Sorry for the absence … I was making a poodle skirt for my granddaughter … and then my 50+ yr old sewing machine “melded.” Yes, the working cogs glued themselves together. This machine has seen me thought hundreds of items: my wedding dress, Shannan’s wedding dress, prom dresses, gowns, costumes, the list is endless … so many memories. Sadly, out with the Touch-and-Sew and in with a new (and amazing) machine. Anyway, skirt done, and very cute.
Back to the blog:
Diet counselors always say that in the beginning dieting may be fairly easy because we are highly motivated, and then as we practice our skills more and more, dieting gets easier. But at some point, dieting really just gets more difficult. I know, given the number of pounds I want to take off, it’s normal and probably inevitable. Experts say it happens to everyone. It doesn’t mean that I’m doing anything wrong, and it will pass if I keep pushing on. But this limbo time is where most dieters at my size tend to panic, think that something has gone wrong, and give up because they feel it’s just not worth it.
So what can I do when dieting gets hard?
First, I’m reviewing my motivation list – the positive outcomes of getting the weight off. When I’m hungry or just craving a snack, it’s more difficult to remember exactly why it’s worth it to put in the necessary time and energy. I have to remind myself by reading my motivation list – to ensure that my goals are fresh. In order to keep it from feeling stale or too far in the future, I’ve been rewording my list, adding other items as I realize they are important, and trying to visualize the outcomes. Picturing a thinner me on the balcony of my riverboat suite!
Next, it’s time to review my success so far and remember that I am in control of what I eat. If I take the time to really think about what I’ve done so far and remember how good that feels, it provides a real boost to know that I’ve stayed in control of my eating, and remember that I was even able to start this in the first place. It tells me that dieting is not always so difficult and that it feels worth it, at least most of the time. Watching the graph line head down hill!
Third thing, it always matters to get back to the basics. Sometimes I have to concentrate on the most essential aspects of the plan – why I’m doing this, the daily menus, eating everything sitting down, eating slowing (20 chews per bite!), being mindful of my food and meals, and reserving treats for special occasions. When I look at the smaller “pieces” of the plan, it helps me refocus and feel more confident about the long-term outcome .
Fourth, I need to have an answer ready for negative thinking. How do I get rid of those negative thoughts like, “This is so hard, I just can’t do it,” and, “It’s not worth it to keep trying to lose weight.” They are sabotaging thoughts, and I know that. So I try to identify why I am feeling negative and then have an answer ready … Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean I should give up. I’ve worked hard on other things that weren’t easy, and I can do this, too. Hard times always pass. Just keep working. It’s worth it!
And finally, I have to remember to give myself credit. Sometimes, when the pounds aren’t dropping quickly enough, or when I just want to give up, it’s easy to forget to give myself any credit for what I’ve accomplished so far, or credit for even starting this journey. When dieting is difficult, it’s really important to tell myself, “good job.” I have to give myself credit and not question the reality of achieving my goal. And that’s the hardest part … sticking to it and feeling good about it despite the challenges … but that’s what’s required. So on I go . . .
(weigh-in tomorrow, sigh)