It's certainly easy for weight-loss warriors to feel under siege during the holidays. Losing discipline instead of pounds is tempting when faced with pumpkin pie smothered with whipped cream on Thanksgiving Day. And later, when Christmas sugar cookies, big meals, parties and snacks are offered, extra pounds can turn waistlines into wastelands.During the holidays and year-round, many health-conscious eaters find support in TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) the original nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization. Last year alone, TOPS members' total weight loss equaled close to one million pounds or 476 tons.   Doris Hyers of Youngsville joined TOPS in February of 2007 and has lost 21 3/4 pounds to reach her goal weight. She says, " Before I joined TOPS, I found it very difficult to lose the weight I wanted to lose. It was an up and down situation. But after meeting everyone in our chapter, I found out we were all there for the same reason.......to learn how to eat healthy and stay healthy by losing that extra poundage that we put on during the years.  The encouragement we get from each other is astounding. We are each other's mentors. I have made so many friends since I joined TOPS and I hope to meet many more as I maintain my goal weight in TOPS."

Hyers advises weight-loss warriors to keep up their guard during the holidays by following an eating strategy.

She says, "Don't deprive yourself, because then it's hard to stay in control. If you're going to a party, take a little plate of something that you normally don't eat, but just take a sliver of it -- a taste. Then, move away from the food table and find someone to talk to, because otherwise you'll go back to the table. Remember, you are doing this for you."

Recently, Barb Cady, president of TOPS, visited the international headquarters of TOPS in Milwaukee for the organization's 60th anniversary celebration.

Looking ahead at the holiday food marathon, Cady suggests these tips: "For Thanksgiving, go to the cupboard and get out the 9-inch plate instead of the 12-inch dinner plate and just use that one plate. For Christmas, whatever you bake, give it away. Have the satisfaction of baking, and then turn it into gifts. For New Year's, choose to be the designated driver and don't drink empty calories from alcohol. Have a glass of water with lemon slices instead of an alcoholic drink."

She adds, "Overall, plan to enjoy one favorite food that you truly identify with the season and enjoy it without guilt; relish it. Food is a part of the pleasure of life. Our TOPS philosophy is that you can eat everything, in moderation, making healthy choices and exercising."

For information about a TOPS(Take Off Pounds Sensibly) chapter in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston,  Person, Vance, Warren, and Wake Counties (and Chapel Hill), please contact Laura Wickwar at 919-870-0479. Or visit www.tops.org TOPS annual membership is $24.00 and is open to anyone 7-99+ years old, men & women. Come see if TOPS will help you reach your weight loss goals.  First meeting is FREE.

Related Links

1. http://www.tops.org