Regardless of the fact that today was my first weigh-in of the month, I decided not to do an updated picture or measurements. I have been bouncing around within these ten pounds for quite a while now and I don’t think that I will be seeing any difference in the photographic evidence nor the numbers unless I manage to get back to the lower end of the spectrum inside of which I have found myself fluctuating. Which brings me to my next point…
I have had a number of people suggest to me recently that my body is likely struggling a little to catch up to all of the changes I have imposed on it this year. Largely due to that insight, as well as the mental and emotional battles I have experienced with my busy schedule, I have decided that it’s time for maintenance. This won’t be a permanent status, but rather a tool that I will employ for the next month to help me keep my sanity. Not long ago I put together a plan to make sure that I was caring for myself and I think that this fits in well with that. I believe that dropping the focus on weight loss for a few weeks will really help me in the long run.
Specifically, I am taking July off from attempting to lose weight. The one little exception to this is that as of my weigh-in this morning I was over my red line, initial goal of 150 pounds. I am confident that there are a couple of pounds of water weight in my overage which will disappear within a day or two, so as soon as I see the 140’s again I will be comfortable with just being. If I manage to drop a little bit during this time so be it, but I will not be actively pursuing losses over the next four weeks.
I need to learn to accept where I am at in the long run since genuine maintenance is not far off. I think this little exercise will have the happy side affect of preparing me for the lack of losses. I am, of course, aware that I have had a few weeks of gains lately resulting in my recent up and down movement on the scale, but I am talking more about when such things are done with intention. I think practicing for this upcoming circumstance can only be beneficial, and once things are a little calmer in August, I will switch my attention back to trying to lose the last little bit of weight that I would like to drop.
Because of all these temporary changes I am also going to give myself a corresponding mental break. I am removing the timeline of “July 2010” that I have had associated with my Final Goal Weight on the sidebar of this blog. I originally chose that date for my Initial Goal Weight and when I surpassed it in April I felt like I was on enough of a downward trend that simply switching it to my secondary aim was appropriate. I really did want to be finished with the losing part of this journey by the end of this month because I committed to all of this on August 12th and thought that it would be great to say that I did it in a year.
But guess what? It’s not a race! There is no reason for me to push myself just to meet a timeline that doesn’t actually have any bearing on my level of success. I know that I have accomplished an enormous amount over the past 47 weeks and I will continue to have great success even if I stop worrying about the progression of my numbers for one month.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 golden delicious apple
- 2 glasses sparkling grapefruit drink
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 cup strawberries
- 4 white chocolates with white chocolate filling
- 2 cups stuffed ravioli in meat sauce with grated cheese
- 3/4 cup fat free peach yogurt with 1 cup wheat and rice flakes granola cereal
EXERCISE:
- 10 squats
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Great post! It sounds like you've really thought it through and you are doing what's best for YOU. Give yourself a break to enjoy your accomplishments. You've done such an amazing job!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely great idea. probably just what you need right now. Take a holiday of sorts. I maintianed for 2 months now. Now is my time to drop.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wise idea, and I'm glad that you've decided to cut yourself a bit of slack. I think you look great! And you're right, you have made so much progress, and effort, and care to get to where you are now.
ReplyDeleteAlso, agreed that there is no rush at all. You can take your own sweet time and still reach your goal. Afterall, you will have a lifetime to enjoy that feeling of getting to goal, and maintenance, and not having to worry about this anymore. I know you always will to some degree but it won't be as intense, and you will have all of your past experience to build on and guide you.
Beautiful post. You have just written some of the wisest, most loving words about your needs that I have witnessed in weight-loss blogland for quite awhile! This is the point in the "journey" at which so many women begin to *beat themselves up* for imagined faults...then the cycle of self abusive behavior is set in motion, and the psychological set-up for regaining is activated. It is a difficult process to watch, and even more difficult to live through. (I know, because I've been there myself.) I don't completely understand the physiology behind it all, but I know that it is significantly harder to lose the weight on the second, third, or fourth go-round. :::SIGH:::
ReplyDeleteYou have shown a great deal of courage in sharing your experiences here and reaching out for help! For someone who is as self-motivated as you, that can be especially challenging. So, brava. And cyber hugs to you! :)
I encourage you to take photos as usual, although I understand why you would choose not to post them here. The photos may not mean much to you now, but they will come to mean more in the next few months as you continue to increase your muscle mass. You may find that you need not lose much more weight (if any) as you convert more body tissue from fat to muscle.
Wishing you much continued success!
--Robin
I too, think this is a very wise move. You are a thin woman and your body seems to be fighting your attempts at getting smaller. (mentally and physically)
ReplyDelete266, I am going to do the same. I haven't reached my goal of 149 yet, but I've been stuck at 167 for nine weeks. I feel good. I look good. I'm eating healthily and exercising...I'm going to take some time off. I'm going to join Deb's "Freedom" challenge and focus on maintaining where I am. I still have weight to lose - my Dr. would like me at 160. But, this fighting over something I can't control is making me crazy.
This post helped make my decision. Thank you for your honesty and wisdom. You will never go back to 266 - you are changed forever!
Thanks all! I know that I made the right choice!
ReplyDeleteRobin, your comments meant a lot; thank you so much. I think I will take your advice and do the photos and measurements regardless of not expecting any changes.