For me, it was all about finding a pace I could keep up, having a plan I could stick to. But it's important to tell the difference between "I'm having a bad day and feel discouraged" (which means you need to keep plugging) and "This plan is unsustainable" (which means you need to adjust the plan).
To determine the difference, I always put a three day waiting period on any changes in my plan. If I decide I am just too hungry, for example, I wait AT LEAST three days before I actually up my calories by 100. If it still seems like a good idea then, I do. That way I know I am not just giving in to my inner 3 year old, and I feel in control of the change: it's a positive step, not a failure.
For me it took not worrying about the "pace" of my goals, and not worrying about whether or not I would ever reach the "end" of my journey.
When I focused on my goal weight, there was always the six year old me, sitting in the back seat asking "are we there yet?" every five minutes.
I only ever focus on the next pound, and I don't beat myself up because I'm not losing fast enough. "Fast enough for what?" I ask myself. There is no time limit.
That was me last night ~ I just got all bummed about some holiday stuff, and it transformed into feelings about weight. Looking in the mirror, I was convincing myself I didn't look any different, that I would be stuck here (at my current weight) forever, and that I would never be happy with myself. It's kind of the first time that's happened on this journey, I mean, just the day before I was trying on a cute dress that almost fit and practicing walking in 4 inch heels and feeling damn sexy (when I wasn't about to topple over, lol). But last night, I too was in tears. I made sure that I didn't turn to food as comfort, journaled a bit, stalked the boards here for a bit, and convinced myself that it would be better this morning. It is a bit better this morning...not stellar by any means...but better.
For me, the fact that I spent all of my life fat, makes the 4 months I've been at this so far seem very short, but only when I'm thinking rationally...
oh my god!! i TOTALLY get how you feel!!! i was getting ready to go out for the family dinner last night, and i found that everything i was wearing was either tight or didn't fit. i stood in front of the mirror in my underwear and BAWLED my head off. i don't know how i did this to myself...back in september i was doing great...dropped twenty pounds and was on a roll...yeah, i've put it ALL back on, so i doubly hate myself. You are not alone...hang in there...we can do this...we can get through this...it IS possible, people do it...so can we!
spixet -you nailed exactly how I felt yesterday!! I have been on program since Oct. and have lost slowly but steadily and was feeling proud and certain that I'm finally on my way to "thin town" BUT I caught a look at myself unexpectedly in a mirror last night and saw ALMOST the same fat person I saw 2 months ago and got SO bummed!! I waited until I got home to "set myself straight" by reminding myself that I have lost some weight, I do feel better and move much more easily and that I don't have that bloated look anymore. I also used some visualization techniques where I imagined myself 6 months from now at my niece's wedding and at the weight I realistically expect to be then. It really helps to have a few goals at hand to work towards.
Not one person has seemed to notice the weight loss which is discouraging(but will change one of these days) -but I know in my own mind that I do feel better and appreciate that i don't wake up knowing that I'm fatter than the day before -which was the case these past 10 years!!
I had a lousy sleep pattern last night but still stayed on program even though there were temptations all around and feel grateful that I didn't let that "inner child" undo the progress I've made -because there has been some!
Sooooooo Tytbody -HANG IN THERE -we know what you're feeling but it's important to remind yourself that the journey to weight loss may be bumpy and difficult -but I believe it's worth taking ...L.
I stick to it by not having a pace. I feel like a big horse pulling a barge along a canal tow-path: occasionally I look up at the distant horizon but mostly I just put my head down and keep on plodding. For me, it's the only way.
It does help to get it out. To see, feel what is going on. This is what normal weight lose, life changing is all about. We can't smile every day. It reality but it seems that because we know it can be done, you just wonder, when!!!!!!
I didn't eat crazy or heavy. My mashed potatoes were not laid on think. The wine was moderate. The apple pie was good. I think I did okay but I'm not even going to track it.
I hope I feel better tomorrow. {{{{{ group hug}}}}}}}
At least I wasn't racing to get home and get out of my pants. I was racing home to put on my slippers. Lol..
When asked if we want dto take anything home, I said no thank you.. I'm on weight Watchers.
Teary Christmas:(
. I'm on weight Watchers.
