Man oh man! I needed to break out the calendar to count how many weeks since I've started. Well, it's been 23 weeks. That's almost six months! I'm still getting back on track (if "getting back on track" means eating two quarts of ice cream over the weekend!). This week I've managed (through no merit of my own) to get back down to within 0.2 lbs. within my lowest weight, so I'm pretty happy.
I went to the grocery store last night, a key errand I'm sad to admit I haven't performed in weeks. It's nice to have stuff to eat at the house - and not to be tempted to drop by Del Taco or California Pizza Kitchen for the evening meal. Buying groceries is something I must do every week.
This evening's WW meeting was also imperative for my desire to continue on my weight-loss journey. I had promised the leader, Sheila, that I would show up, at least. Boy am I glad I did!
I felt that this evening's topic was tailor-made for me. We discussed the "stages of weight management", the first stage being the "honeymoon" period. This is that stage when one believes anything is possible, the plan is good, weight loss is easy and the world is pretty peachy. This lasted for quite awhile for me, and while I had very minor ups and downs, I was making steady progess and happy about it.
The second stage is the "thrill is gone" phase. This is when things start becoming more frustrating: maybe you adhere to the plan and you don't lose, or maybe it becomes more inconvenient to stay on track. For me, I'm crawling out of this stage now, towards stage three.
This next stage is founded in recommiting oneself in the program with your head solidly stuck in a cloud of reality. This is where you've seen through the frustration, decide to get back on track, and understand that you will have ups and downs, things are difficult, but that it's all part of the game. 'Tis better to have dieted and lost than not to have dieted at all (and, god forbid, gain!!).
All these hopefully lead to a place where we all want to be: lifestyle change. That feeling of confidence in yourself and the plan, where you're certain this is something you can keep doing for the rest of your natural life.. AND YOU'RE OKAY WITH IT!
I'm far, far away from this blissful state of mind, but I can imagine it. I can envision myself being in this place, and it gives me hope, and lights a little fire under my ass to stick with it. Plus, the weight loss would be super-cool, too.
Posted by weezgrrl at July 13, 2004 10:19 PM