the mental side of it all

[Sheryl]

You know, after like 6 months of trying to get back to healthier eating and actual weight loss, I finally started NS in May. It was a choice of last resort, just needed SOMETHING to get me going.

Well, it has worked out pretty well - I have lost a healthy amount of weight in that time with no ill effects!

In late July, took a stay-cation, but we did camping, campus visits etc so I decided to just take a break from the program. I didn't go crazy with eating and desserts, but I did put on a few pounds. Then, restarting was sllooowwww... I lost those few regained pounds but didnt really feel like I was getting anywhere. I was feeling discouraged and it hit me that I felt like I would always be obese no matter what i did... I simply could not see success of any kind. it was sucking out all motivation to stay on any kind of plan.

I went for a long walk with DH and finally told him how I felt, just that I could not visualize the success I want. I have some very specific and very reasonable goals and to feel like I can't even achieve those was disappointing to say the least. He listened, and just saying it out loud gave me a chance to really clarify how i was feeling.

So, I asked myself "are you disappointed in your weight loss" NO
"are you happy to be OFF your blood pressure meds?" HECK YA!
"are you fitting into many of your clothes again" YES, THANK YOU
"notice how certain activities are easier"... yes again!
"are you better off having lost this weight, even though you have more to go" WELL OF COURSE

I also did some visualization - just seeing myself living my life healthier, being at a weight I am comfortable with. It gave me inspiration.

I am sure I will have many crisis of confidence/motivation, but at least for now, I am feeling good and staying pretty good on plan. Guess what, the weight loss is starting again too!

[Mary Ann]

How awesome! It's amazing how much of it has to do with expectations and attitude. When you have that, you're 90% there already.

[Deleted]

Those are great questions to keep handy when you're feeling bad about it all.

I'd only add one:

If I hadn't tried to stick on track, would the same amount of time have passed with NO results at all? YES!!

[MJ]

I think you are doing a great job and I like the questions you asked yourself. Definitely glad the weight is starting to come off again.

[snaffle]

Sheryl I am so happy for you. You are improving your health and your life..

wow.. no more blood pressure medication... that is fantastic!!

[Frostym]

Good job,Sheryl. You are an inspiration to me.