you can keep to a reasonable diet but allow some goodies you will be in a good frame of mind to continue after the celebrations. The real downfall would be if you say what the hell and blow it. You will feel pretty bad and struggle to get back on plan.

Have a plan, follow it as best you can and face the new year with a new determination.