Monday, May 22, 2017

Getting A Cyber Health Coach Again

Last fall I started, yes, let's say that, a weight and health program that was part of my health benefits through work. I received a digital scale that tracks my weight directly to an account set up on line. My plan started just a few weeks before Halloween as the days were starting to get very short. What follows Halloween is Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and then the cold dead of Minnesota winter, holiday after holiday of tempting treats and cold weather comfort foods. I was not successful using the tools provided. That's another fib. I wasn't successful because I plain didn't use them. Fortunately, there is no time limit on when you can take advantage of the plan and start fresh with new goals. Sunday morning I started over and gave myself a new 16 week, ambitious, but I think realistic target. I do need to state, I reviewed my overall weight loss goal, and desired timeline with my doctor. She is fully on board with the pace of my target provided I get the basic required nutrients and don't succumb to any fads or long term fasting. 

I could pretend I followed along on all the lessons each week in the 16 week Foundations section, and jump straight to the Focus part of the system. I only would be cheating on myself, so am starting from day 1, week one, lesson one, Getting Started. The four phases are 1) Eating Healthier, 2) Increase Activity, 3) Overcome Challenges, and finally 4) Strengthen Habits.  I have to admit, the cyber scale is still a little intimidating. When I look at the chart and see the daily up and down, it is almost distracting. Daily weigh in is emphasized as a critical component to weight loss, but the jiggity line is sort of jarring. I'd like to see a much more down leaning line. 

I'm also skimming the web for ideas to combat trigger areas for over eating or couch surfing. I like a good rainy day  to give me an excuse to hold up inside and tackle some projects that I put off when the weather is nice. However, multiple days of rain, or entire week of rain like we've had since last Tuesday makes me long for comfort foods and extra trips to the kitchen or my snack drawer. Light, particularly sunlight, is a natural deterrent for me from mindless eating. Eating at my desk or in front of my computer doesn't necessarily make me want to eat more, but it does take away from the natural satisfaction, which then might make me feel deprived. Deprivation feeling is when my resolve takes a nosedive and I cave into the food craving of the moment. I also have to get over being tired in the morning, and tired after work-no excuses for not getting a minimal walk in and some daily exercise. Hopefully, I'll use my computer as a help this time, and not let it be part of the problem.Wish me luck on jump starting my cyber tools again.

9 comments:

  1. It's great that you have a program like that through work! I too would be distracted by the daily weigh in and that rollercoaster of a line since weight can fluctuate so much day to day. Good for you for starting right at the beginning even though it was tempting to just plow through...I think you are setting yourself up for much more success in the long run. =)

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    1. I think I saw the purpose this morning after weighing in higher than Friday. Those fluctuations help me rethink day before and I over ate last night plus no exercise. It showed. More motivation today.

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    2. I can see that thinking for sure! I'm glad you find a way to make it work for you! =)

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  2. Very interesting! It sounds like a great program. I know all of the right things to do, but still struggle with a few triggers. General stress & overall boredom are what typically trigger me to snack to either "relax" or "entertain myself." I always regret it. Also, since I've turned 40, I swear that my metabolism has gone down by 400 calories or so a day. It's a real struggle to keep my calories in check.

    Good luck! Can't wait to hear about your progress.

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    1. I had a bad night and the scale taught me a lesson.I think
      I need this type of disciplined approach. I hear you about metabolism-even slower at 51.

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  3. Sam have you read recent research on fasting which as you know I've mentioned before is my go to life saver and keeps my weight within reasonable limits but it also had so many more benefits like lowering BP and cholesterol and extending lifespan etc most doctors have a fit if you mention fasting though oh don't do that it's not healthy blah blah. I love it makes me feel great lol. Also I'm not sure daily weigh in is healthy for the soul however whatever works for you is the key and it's always motivational to start a new healthy life plan.

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    1. I'm not sure what will work for me. Fasting for more than a day is problematic for me as my blood pressure actually gets too low. (plus I get really cranky.)

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  4. Daily weigh in seems to be the new thing doesn't it. My friend is doing the Dukan diet (very successfully - down about 50 pounds) and they do daily weigh in. I would find that so discouraging. The other week I was down 10 lbs and the next day back up 5 (I think hormonal/fluid retention). Menopause doesn't help of course either. I just discovered Dr. Becky Gillaspy on youtube and she seems to make a lot of sense. I'm getting tired of lugging this weight round too - I was always so skinny! Sigh! Anna

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