Thirdly, next group is those who are already dieting... If you are going to try and keep losing during holidays...don't. You'll only be torturing yourself watching everyone else enjoy themselves. If you are doing particularly well just take a break and maintain during holidays. Don't go over your body maintenance level everyday and you should be fine. You'll be able to eat more but at same time you won't be eating too much in order to gain back what you've worked so hard to take off.

These same general principles also apply to those who haven't started a program yet. It might be a good idea to wait, especially at beginning of a diet because you'll need greater will power. But do not make your situation worse. You can then get your revenge after holidays!

In summary, just keep a clear head and you will see everything in perspective. Write your goals down, make a plan, draw charts in order to 'see' that it won't be that bad...whatever it takes. Then you will be able to enjoy holidays...guilt free!

You have to realize that it is a lot easier to lose weight at first than it is later. When someone starts a diet (assuming it's a good approach) pounds will usually melt off and then will slow down as they get closer to their goals. If you are 30 pounds overweight for example it doesn't take much change in order to lose weight faster because you have a higher number of calories to drop and you probably aren't used to physical activity at levels you would be undertaking. As you near your goal this changes. It's like picking up leaves. When you first start you can grab handfuls and put them in bag but as pile decreases it takes more effort to meticulously pick up remains and put them in. Trust me, I know!

My suggestion would be to take a week off and to do things you enjoy. Eat normal and maintain your weight. Recharge your batteries and remember to be patient! When you are at this level remaining weight will come off but slower, remember leaves :) Don't take it for failure, give it time to work! Write things down, you could be eating more or exercising less than you think! Keep doing what has worked in past and cater your plan a little more to suit your newer needs. For example, cut carbs at night or add an extra 15 minutes of cardio daily. Do research, possibilities are endless. You can only move ahead from here!

"Take it all way!"