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So, as I posted last week, my first seven days on the new Weight Watchers Momentum Plan went really well. I lost a whole lot of weight and that's inspiring. Now, the question is how to keep it going; you know how motivation goes; it starts strong and immediately starts on a downward slide. I like to "rate" myself in terms of diligence. Last week, I was probably a 95 on a scale of 100. This week, I can feel the "pull" of getting a little sloppier so I'm probably around a 90. I understand, it's not like I've said, "Six pounds! Time to Par-tay!" and have gone crazy (OK, I would never say "par-tay" no matter what the occasion…) but I believe when you see the beginnings of a problem is when it's easiest to correct it.
So, what to do?
The question is how do you keep on track during what is considered the hardest time of the year during what might be arguably called one of the hardest years? I gave that some thought. Here are four steps I'm working on. I hope it helps.
1. Slow down
I just returned from the big annual National Speakers Association convention in New York City (talk about not being able to get a word in edgewise!) and I lost two pounds! Did I starve myself? No. Did I bring "diet food" with me? No. Did I count points or calories? No.
So, how did I do it?
First of all, I have to – in the interest of full disclosure – say that whereby some people find it easier to lose weight (or to follow their program) while at home, I'm the opposite. I seem to do better when I'm "on the road." Whether that's for vacation, business, or even on a cruise, I seem to have a much easier time losing or maintaining my weight while away from home, rather than in my house.
So, if you're saying, "Oh, well, that explains it. It's easier for him while he travels; it's not that way for me. No need to read on…" that would be the wrong approach too. The reason I do better when I'm on the road is because I have come up with some simple tools that hold me in place. Follow these give tips and you'll do well.
Just a quick note to wish you a happy THINdependence day and like our founding fathers reminded us, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.”
If you’re reading this blog, you probably know I have a weekly syndicated newspaper column, called "Striving for Imprefection." (Yes, I know it’s spelled wrong, that’s intentional!) Not only is it in several newspapers, but it’s also on a few websites. The column deals with the thoughts, feelings, and
beliefs about weight loss, habit change, and other acts of faith.
Last week, my column was about an obviously fake diet product called, Nutrifraud’s Biological Organic Gastrological Utilization System, which I also call "B.O.G.U.S." (You can see the column posted on eons.com, "the myspace for baby boomers," where I am listed as an expert.)
You would think anyone would get that it’s not a real product. Alas, as H. L. Mencken said, "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the average American." Believe it or not, yesterday, I got a phone call from someone wanting to purchase some! (I have not yet returned the call; more to follow I’m sure…)
I know I talk about my wife a lot. I think that’s a good thing. It’s nice to be in love with someone you actually
like. (That doesn’t make a lot of sense unless you’re in a good relationship; then you know exactly what I mean, huh?)
My wife works several hours a week at a bank. They treat her well. She’s been there several years, and over the last few, it’s gotten even better. (Yesterday, the bank gave her an Apple iPod/Touch — I’m so jealous I could scream!) In addition to working at the bank, she’s always been an artist. After years of doing watercolors, she started to do jewelry. At first it was polymer clay ("Fimo" or "Sculpy") with elaborate designs. More recently, she’s shifted to wire jewelry and beads.
Every year, there is one very large artisans’ show in Humboldt County. It’s called the Humbolt Artisans Fair. (It’s named well, isn’t it?) There will be several thousand people coming through four large buildings buying loads of wonderfully crafted items. Mary Ann will be running a booth.
These type of shows take a great deal of work and I have a lot of
respect for people who will devote their lives to it. You go in one day
and set up. You build a booth. You set up lights. You hang drapes. You
stock the shelves. You price items. Overall, you want a 10×10 booth to
look like an upscale — but artsy — retail store.
Note: I ran a shorter version of this in my weekly newspaper column, where I am more limited in space. I have posted the beginning of this, longer, more detailed version here. The remainder of it is at my website and you will be directed to it should you wish.
We are not zombies who mindlessly engage in reckless or unhealthy
behavior; rather it is triggered by a series of electric and chemical
interactions in our brain; a.k.a. “thoughts” and “emotions.”
Understand what makes you tick internally and not only will you change
your habits, but you will be in line with your inner self, not fighting
it; making for an easier and happier time in the process.
That doesn’t mean one doesn’t need some practical advice now and then, and since the holidays are one of the more difficult times to maintain one’s habits, it seemed appropriate to offer a few suggestions to help you navigate through this time of year. You will not find a collection of low-fat recipes or traditional diet tips forthwith; instead those shall be left to others who excel in that arena. Instead, this collection of thoughts and ideas will hopefully trigger inspiration on how to help your diet survive the remainder of the year.
1. Set realistic expectations
When someone says they have good news and bad news for you, are you one of the people who likes to hear the good news first or the bad news first? I’m one who prefers to get the bad news out of the way. Then, I have something to look forward to. So, since it’s my blog, I’ll give you the bad news first.
The Bad News
I’m up about four pounds over the last few weeks. You know how it is, a little sloppiness here, a bit of roughness around the edges there, guests, holidays, travel, trying to get everything done around the house. I stopped walking and riding my bike as often as I was. It just all piled up. I say my priorities are my health, but then I let that slip away by putting on a few pounds.
I’ve been on this road enough times to know not to beat myself up. Jeeze! If that worked, I’d be skinny as a toothpick. So, I’ve got a plan.
First rule of handling Thanksgiving when trying to control your weight is to remember Thanksgiving is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. I’ve seem a great many dedicated dieters make it to the end of Thursday night, and exclaim, "Voila! I’ve made it!" (Well, they really didn’t scream that, but they were thinking it very loudly.) The problem is that the food is not all gone at the end of the Thursday. (Really, have you ever been to a Thanksgiving dinner where there WEREN’T leftovers?) So, although, Thanksgiving ends on Thursday, the food will last right through the four-day weekend.
By the way, if you’d like to read a motivational column on giving thanks, go to this page at my website.
Day One: How it Went?
Most years, I do a column or two about Halloween and avoiding candy. I post those on my motivational writings column, www.WeightLossColumn.com. I thought you might enjoy this year’s post about how one saves money by NOT buying the diet candies. You can find it here. (And if you’d like download a spreadsheet (excel) to calculate your own cost savings when it comes to candy, you can click here.)
If you’d like to see 2006’s column, you can go here.
Enjoy.
Most years, I do a column or two about Halloween and avoiding candy. I post those on my motivational writings column, www.WeightLossColumn.com. I thought you might enjoy this year’s post about how one saves money by NOT buying the diet candies. You can find it here. (And if you’d like download a spreadsheet (excel) to calculate your own cost savings when it comes to candy, you can click here.)
If you’d like to see 2006’s column, you can go here.
Enjoy.
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