There are goals and successes to celebrate along the way, but there is no "done"...this was a HUGE concept for me to get through my head.
But I sometimes still really wish that there was a "done" and that I could just check the box on my to-do list called "lose the weight" and go back to my old behaviors and poor food choices. I would drive right on over to IHOP and eat this:
Therefore, I ask you:
Think about what you are doing today for healthy eating and exercise choices. Is this something that you can do for the rest of your life?
Because, let me tell you, what I am doing today in maintenance is pretty much what I was doing when I was losing weight:
- I still count calories and protein
- I still exercise for 1+ hour, 5 times a week.
- I still drink 80+ oz of WATER each day.
- I still take all those damn vitamins.
- I still make "Me" a priority.
I think that this is why so many "diets" fail: People lose the weight and then switch to an entirely new eating plan...and by that, I mean that they go back to their old ways and behaviors.
And those old ways and poor behavior/food choices call my name each and every day...sometimes every hour. Example? Last night after Jazzercise class, I wanted to go get a Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino...you know..with the major whip cream on top? But I didn't.
Continue to fight the good fight...it's worth it.
This thought hit me the other day...that its going to still be a huge amount of effort for the rest of my life (although Heather says once she hits 65 she is going to start eating chocolate cake everyday for breakfast so I may have to join her). Every day we have to have a mind on our weight loss or weight maintenance. Oh well. A day at a time my friend!
ReplyDeleteSo TRUE. Amen. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I don't know why, but this time around that thought doesn't scare me. Actually, I do know why! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true - it's something I posted about a few weeks back. I finally feel that I'm making those life style changes that every other diet I've been on wants you to make. I know I can keep this up for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteYou have evolved into an ADVOCATE...I think that it is awesome...You have helped me a lot...thank you
ReplyDeleteGood question! I think this is why I am such a slow loser. I won't cut out ALL treats, ALL snacks, NEVER have another Red Lobster biscuit or chocolate cake. Screw that. I don't want to live like that forever. I do have cheat meals. And you know what? I've lost 80+ pounds in a little over a year. I know some people lose 100+ pounds in a year, and that's awesome, but if I lose 2 pounds a month, steadily, and don't feel totally deprived to the point that I can't do this for a very, very long time, I will gain the weight back. I proved that to myself a long time ago. So I eat well 95% of the time, work out a few days a week, and have an occasional day where I'm not perfect. Can I do this forever? Pretty much, yeah. In fact, I'm pretty sure that as I get smaller, I will have to increase the effort some. But I think it is ridiculous to think that there is a "finish line" in this process for me. I will ALWAYS need to think about my weight. I will NEVER be completely "cured" of obesity. Even if my body is "in remission" from obesity, my brain still wants to go back there and I will need to be cautious for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteUs tasky people hate the fact that we won't ever be able to check that done box!!
ReplyDeletegreat post and keeps it fresh in our minds where we are and where we want to go. I hope to be as successful as you down the road
ReplyDeleteTrue, true! Thanks for the reminder :) When you put it together in a complete thought like that, it really helps solidify things in my mind.
ReplyDeleteContinued success = Making the right choices indefinitely
So true!!!
ReplyDeleteGREAT post! and so true!
ReplyDelete