debbra's Journal, 15 October 2009

I understand that frustration. Perhaps you have just not found the plan that works for you??? I know that I went up and down, back and forth and tried so many options before I found what worked for me. While my progress is slow it is progress none the less. When I think of how many plans I tried in the past that did not work, no matter how quickly, it makes me think that had I just started IE back then, slow as it is, I would have been at my ideal weigh YEARS ago. :) I wish you the best on finding what does work for you. 

I just read about IE. I think I would have a very hard time walking that tightrope. I'm impressed you're able to do it. As far as finding what works for me, I agree. That's my problem. I not only can't find what works for me, I seem to be doing more than one program at a time, not finding a stable place. I feel like I'm complaining, but I'm going to work this thing out one way or another!!! And if writing on here and expressing my frustration, which feel like complaining, helps, I'm going to do it!!! 

Debbra, as someone who returns to bad habits that I quit cold turkey I can tell you it is tough. What works for me is to make the change for something I consider greater than myself. For example, my wife and I will have kids one day. I don't want my son or daughter to grow up with a father who is basically a couch potato. Granted, now a lot of my fitness goals are based around getting better at my sport(s) (better times, lower heart rates, stronger forms, faster punches, etc) but it all started with the concept of duty. Now, that was what worked for me. Do you think it would work for you? 

You are allowed! LOL Really, frustration is part of the journey and that is what journaling is all about! :) Complain, bitch, moan and gripe if you need to-it's all good!  

I would never have thought IE would work for me either. I was so skeptical but after being on it for a year I can say it is something I can do the rest of my life without feeling deprived. It gave me my control back on a lot of levels. I used to think I needed someone else or some other plan to tell me what was right or ok. IE teaches that I don't. :) 

i found a mix of plans works best...i do the south beach as my primary, with ie mixed in at functions and on the weekends...and now with the gastrointestional issues mixed in...pick a basic WAY OF EATING and make it fit what you need...your results may be faster or they may be slower but at least you know that you set the boundries and you can make it work...are you doing this for yourself, have you made the commitment to yourself, do you feel that you are worth it...these all play into our determination and ability to suceed...good luck 

I feel like I fall back into old habits, which go something like this -- I spend half of the day doing very well on my diet. And then around 5:00, a dark cloud appears, and I lose my sense of balance, lose my focus. I do feel strongly about duty, towards my kids, my husband. But that in itself doesn't hold me to it. I feel like I'm just not good at committing to something. The only thing I know I'm good at committing to is my interpersonal relationships. I'm a very loyal wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. That's my forte. But when it comes to things like work, school, and my weight -- basically things that are only for me -- I don't feel like I can hold on. It feels like I'm floating in the ocean with only my ability to swim keeping me from drowning. With the people I love, I'm an island. But with everything else, I'm very capable of drowning. I think that's why starting and stopping, dietwise, always happens. It almost feels like I get out of the water to take a breather, and then I get back in and tread the water. But then I get tired again.  

I've missed you 

Debbra, you really have to be in the right frame of mind. I believe if you want something badly enough, you'll make it happen. You'll break those bad habits and make new, good ones. But you have to really want it. I've been at a standstill for months now because I am having trouble getting back into it, but when I first started, I wanted nothing more than to drop the weight. I'm happy right now, but I know I could still lose more and tone up more. Do what you need to do! But your heart has to be into it. Once it is, you'll make it happen. I promise. 

Debbra, I am very happy to see that you are back! I have missed your public journals.  

Thank you guys for all your comments!