My highest weight was 305 pounds. I was unhealthy, unfit and looked it. For 10 years I struggled with obesity until I finally reached the point where I knew something had to change. I had tried over and over to get started losing weight, but something always seemed to get in the way.
Finally, after becoming frightened I could end up housebound, severely ill or dead, I got serious about my weight and lost 150 pounds. I didn't join a group, use any supplements, eat weird foods or have surgery. I've maintained the loss for twelve years, through four more pregnancies.
Why is it hard for us to get started on a weight loss plan?
In examining the reasons, I thought about several stumbling blocks I allowed to stand in my way of getting off the couch and into the gym:
1. Change is Scary
Often times the thought of making a change can paralyze us into inaction. Food is near and dear to many of us. The realization that to make a positive change in our lifestyle it will require a change in our food habits, this can be so frightening we can't even try. If we use food as a comfort, then changing our source of comfort is understandably stressful.
To combat this stumbling block we need to reorient our way of thinking. Rather than assuming that change is always bad, I'd encourage you to think of the times in your life when change was good. For example, if you've made a job change in the past, your initial reaction may have been apprehension, but over the long term you can look back and realize the job change had a positive impact on your life.
Try thinking of changing your food habits in the same way. Initially, changing how you eat can be hard, but thinking long term may help you see the benefits of getting started.
2. Timing
It seems there is never a good time to start a weight loss program. For me, I would blame any available holiday or activity. If a birthday were coming up, then it probably wasn't a good time to start. Well, Christmas was only six weeks away, so I'll just wait until after the New Year to begin getting healthy. Unfortunately, holidays, birthdays and celebrations keep rolling around on the calendar, so if you use this stumbling block you will never get started!
When I finally succeeded at losing weight, I acknowledged to myself there really never had been a perfect time to lose weight. After all, we don't just gain weight between holidays, so we can't just lose weight between holidays! To get over this hurdle, you need to learn how to make wise choices all of the time, not just in between celebrations!
Remember, as you lose weight and reach your goal, if you didn't permanently change your lifestyle then you will have problems maintaining your weight loss.
3. Expense
Some weight loss programs advertise low fees to get you in the door, but once you are there you realize the advertised fee was just the tip of the iceberg. This is a valid stumbling block, but one that is easily overcome by choosing a low cost, or free program.
There are many great weight loss websites now that offer large communities who support and encourage each other. You don't have to pay a lot of money to lose weight, so don't allow that excuse to stop you from getting started.
I would encourage you to examine your personal reasons for not starting on your journey to better health today. If you don't take the first step you will never get anywhere.
Remember, weight loss in any amount is beneficial for you and your family.
inspirational! Thanks for sharing i have been struggling for a few years to lose weight and now after my first baby i am struggling now more than ever! I can't seem to find the right eating plan for me. And i am guilty of all kinds of excuses. It wld be great if u cld share with me some more eating and exercise tips. I have 15 kgs i wld like to lose to get to my goal weight.
ReplyGreat post! I think people often try to over analyse what it takes to be successful at weight loss. You hit it on the head in that it really is more about your own fears, habits and motivation rather than any certain program.
ReplyYou bet, change is scary! I sometimes feel like I actually need to grieve the loss of my old way of life when I try to change to a new, better way of life.
Cindi
ReplyDiane, Thanks for sharing and pouring your heart out. You have worked hard and I so happy to see the fruits of your labor. I also know first hand, how hard it is to lose weight but, I also know it can be done. I lost 130 pounds, I also weighed over 300 pounds 20 years ago and have been a personal journey ever since. It was the hardest single thing I have ever done, to just get started but I was determined to do it this time and nothing was going to stop me.I am still working at it daily. The key to my success has been the fitness component. Once I began to actually feel and look better then I worked on the food so what you wrote was so on the target, we can come up with all kinds of excuses for prolonging this and getting fit and healthy. Losing weight is so complicated and these crazy fad diets and scams are nothing more than another attempt at failure. I work with women every day in the weight loss arena and what I tell them is this, NEVER GIVE UP AS ONE HAS TO MAKE MANY ATTEMPTS AT SUCCESS TO ACHIEVE IT MOST TIMES.
Thank you so much for your words of inspiration to us.
debra mazda
ReplyHi!
I used to weight in the mid 200's. I lost 100 pounds 14 years ago with the Zone, and I've kept it all off. One important part of my success has been simply to do the best I can, and not look back. If I feel I've slipped up with a meal or an exercise session, etc. I don't dwell on it. I simply stay on track with my next snack, meal, or strength training workout, etc. That way there's no guilt, no pressure. One less the great choice doesn't mean I have to throw in the towel on my whole day or week.
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