All right, I had had this “aha” moment, but was I really going to do something about it? In the past I had experienced some of these micro-moments, and my plan of action would last for a couple of weeks (or days!). I wanted change this time; I wanted this to work! So I informally devised a plan of action in my head: I needed to change the way I was eating, I needed to exercise, and I needed support.
First, my eating. Ugh, not the food. I seriously thought that I fed my family well and that we ate healthy (for the most part). I had tried things in the past like cutting out sweets, not eating fast food, etc. None of it had worked. I’m sure I overcompensated in other areas or just didn’t stick with it long enough.
Remember it was January, so weight-loss commercials seemed to be on 24/7 non-stop. The one that really stood out to me was Jennifer Hudson promoting Weight Watchers (facebook helped me, now American Idol?!). I was thinking to myself, “If she can do it, so can I!”
So the next day I got on Weight Watcher’s site. I clicked around a little bit and . . . I hesitated, I procrastinated, I questioned. Then I realized that I had to make a commitment; I had to do it on my own with my own plan of action. My mouse was hovering over the “Join” button, and I finally clicked. I was committed (and if I spend money on something believe me I’m committed!). I started the on-line program that afternoon, plugging my points in and adjusting my meals that week. I knew it was a first step of many, but I was confident that I could do it for the obligatory 3-month time period.
I learned over the next few weeks that I had been eating too much. My portions were too big. I went back for seconds too often. I viewed food as a celebration (and too much qualified as celebrating). I also realized that before I had not been willing to give things up in order to lose weight.
My husband Dan tells a story of a good friend not wanting to give up Coke because he loved it so much. Dan suggested that he drink Diet Coke.
“I hate Diet Coke, “ he answered.
Dan then told him, “You have to hate being fat more than you hate Diet Coke.”
This is where I finally was. I wanted to be healthy more than I wanted 3 cookies. I wanted muscle tone back more than I wanted a second helping of pasta. I wanted to be strong again more than I wanted the gyros at Christo’s (so hard!), and I wanted myself back more than I wanted food to rule my life. It hasn’t been easy, it hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been a slow process that’s worth it. Jennifer Hudson’s Weight Watchers commercials are still on consistently, and it is a reminder to me that if Jennifer Hudson can do it, so can I.
Who inspires you? What are you willing to hate more than being overweight or out of shape? What can help you with your eating? Isn’t it time to celebrate you instead of food?
Ah yes, the food! I, too, have joined the WW online. The difference is, I have quit logging my food, quit weighing, but still paying the monthly fee. Now, I know WW works, I’ve done it before and I’ve been dragging my feet about getting back on the plan. I’ve finally edged my self back into an exercise routine and just a couple of days ago…I took the big step. The oh-so-big step onto my bathroom scale. Fearing the worst, I opened one eye and peeked at the number. Not as bad as it could have been, but bad enough. My delinquency has landed me back into that decade of numbers that I swore I would never see again! So, I can really appreciate your thoughts on food. I have tasted it all…many times… and I definitely hate looking pudgy so much more than I love the cookies, the cake, the burritos and all the rest of the things I over indulge in. Thankfully, on WW we can enjoy all of it, we just have to count it! Now, back to the WW online. It’s time for me to get back on track! Perfect timing! Thanks, Jen.
I know, Deb, it’s hard to stick with the points everyday. I do benefit if I keep track all day, but sometimes it gets tedious. I have definitely learned better habits by doing it. Thanks for sharing with us!
I’m so glad to know that you both, Jen and Deb, are on the same journey as I. Over the December 2010 holiday season I was feeling so hopeless and out of control and not enjoying the holidays……NOT EVEN THE FOOD!! On January 4, 2011 I returned to WW and walked through the doors of Miracles Fitness for the first time on January 14th. Since then I have lost 47.6 pounds and feel better than I have in years.
Like everyone else who struggles with weight and health issues, there are small everyday challenges like food choices and big overarching challenges like attitude and mindset. I HAVE to go to WW meetings as well as using the online tools. I NEED the accountability of the weekly weigh-in and I need the companionship and support of others on the same trek. And I HAVE to work with a trainer at Miracles Fitness…..again, it’s the accountability thing. I’ve lost hundreds of pounds over the course of my lifetime but have never been successful at maintenance. I realize now that getting to the weight and fitness goals is only the beginning and I cannot go it alone!!
Thanks for your words, Pat I appreciate you sharing your experience!