I think I've been getting easily discouraged lately because of the way my weight loss has slowed down so much. I mean from August 2009 until May 2010, I was steadily losing 2 pounds per week most weeks. By May 1, 2010, I had lost 79 pounds. All summer I fluctuated, losing some weeks and gaining those pounds right back the next week. I didn't make it to 90 pounds until October 7. Since October I've again been fluctuating. I weighed this past Thursday, and I am at 92 pounds lost. It's frustrating that I just keep dancing around the same old pounds.
Last week I posted a blog about taking a break from the scale. I loved taking a week off from weighing. I think it was great for my mental health. It was nice to just be happy with the size I am instead of constantly looking at the goal and the next few pounds that I need to lose. However, the scale is a big part of the accountability that is necessary while trying to lose weight. Avoiding it makes it easier to avoid my daily food goals. I think I've decided that I need to be weighing weekly while I'm still trying to lose. Once I make it to my goal, I may be able to visit the scale less frequently (maybe that's some added motivation for me?).
Anyway, it's very easy to get frustrated about not losing weight, but I can't really blame my body. I still love chocolate and eating out and so usually when I gain weight back it's because I've been overindulging. Today I'm facing the start of another new week and another new start to my diet. However, this time I have this quote, sent to me by my friend Cindy:
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after another. -Walter Elliot
I may be having trouble staying "on the wagon" lately. I may be having to reboot my diet again and again, but I think that may be a key to dieting. Not just falling off the wagon and staying there on the side of the road while the wagon train leaves you in its dust, but picking yourself up and running to catch up with wagon before it leaves you behind (extended metaphor ends here.) Each time I have to reboot, it is just one of the short races Elliot refers to in the quote above. Add them up together and the perseverance that comes from that will eventually help me get to my goal. (I hope.)
I think your "one mile at a time" philosophy works just as well when translated into "one day at a time."
ReplyDeleteI love the word perseverance.
my 2c...
ReplyDeletefrom my perspective, you're getting caught up somewhere between the forest and trees, looking back and forth between both and not seeming to be happy with either.
the little, daily choices WILL add up. your goal can and WILL be acheived. progress might not be steady all the time, but you will find a balance. being unhappy with a daily choice and being unhappy with the current progress does not have to mean total discouragement. separate them and allow yourself to be proud of one while disappointed with the other. "i made a poor choice today, but look how many good choices have gotten me this far!" "i'm not losing the weight i expected, but my choices have been good and consistent and i will get there!"
and remember, your body will not react the same to the choices you made a year ago as they will this week. your body is different now, and as you and it adjust to the changes, you will find that your habits might have to change, maybe even your whole approach. and once you reach your goal, the maintenance will be a whole other regimen.
change it up! find a new wagon to hop on! i'll be on this wagon over here, cheering you on :)
I totally agree with the above comment. It's easy to be discouraged with the same pounds lost/gained. I've been in that cycle for awhile now as well. For me, it's been all about totally switching things up, and putting new challenges in front of me so that my body never gets used to the exercise. So true that as you continue to be more fit, the harder it is to keep losing weight! You just have to be creative and continue to make good choices 97% of the time.
ReplyDeleteNo one is perfect, and the last pounds are the hardest to get rid of. So you should be so proud that you've come this far and keep your head in the game! You are awesome!