This piece in my local paper by Scott Marcus really hit me with truth about losing weight. I hope you will see the truth in it..
If after losing 12 pounds, I have a temporary setback of two pounds, I will see that as validation of what I already "knew"--that I cannot lose weight.
"It was only a matter of time" I'll say to myself. "I knew it couldn't last."
Beliefs influence feelings; therefore defeated and despondent I think, "Why am I wasting my time?"
From thoughts come actions; in this case that would be gettting off the scale, tossing my diet materials in the trash, and deciding to give up for now. I revert to old habits. My losses evaporate, my bulks return.
The final consequence is that my beliefs are again validated and the cycle resumes.
"The reality about weight loss is that it is not a linear downward progression, even for the ultra dedicated and diligent. Rather, it is a learned skill, trail and error. Successful weight loss is actually losing more weight than one gains; down three, up two.
(Picture a stock market chart from a downward Bear market and you get an accurate concept)
Periodic gains are part of the process. I will feel frustrated and saddened by the setback, but shall continue the course, possibly making some corrections. Two pounds are two pounds, resulting actions differ only because underlying beliefs do, What we say to ourselves becomes our beliefs; If they work, they are of value to us. If not, it is vital we change them.