"Put the fork down and back away from the cake!" Words that played in my mind as I got halfway through a piece of birthday cake I was eating. However, it certainly was a delicious cake and I am not one to say no to sweets.
So, if you're wondering why I haven't written much on this topic of late, it's because there hasn't been much to write. I have been -ahem- derailed. It started innocently enough. I got through Halloween -- no problem. But Thanksgiving began the downhill slide...it continued through Christmas and finally, up through family birthdays in February and March. However, today I lift my glass of water proudly and say, I am back on track!
I have, however, learned a lot from this particular setback. First of all, I cannot ever go back to eating anything close to how I used to eat. In other words, this program is for life. I cannot have birthday cake and expect to keep off my weight. Nor can I go to happy hour every Friday evening or if I do, it's for a Diet Coke. You see, losing weight and eating unhealthy, fatty foods are diametrically opposed. I kept thinking, I need to make this program work for me. It does...but it's not just following it for 3 months and slowing down but following it for life by developing good, solid health habits! (I write as I sheepishly look down).
I also learned, no one is harder on ourselves than us. I may have gained 10 lbs but no one knows it but me. Not one person can tell. I can because my clothes are tight and that is a BAD feeling. I also learned a lot about commitment and motivation. I continue to be committed but my motivation waned for awhile. Yesterday, I read up on motivation. In order to be successful on a weight loss program, you need to focus on the outcome not the problem. If you focus on the problem, once it becomes a little more manageable (ie: some weight lost) you will instantly shift gears, think the problem is solved, and regain weight. Also, emotional eaters (you're looking at one) have a harder time of keeping weight off than others.
I also began to overthink...is this the right eating plan for me? Is it healthy? Maybe Weight Watchers is better? What about Jenny Craig? Oh, I'll just follow my own plan! So what happens as a result of my overthinking? It gets me into trouble every single time! And so, four days ago, I went back on my weight loss program. It's Take Shape for Life. Low calorie but dense foods. It don't know what it does exactly but after 5 days, you no longer crave sugar. I have promised myself that another 20 pounds and I will become a health coach. Talk about accountability!
Although Oola teaches positive self-talk, I really need to practice my "scripts" more. When faced with real temptation (physically tired, hungry and emotionally spent), I need to just say two words, "no thanks!" In the past, saying one word, "Sure!" was always easier but not getting me where I need to be.
And so, this is day 4. Day 5 begins the fat burning process. So far, I have lost 5 1/2 pounds of my holiday detour. No doubt, significant water weight -- especially since I am drinking more of it! I have looked at the BMI scale and I need to lose more weight than I thought to be "normal". The number no longer scares me. It is just a number. As I continue this journey, I will be looking at not only the scale but the non-scale victories -- smaller sizes, compliments, loss of inches and a vacation at the beach in July to which I will buy a fabulous swimsuit in which to showcase my new figure.
So as I move forward (and for those who have struggled like myself) I ask you to join me. I am definitely out of my comfort zone but then again, no one reaches their goals being comfortable...that's why they're goals. We may have to stretch to reach them but they are not out of our reach. So, these words are not just for you but for me too...hang in there, eat right and know that "no thanks" are the two most fabulous words in the English language!
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