redgirl1974's Journal, 08 November 2015

The more I look beyond the here and now, ie. this minute/hour of what I'm doing, the more uneasy I feel and the more I seem to loose my grip and willpower goes away. It helps me to focus on this moment and what I'm doing to get closer to my goals. I'm sure that I'll eventually succumb to some temptations, probably nachos or a Frito Pie, but I want to do that on my terms, ie. plan and make a decision and not have it sucker punch me. On the subject of FS/Journaling/Logging/etc.. I can see eventually reaching a goal weight and still logging food for a while. It's a habit and not one I think ever want to get used to *NOT* doing. I've been doing it wrong for 40 years; time for me to start doing things right. I think that FS and buddies I've made here will be something I do/follow. This is about the only "Social/Purpose Media" that I use and even this is tough on my introvert self. I love to read success and struggle stories. I think that we all serve a purpose in whole of humanity and man-kind. I think one of my purposes is to help those with weight issues, something I've had my whole life. I don't think I ever had someone I could talk to about things that are affecting me that knew what I was going through. Think a returning service member that saw things on the battlefield talking to a fellow service member or vet that has had the same experiences. I think that there is more of a kindred connection between those individuals then someone who hasn't gone through it. Empathy? A co-worker opened up to me a few days ago and 'spilled the beans' on their weight/eating struggles and I think they came away from that knowing that they're not alone or unique in their struggles. I think that those of us who lose the weight and leave better have a big "Plan B" in their life to be able to maintain their WOE and weight. We are here because what we thought was the best way to eat and live, wasn't. 

Couldn't agree more, Frosty . . . for 90+% of us, this is NOT the first time around the weight-loss block . . . I read recently the SINGLE biggest factor in successful, sustained weight loss is support -- having someone(s) to share the journey with and hold you accountable. I know I'll be continuing to log after reaching 'goal' for some time and won't consider myself 'successful' this go round until the weight's been off AT LEAST 6 months, maybe even 12. Wholefoodnut has been in maintenance for at least a year and continues to log and acknowledges that it has played a big part in keeping her weight stable. 

For me, the whole point is to not allow myself to go "back" to any old thinking or behaviors because THEY are the reasons I got to the unhealthy weight. And when this time of year comes, I must be MORE aware and stick to my plan to avoid gaining and eating whatever I want. 

Some days the only way to get through the temptations and downers is to take it minute by minute. Hang in there; you are not alone in feeling this way.