If at First You Don’t Succeed …
by Steph Beth Nickel
Are you struggling to lose weight? Perhaps you’ve given up altogether.
Weight loss has been a happy side effect of joining an online Facebook challenge organized by one of my friends. Granted, it was a weight loss challenge, but I had little hope of making any real progress. I had fluctuated within the same five-pound range for many years.
However, I’ve learned a number of things over the last month and a half. Maybe some of these insights will help you as well.
1. Journeying Together is Better than Journeying Alone
Although the FB group was set up as a friendly competition, the support and encouragement we received from one another was amazing. So much so that we’ve decided to keep the group open even though the challenge is officially over.
2. Jumping on the Scales Every Morning May Encourage You
Then again, it may not. Before joining this challenge, I would have said it would have done nothing but depress me. But, encouraged by my hubby’s recent weight loss success (he weighs himself daily) and the FB challenge, I decided to give it a go.
And … it was the right time for me. It keeps me on track. Just a word of warning, however, I went up in weight two consecutive days and was discouraged. I was pleased to see that I was down again this morning. You have to determine what works for you.
3. Adjusting Your Attitude toward Food is Crucial
I’d like to say I have a quick fix, a silver bullet, a magic potion. But, alas, I do not.
I have found, however, that there has been a major shift in my attitude toward food. I have begun to eat to live rather than live to eat.
Just because I have a higher metabolism than some (nothing I did to get it, by the way), doesn’t mean I had a healthy attitude toward food. I was the one who looked forward to the next meal. I was the one who thought my dad was … I’ll admit it. I thought he was crazy when he said one square of a chocolate bar was as satisfying as eating the whole thing. Um … NO! I was the one who never drank enough water—no matter whose opinion you adhere to. (Shh, don’t tell, but I ate a significant portion of an M and Ms Caramel Swirl Cheesecake while studying for my personal training exam. Yes, really!)
I have, by no means arrived. I could easily slip into old patterns. However, now that my attitude has begun to shift and I’m feeling better mentally and physically, I want to keep moving forward.
I encourage you to think of all the reasons you’d like to lose weight. Latch on to one or two that have more to do with quality of life than trying to comply with some unrealistic idea of body image.
And NEVER forget … your value as a human being IS NOT inversely proportional to your weight.
This information is for informational and educational purposes only. Before changing your diet or level of physical activity, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
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Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.