Holidays bring stress to most of us. Also trying to lose weight? More stress!

And what if stress is a major food trigger for you? Consider that stress quadrupled!

Often, after a period of successful weight loss, we develop expectations of how our holiday should go, or what we can accomplish during this frantic time. Those expectations can be unrealistic, given the pressures and demands of family, friends, celebrations, the social calendar, etc.

On one hand, it’s not productive to use the holidays as an excuse to abandon healthy goals and routines.

On the other hand, it is not loving to insist on miraculous focus and achievement either.

Consider adding one of the most important Catalyst Permanent Weight Loss Principles to your holiday picture:

Progress not perfection.

Successful permanent weight loss requires being present to ourselves. Conscious choices, deliberately made, based on needs not wants (desire).

The same way many successfully manage money.

Or work and career.

Try conscious living this holiday season. Be with yourself. Measure your progress every night.

Avoid thinking of how things could have been or what perfection might have looked like.

Instead, look at all the tiny nuances of change that are present: An excellent decision made under pressure. A quiet retreat allowing a few minutes for reflection. An hour of activity stolen from the madness.

It won’t be like your first or last holiday while losing weight; it’ll be unique. And being lovingly present will make it memorable.