Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Looking Great in 2008 Week #6

Since last Tuesday I am down -.6 so that brings me to 191.4 and 16.4 pounds lost! I am getting closer and closer to my goal and I am almost in the 180's! Technically since I gained .8 on Monday, I lost 1.4.

I also wanted to take the time in this entry to reflect on my experience. I am at 12 weeks, and that is halfway through the LA Weight Loss Program that I bought. While I havent kept up with the 2 pound a week loss and probably will not have lost all of the weight in 24 weeks, I am about half way to my goal!!

Its amazing to think that 12 weeks ago I was so frightened of never getting my life back. I sat scared of being fat, scared that nothing would work for me. I was eating so much junk all day and definitely binge eating when I was upset. But I found something that worked and my life has changed so much.

One of the biggest things I have learned is how important balance is. I have tried diets where you cut out foods like carbs. And I have dieted and forgot the most important essentials...fruits and vegetables!

I also have learned how important water is. I used to be lucky to drink 5 glasses of water a day. And now I drink between 8-10. I never realized how dehydrated I always was, and how a lot of my hunger was really thirst.

I realize in these 12 weeks that it is possible to "diet" and still eat the foods that you want. Before I used to eat whatever was "safe". When you count points or calories, sometimes certain foods need to be avoided. However, following the food pyramid, you can eat whatever you want in a food group as long as its limited. Its so wonderful to be able to eat "real" foods, not just low fat or non fat or light.

It has also been so wonderful to not be hungry all the time! When I was doing WW, I was starving most of the day. I would be hungry but have no points left. What was I to do? Its so nice now to be able to eat when I am hungry, as many times a day as I want. I can listen to what my body tells me. Or, I can go out to a restaurant and know I can eat a decent meal and not have to starve all day to eat it.

I have really started to tackle those goals I have off to the side. I no longer feel so guilty when I make a mistake. I know that I have control over food and that a little mistake doesnt mean I completely ruined things for myself. I have been so much better with not just eating healthy during the week and then giving up on the weekends.

Most of all, I have realized that I am not like everyone else. I will not lose weight at rates that others do. I lose weight at the right speed for me. While of course I am disapointed when I show a small loss, I realize that is the best for me and if I gave it my all, I cant be disapointed. I have learned to measure my accomplishments with more than a number.

I went down almost 2 sizes and feel better in my clothes.

I have a lot more self confidence.

I am so happy that I did this. I really feel that this is a life long change for me. I can finish my life being happy and healthy. I feel so good that I am doing this!

8 comments:

Diana Swallow said...

What a fabulous post! I think its so wonderful that you've found the right mix for you. Like you, I've also learned that my body is going to lose weight at its own pace. We can't compare ourselves to others. I beat myself up once because I didn't lose as quickly as someone else, only to see her again a year later and she had regained all of her weight and then some. You are doing this the best and most healthful way for your body and you should be so proud of your weight loss and clothing size change to date!

Journo June aka MamaBear said...

Wow, that was a great post. Congrats on your loss and for keeping it slow and steady. It's a much more permanent way to lose.
Path to Health

Anonymous said...

Excellent post and great job realizing those things about yourself.

Leigh said...

I am a slow loser too! I have never dropped more than 3 pounds in a week. I have people tell me that they can drop 5 or 6 pounds in a week just by drinking more water!

That would always lead to me feeling sorry for myself and eating more!

So, I am right with you on the slow loser thing, but hey, at least you are losing, and not giving up!

*ccc* said...

Good for you...that was an amazing, wonderful, inspiring post to read.

You have much to be proud of :) And I think you realize it :)

Diana Swallow said...

Congrats on being loser of the week!! YOU ROCK!!!

Lora said...

You are definately on the right path and it's working :-) Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Lordy woman! You're gorgeous!

You seem to have found the 'secret', and that is to do it in a way that is sustainable. Learning what's healthy, what a portion size is and realizing that it is not a short term thing.

You'll absolutely get there...slow or not, you're doing it!

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