07/14/2009 15:59
Living without the Thrill
In my past weight loss efforts, it was the thrill of success that kept me going. Of course it didn't come often, but when I would have a dramatic drop or go down a size, it really fueled the fires of my motivation. I'm having to learn to live without the thrill.
I've lost five pounds in eight weeks, which is pretty slow. In fact, I've only lost a pound in the last three weeks. This is not out of the ordinary for me, really. A half pound a week has been a standard week for me. But those standard weeks used to be interspersed with some larger drops here and there.
I think I'm going to have to look at weight loss from a new perspective. What worked before is not working now, both physically and mentally. I think I need to adopt Tawa Chihuahua's approach of living life in a healthy way and not thinking about the scale so much. Over time, the weight will come off. However, how does a goal-oriented person like me keep motivated without those scale rewards?
There are so many little moments, little choices where I fail to make the healthy choice because I'm not thinking about the scale, because I'm not working toward that weekly reward. Clearly, I'm not doing this new approach correctly.
Something I have to keep telling myself: "Just because you're not losing quickly does not mean you should quit. It just means you have to settle in for the long haul." Why is losing weight in a year better than losing in two years? I really need to stop thinking about some "end date." We all know there isn't one, right?
I think I'm just anxious to reach that point where I feel good about myself, where I look better and don't feel so encumbered by my own body. That's not a particular number on the scale. I just wish I could get a little positive reinforcement or find some kind of internal motivation to make the rate of my progress not matter so much to me.
Posted By: ashleyb
07/14/2009 04:56
I'm with you
I'm at a lull as well. Someone said at my WW meeting recently, the time is going to pass anyway. So, those days when it's hard and I'm not seeing the great losses anymore, I just think...This time is moving whether or not I'm losing. I might as well be eating healthy and exercising because it's not getting me any farther from goal.
That said, it's really really hard to keep the motivation when the scale and the sizes aren't dropping so much!
07/14/2009 09:52
hang in there
this is the reason that i saved all of my old blogs. i know how you feel. when i look back to when i lost 50 lbs i realized that there were some months when i would only lose 2 lbs the entire month. yes, i said entire month! what matters is that you are making healthier decisions and taking care of yourself. i am a scale junkie and have found that i need to be. as soon as i stop getting on the scale, i stop holding myself accountable. kind of out of sight, out of mind. i dont thing that losing weight is hard, finding the motivation to keep going is. maybe you need to tweak your diet a bit or increase the intensity of your workouts, maybe you will have a big loss at the end of the month. who knows. you said that you should be able to pick up the yoga classes again, maybe that is the missing link. anyhow, just wanted you to know that we all feel the way you are feeling now. you just have to keep going! you deserve to be happy and healthy.
07/15/2009 02:59
scale
Awhile back I lost 50lbs and I gained it back and then some. But I threw out my scale at home because I weighted myself all the time. Now I use one at work and do it once a week. But when I wasn't losing but a lbs a week and I was exercising daily I wondered what was happening so my doctor told me that your body adjust to the same routines so add an extra 15 min to that walk or mix it up a bit and push more endurance or more time. Then *poof* it started coming off. Just don't stop because it is a lifestyle change. I know that but I let life get in the way and stop exercising and eating at concession stands during baseball season. Bad Move... don't do that... but you're not giving up so you're already 2 steps ahead. Hang in there!
07/17/2009 06:41
I'm with ya!
Like you, I believe that what I really need is the motivation to keep going! I knew my body was going to change after having a baby, but I used to always hear that and think about shape...not necessarilly the way it performed. So, now I'm having to learn how this new body works, and it's taking quite some time! But deep down, I believe I can do it. I've read your blog in the past, and it's obvious just how much determination you have, so I know you can too!
07/22/2009 10:29
hey
how are things going? i hope that you are doing well!
07/31/2009 06:34
hey buddy
i hope that you are well!
08/21/2009 04:09
hang in there
I'm sure the heat and the toe are not making things any easier, but I know you have the wherewithal, it's just a matter of deciding that it's worth the effort. And it's a lot of effort.
I'm glad to hear about the new job for DH! I hope it's bringing you the kind of stability that makes things a little easier.
I came on to talk to you but now it occurs to me I should just email you :) Still, I can comment here so you know I still think of you often.
08/22/2009 01:24
Dieting is like marriage...
Sometimes even when the thrill is gone, you have to put up with it anyway if you want to get anywhere. Hope all's well!
-Bethany
09/03/2009 07:32
:)
are you still alive and kicking? come back and give us an update!
