I joined WW about 5 years ago to mixed results. I lost weight but didn't make any lifestyle changes, merely tried fitting WW into my existing lifestyle. If my lifestyle worked, I wouldn't have needed WW. I lost about 13lbs but fell off the wagon and gained it all plus more back.
Skip ahead to 2011. I weigh the most I have ever weighed. I'm usually a really busy person. I work what feels like 7 part-time jobs to make a full-time paycheck. Working out and planning meals was not a priority. Sleep and preparedness for work was. This summer, all this has changed. I have a more open schedule than I have ever had. (As my mom puts it, I work my ass off 9 months of the year, so I can "relax" the other three.) As it is, I usually work through the summers but this time, I've consciously decided to take it easier. This brings me to May. I made a goal to lose 5lbs/month hoping to set up great habits now and carry them through into the fall and beyond. Then I saw my sister who joined WW in March and has lost 16lbs. (So proud! So inspirational!) I remembered what I liked about WW and what didn't work for me. (Meetings) I was at the gym and saw 3 commercials for WW online and decided to check it out. Two weeks later, I'm down 3lbs, met my goal for my first month, and feel great. Well, mostly great.
I feel more motivated and ready to make the necessary changes to my eating habits. I enjoy working out (most of the time) and am cooking for myself more than I ever have. I portion, I track everything, I work out... but I have to be honest. I am impatient. Since May 1st I've lost 5lbs. (3 officially on WW) I'm really happy about that but I don't feel or see a difference. Intellectually I know this takes time before I can feel and see the differences and I just have to keep on keeping on and enjoying the journey. But intellectually I know it's not right to eat everything on my plate and go to restaurants 4-6 times a week. Obviously my intellect is not the most persuasive.
I think the biggest change besides the better schedule to make this happen is I'm being more honest and building a small support system. Before I did WW nearly in secret. I was embarrassed about admitting I was overweight; as if that would alert people to something they didn't already see. This time, I'm telling anyone who asks, and I'm staying in touch with my sister (who lives across the country from me.) and we cheer each other on. It's helpful because it holds me more accountable for my actions and I know I'm going to get the encouragement I need to keep going.
On a message board last week someone posted (paraphrasing) "I did not get fat by being honest, I will not lose by lying." I love the idea behind that because it's so true. I lied to myself daily that when I stood a certain way the clothes looked fine, or going up one size wasn't a huge deal so long as I looked good doing it, or when I die, I want to be full, or saying I'm in shape, round is a shape! No more! I must move forward, change these images I hold of myself, see the goal and go for it. I've accomplished a LOT in my life so far, and all because I wanted to, put the work in, and smiled the whole time doing it. Weight loss can be the same. No, weight loss WILL be the same.
So here I go on what should hopefully be the most exciting and rewarding journey of my life! Who's coming with me?
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