Marti asked me and the others who are losing steadily what made a difference this time - here's my story....
When Fern was sick last November, I was sitting in the hospital waiting area, eating chocolate covered peanuts, talking to Neal's brother, the one who just lost his wife - Paul. And I told him jokingly, that I thought I was addicted to food, and he said that I probably really was. I respect him very much, and he is a member of Mensa, so I really value his opinion. So, we talked about it for quite a while - how I would have to think of it the same way I thought about quitting smoking 7 years ago. One day at a time, and concentrate on my health. So, over the holidays, I kept thinking about it, and when I was ready, I started right then and there - not on a Monday, but on a Saturday, January 24. (my mom's b/d) I am following Weight Watchers and Dr. Phil. (He says to avoid processed foods as much as possible, and I think that is really, really helping me.) Anyway, now I hear other people talk about food addition, and it really hits home. I just can't be trusted around a more than one serving of trigger foods like chocolate or chips or pastries. So I don't keep it in the house. Another thing I did, if you remember, is I asked my family to intervene if they see I am slipping. Most of all, though, is the way I plan ahead all of my meals. "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail".
I started a Weight Loss Album, and in it, among other things, is a Top Ten list of why I really want the weight off. Here it is:
10. To fit comfortably in movie and airplane seats.
09. To stop fussing with my clothes. (I am always yanking at my top, in the back, to make sure it's covering my huge butt.)
08. For more breath and energy.
07. To find something that fits in ANY clothing store. And not in the fat-lady section!
06. So my knees and feet will stop complaining.
05. To stop worrying about my weight all the time.
04. To know I did it!
03. Because I'm just plain ol' sick to death of being so fat.
02. To be around and dance with Neal at our Granddaughters' weddings.
And the most important reason I know of to get this weight off is.....
01. To honor the body God gave me.
The really awesome part is, so far, I haven't had the urge to overeat. But when I do, I'll get the list out, call on my family, and ask the help of my fellow Jaded Ladies ! You guys have really helped me SO MUCH with all the encouragement and genuine caring. I truly don't think I could do it without you!
One more thing, then I'll shut up - I recently read in Health magazine that people who have yo-yo dieted are the most likely to actually lose weight and keep it off. Why? Because they just keep trying til it works! That gave me a LOT of inspiration!
Well, sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps! Susan, you have lost SO much, what made you stick to it?
Jana