Sometimes I feel like I am teetering on a tightrope with this weight loss that I've achieved.
I guess that's why I try to never ever work without a safety net.
We each have a safety net. Each of our nets are different, but I think that it's also important to specify the type of net.
My main safety net is the scale that I step on each and every morning. My body is very quick to tell me how fabulous (or not so fabulous) my food choices the day before were and whether I exercised. Like it or not, it shows up on that scale. If I see my weight start to creep up, I know that it's time to refocus on good food choices and making exercise a priority.
I do have another safety net, but I don't depend on it as much as the scale. I need to focus more on how my clothes fit. I've noticed that my jeans lately have been getting a little bit big and roomy on me, yet the scale has remained about the same.
So I want to know, what are your safety nets?
Like if I lose my focus for just one teeny tiny moment, that I will free fall down, down, down...actually now that I think about, the correct word would be FAIL (not fall).
Like I'll immediately gain back the 115+ lbs...instantly.
Like I'll immediately gain back the 115+ lbs...instantly.
I know, totally unrealistic and insane, right? But that's me. I welcome you to Crazytown, population: 1.
There are so few of us that blog or talk about what being in maintenance is like after losing a significant amount of weight. Yep, that view from my tightrope isn't always clear. Sure, there are tons of TV shows, websites, and blogs out there that tell us how to lose weight. But what about those of us trying to maintain our weight loss?
Therefore, I usually have to guess what's out there waiting for me a few steps ahead on my tightrope.
Will strong winds start up and make that rope wibble-wobble back and forth a little?
What if that rope starts to fray a little?
Will strong winds start up and make that rope wibble-wobble back and forth a little?
What if that rope starts to fray a little?
I guess that's why I try to never ever work without a safety net.
We each have a safety net. Each of our nets are different, but I think that it's also important to specify the type of net.
My main safety net is the scale that I step on each and every morning. My body is very quick to tell me how fabulous (or not so fabulous) my food choices the day before were and whether I exercised. Like it or not, it shows up on that scale. If I see my weight start to creep up, I know that it's time to refocus on good food choices and making exercise a priority.
I do have another safety net, but I don't depend on it as much as the scale. I need to focus more on how my clothes fit. I've noticed that my jeans lately have been getting a little bit big and roomy on me, yet the scale has remained about the same.
So I want to know, what are your safety nets?
For me, it's my food scale, not my body weight scale. I depend on my food scale and my measuring cups to make sure I'm taking appropriate portions. I also try to rely on past successful behavior. A good example of this was yesterday G and I went to Panera Bread for lunch. I was hungry and was certain I could eat a You pick 2 by myself. 1/2 sandwich and cup of soup. I know that in the past, hubby and I have split a you pick 2 and I've been fine. I decided to go with what I had done successfully in the past, got only the 1/2 sandwich and knew that if I were still hungry, I could then go purchase something additional. I wasn't hungry. Yay me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us, I know I and probably others feel that maintenance has got to be "easy" for you now, after nearly a year of successful maintenance. It's great to hear about some of your fears and challenges so we have a good idea of what to expect. Thank you again. *hugs*
You can do it. Just remember how a tight rope walker does it, they always look ahead, never down, never backward and never to the sides. Keep your chin up and keep on going. I know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteAfter six successful years maintaining and staying at goal weight and then two unsuccessful years of being a few pounds above goal weight, I need those safety nets too. I also use the food scale and the regular scale plus measuring cups and spoons. I have regular go to foods that I really like and that are healthy and I can eat a LOT and still maintain.
ReplyDeleteI know the danger of me getting "cocky" and having cute statements like "Being able to attend free Weight Watcher meetings is all the incentive I need to stay at goal." I wish it were that easy. It will always take work and I have to be so careful when stress is knocking at my door. I do get to indulge a bit in my favorite treats but it can't become a habit for me.
You are doing great.
As always, thank you for your honestly because even though I was months (years?) away from goal I do think about the difficulty of maintaining.
ReplyDeleteAh, maintenance. I think I will be there sometime next year- very exciting! I am (obviously) still losing, but I agree that the scale is SO important in keeping me in check. I am amazed that I used to go 6 months or a year between weigh ins, and no I only miss them if I am out of town!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this! I think most of us our scared to fail! I know I can lose the weight but maintaing is the hard part. I wish more people would talk about what that looks like.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those posts that I love you for. :) Thank you K, you make me believe.
ReplyDelete