It's the beginning of the New Year which means a lot of people are making resolutions to lose weight (raises hand). Let me first say that a high percentage of resolutions never get accomplished. The reason being is most people don't set a goal much less an attainable goal.So, sit down and decide how much you want to lose and by when, think short term. Remember to be reasonable. You can map out your goals for the entire year or set a new one when you reach your first one and so on and so forth. Also think about how you plan to track your weight loss.
Next figure out just how you plan to attain your goal. You can't get where you're going if you don't know how to get there. Again think baby steps. Lower your sugar intake, walk 30 minutes a day, drink more water, eat more veggies all of these are small things you can implement a little at a time.
Last but certainly not least think about why you want to reach your goal. I mean really think it through, dig deep. Weight loss can be about so many things from physical to emotional. Sure there are a whole lot of benefits to being at a healthy weight, but that's not personal enough. You need to know why you want to get there, what you see coming from your weight loss.
Once you know write all of this down and keep it where you can see it. This last one will come in handy three months down the road when you're ready to give up. It's then that you'll need to sit down and read your words, your desires for reaching your goal!
I hope this has helped you get one step closer to reaching your weight loss goals (or any goals) for 2010. I'm sorry that I can't map it all out for you or give you the answers. Believe me, if I could I would. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this subject in the comment section.
After a specialist lectured me about my weight to the point of shame and tears, I left the office and decided at that minute to lose weight. He told how the hormones produced by fat could kill me.
ReplyDeleteI decided at that minute no waiting, no special diet. Start now. I bought a spiral notebook between about 5 x 6" and started writing down everything I was eating and how many calories were in it. Just google what you are eating to get the calories. Weigh and measure food to start with to know how many calories. Tell your family what you are doing and tell them you expect their support.
When I had to look at the calories I was actually eating instead of what I thought I was really consuming, I was appalled. I changed what I ate. I cut out cookies, cake, and candy. I told myself everytime I saw anything that wasn't good for me. I never bought a single treat for myself in the store. Everytime I was tempted I told myself over and over how bad that "stuff" was for me. I bought a few treats for my family that I didn't like. I dislike peanut butter in cookies or candy, so at special times I bought peanut butter cookies or candy since I won't touch the stuff. Find something that won't tempt you. Don't bring anything in the house that will tempt you, even if it is a good buy.
I started walking, only 15 minutes to start. Every step I walked I told myself that I was worth it, that I deserved this for myself that my family could do without me for fifteen minutes and that I owed this fifteen minutes to myself.
11 months later with a food journal, eating about 800 to 1,000 calories a day, I have lost 80 pounds. I feel totally different. People treat me differently. I was so ashamed of my weight. I never thought I could do it. I didn't joint a group or embrace a diet plan.
After I started this diet, I read in several different places that it didn't really matter if it was "low carbs" or "low fat," what really matter was the number of calories consumed. I quickly found that I could eat a huge salad and not be hungry, or have nine crackers and be hungry. By sticking to my calories, I had to chose better food to not be hungry. I eat a lot of salad, vegetables, lean meats, whole grain cereals and breads. It wasn't such a bad transition since we at pretty healty meals, but when I calories counted meals, I cut out anything that want over about 300 calories a serving. Your family doesn't ned it any more than you do. That does not include salad, veggies, or a fruit at meal time.
I know that most people would think that those are low calories, but I don't lose weight above that calorie line.
I also weigh everyday in the morning before anything else. Forget the idea that you shouldn't weigh. If you weigh, you are accountable. If you know what causes you to gain or lose, you change.
I've never weighed before in my life. I've been very disciplined because I did it to feel better. I feel better.
The week of Christmas was very hard for me. I made it through the whole year without too many diet trials, but I found myself reverting to old bad eating habits egged on by my children demanding "what we always have."
I also neglected my food journal. When I don't know what I'm eating, I overeat. When I sit at the cupboard and eat out of the cracker box instead of counting the crackers and putting them on a plate, I overeat. When I graze at the refrigerator, instead of putting lunch on a plate, I overeat.
This has been such a life changing event for me that I want everyone to have this gift. I never, ever thought I could do this. I wonder if I can keep doing it, but I started journaling about fifteen minutes ago. I love these blogs. I've saved a lot.
I want to give back. Hope this might help just one person.
Anon,
ReplyDeleteGood for you! What a truly awesome accomplishment but most importantly you made a lifestyle change. You know what you need to do to see and keep those results and are sticking to it.
I agree totally with the food journal, I have been keeping track with an online journal. To my amazement I don't consume a whole lot like I would of thought. Then again since I know I'm keeping track I'm sure I eat less. Know what I mean?
I have also started exercising and feel so much better already I truly think this will make a huge difference in reaching my goals.
Thanks again for sharing your story with us! You have inspired ME!