The Question:
"WEEK 1: YOU EITHER GET IT, OR YOU DON'T !
Start getting real. Why do you want to lose weight? Write it down. What are you doing -- or not doing -- to lose weight? Pinpoint ten patterns of living that you have accepted without question. For example: putting off your exercise or snacking when you're not hungry"
WHY DO YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT?
Primarily, health. I had a really good scare, with elevated blood sugar, that made me see what my path would be if I didn't turn things around, RIGHT NOW! And it took something drastic to jar me out of my comfortable state of denial, that safe refuge I had designed for myself that enabled me to continue emotional and recreational eating without paying attention to what I was doing to my body.
Second, for greater mobility and ability to do the things I want, and follow all the interests and activities, like hiking and running, that make up my personality. When I finally "woke up" from my denial, I found to my horror that I had become a (sorry for the blunt words) fat old Utah housewife! That is NOT how I see myself. I no longer recognized the person I had become. I was in almost constant pain, from knee and ankle problems, some unavoidable wear and tear damage, but the remainder due to my weight.
Third- vanity, actually. I used to be a pretty woman, although there are some fears surrounding that image that I will have to learn to deal with- more on that in another question/answer session. I did not like this stranger I saw in the mirror. I used to take showers with only the nightlight on!
WHAT ARE YOU DOING--OR NOT DOING--TO LOSE WEIGHT?
1. I have been on Atkin's, at Induction level, since May 1, '02, keeping to roughly 2000 calories and under 20 Gms carbs.
2.Admitting that I am a carbohydrate addict, NOT a "normal person", whatever that is. Recognizing that, like an alcoholic or drug addict, that there are certain foods that will trigger my cravings. Allowing no cheating, ever.....but one day at a time. Certain foods, like white sugar, and white flour, are gone from my life forever. That is easier for me than "controlling" them.
3, Constantly affirming and reaffirming that this woe is simple- sticking to the KISS principle. It is easy, if you let it be easy. Eating simply but extremely well-- meats, fish, eggs, cheese and green veggies. No diet bars, fake sweetners or other odd foods. Reminding myself that I really LIKE the foods I eat!
4. Making a serious committment to exercise, as a way of life. Constantly adjusting and reworking my exercise program to fit my changing abilities. Addressing my problems with laziness and motivation. Trying to make exercise fun, and remembering my ultimate goal: to run again.
5. Drinking my 2 qts of water a day, like it or not, (and I don't!) before I permit myself any Diet pepsi. NOT allowing anyone to talk me out of my two so-called "vices"- my real coffee with cream in the AM, and my Diet Pepsi (caffeine free). Recognizing that giving up everything pleasurable leads to cheating and certain failure.
6. Constantly working on the "head thing" so that the yo-yo dieting history does not repeat itself. This includes starting this committment to answering these questions in depth- sort of a mental "Body For Life" program. Using my self-loathing about my body as a motivator to go for it!
7. Taking all my appropriate supplements daily- Multi-vit, B complex, Vit C, Vit E, Calcium, EC ASA, Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Magnesium, Potassium, and colloidal minerals several times a week.
8. NOT taking "diet pills", ephedra, or other various assorted untested and potentially dangerous supplements that many weight lifters are fond of. Nope- don't need that.
9.Understanding and using a support system. Posting a journal here that includes my menu for the previous day, including calories and carbs, and posting my weekly weigh-ins and daily exercise in another forum, so that I am held accountable for my actions, and know I have to answer to others. Whew! THAT tends to keep me straight- if I have been shooting my mouth off, then I have to deliver the goods!
10. Trying to give back some of what I have been given. An old Twelve-Step principle, that of helping others, helps keep me on track. Wish I could do more.
11. Yes, I too have 11! Trying to keep a balance in my life, in all things. Trying to keep food from being an all consuming BIG DEAL, and working toward the goal of regarding food as merely "pleasant fuel".
Kat
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