I've tried to get healthier by mentally avoiding the term diet. Diet implies a short term change for weight loss, but in most cases, long term results prove minimal, or worse. My problem though is that not referring to better and more planful eating as a diet has given me too much freedom to eat treats whenever I fell like it, essentially deceiving myself that I am making good choices most of the time. The fact is, I don't make good choices most of the time-the opposite is true. Occasionally, in fits and starts, I'll do a good job avoiding sugar or cutting back on high fat foods. I just weighed myself and I am a mere two pounds less than my peak weight two January's ago when I then said, enough is enough. I blogged about my progress and had meaningful success losing I think close to 25 pounds. Then the slipping began.
I owe it to myself to get back to that mindset. I just read something that diet, regardless of smoking habits, is the number one cause of heart disease. I've probably tried a grand total of five puffs of a cigarette, two in middle school on a dares, and perhaps three in college trying to create a rebellious image (JK) in my life. But show me a bag of potato chips and suddenly I'm like a chain smoker plowing through a carton of Marlboro. I'm also finding as I get older, where the weight sits is different even than two years ago. I'm probably fatter than I was two years ago, less muscle weight. Along with diet, a conscious effort to improve my strength, reduce the flabbiness, while replacing with muscle weigh is needed. I put on a pair of pajamas that two years ago were roomy and they visibly pulled at the buttons, despite weighing the same. Not good for my self esteem.
While I might not come close to meeting a goal, for me, one is needed. I have three date targets in mind to aim for, one, my daughter's graduation in seven weeks, moving her to college in 18, and my class reunion in 22. Yes, I am using a class reunion as a marker for weight loss. I'll check in on my progress, changes in weight on a weekly basis and activity level.
June 7: 10 pounds
August 23: 24 pounds
September 20: 27 pounds
This is slow and steady, just slightly over one pound a week I'm due for a regular check-up, so I will get my vitals done, and hopefully the slight elevation in blood pressure I had at the last check-up will be resolved. While just like a financial norm, I need a healthy eating and activity norm, a jump start is my best bet based on my history. I hate that I have yoyo'd weight the last few years. Whining about it though while not doing anything to hold myself accountable won't solve it. I hope you stay with me on this latest plan and cheer me on along the way.
My pal Sluggy over at Don't ReadThis, It'sBoring is running two contests. If you have not been a reader of her, jump over and learn how she maximizes her families previous income, and now retirement funds for optimal living. We all can be the benefactors as she loves to make goodie boxes! I can get another entry if you comment that you learned of the contest from me. If you are the winner, it contains lovely chocolate. IF I am a winner I'll be going for the great hair care and other personal care products-need to keep that chocolate far and farther from me! good luck to us both!
Contest Time
My pal Sluggy over at Don't ReadThis, It'sBoring is running two contests. If you have not been a reader of her, jump over and learn how she maximizes her families previous income, and now retirement funds for optimal living. We all can be the benefactors as she loves to make goodie boxes! I can get another entry if you comment that you learned of the contest from me. If you are the winner, it contains lovely chocolate. IF I am a winner I'll be going for the great hair care and other personal care products-need to keep that chocolate far and farther from me! good luck to us both!
This is a battle I'm too familiar with myself. You've got this! I have been on a pretty good motivational cycle, although our weekend in Napa means that I've likely gained at least a pound bag. I did work out, but that's nothing compared to plenty of indulgences. It's Monday, and time to get back into the swing of it!
ReplyDeleteYou deserved to be off the scale for your weekend. No doubt it will come off again with your busy schedule.
DeleteGood Luck with it SAM. I said to my Slimming World group a few weeks ago, that if I could lose the weight for them I would, just so that they could feel how amazing it is. I'm a new person, physically and mentally because of my weight loss, and my health is better than it has been for tens of years. That alone is priceless.
ReplyDeleteI want and need to feel healthier-mentally and physically. I need to read notes form people who have had success so thank you for sharing!
DeleteBut, but, but I loves to eat, I eats a lot and I loves me junk food. Good luck I am right there with you.
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't for sugar and chips, I'd do just fine!
DeleteOh I could have written this. I gained back all the weight I lost last year at this time, and then some. Also I'm so much flabbier. Yuck. I need to exercise. I fool myself into thinking that my job gives me plenty of exercise, but it's not true. All I have to do is look at my co-workers. They are all heavy and in terrible shape. I need to get serious about eating right. Good luck with your goals, I think a class reunion is a great motivator!
ReplyDeleteThe yo yo ing is so hard on the body I think. Pounds just sit there. Let's motivate each other.
Deleteditto here. I'm struggling to lose the five pounds I gained when I started my diet. I need to be slender (in my mind) for the cruise. So 20 pounds HAVE to go. We'll see... We're out of lettuce today, so who knows what I'll chow down on for lunch.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to start with veggies, then add around that, but so many temptations and the exercise needs to kick up.
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