With that disclaimer out of the way, let's get to the meat of the post.
I never, ever expected to lose as much weight as I have in such a short period of time (27 pounds in 2 months). I never expected the changes I was making to actually stick and be easy for 2 months. I've hit my first struggle. And it isn't even because of anything. I got my period. I'm run down because of it. Other than that... no reason. I didn't make the most awesome food choices this weekend. I didn't get the amount of exercise in that I would have liked. I just didn't have the desire for it. I'm ok with that.
And I had a realization.
I've lost a lot of weight. I'm still fat. My body has improved tremendously and I can do things I never dreamed I'd be able to do just a few short months ago. But I'm still fat. I've made huge, tremendous, amazing strides in the past 2 months. And I still have a long way to go. Again, I'm not saying any of this because I need to feel better or be praised. I really, really mean it. I'm saying this because anyone who is on a weight loss journey needs to know that it isn't all easy. That it isn't all success. That it isn't all good times.
Getting fit and being healthy all the time is hard work and sometimes... it's easier to slip a bit. In the past, slipping usually meant quitting. I'd do well for a week or two and then I'd slip up over the weekend and that was it. I'd be done. Forget the gym, forget the healthy meals and snacks. This time, my slip has to be different... it will be different.
I still haven't met my goal. I still need to run a 5K. I need to be able to run further than 1 mile. Maybe today is the day I make that next stride, that next accomplishment and that will fuel my desire to get things going.
When you stumble... when you struggle... what do you do to pick back up again?
14 comments:
The first thing you do, is not beat yourself up over it! One or two days of slippage is just a blip. I believe that any goal worth reaching can withstand a blip now and then! So unless, you gained back all 27 lbs this weekend because you ate 17 gallons of ice cream with fudge, I really don't think it will end up hurting you! So tomorrow you go right back into your new routine without a second thought. You did not fail, you "blipped"! You probably will again, but it will only stop you if you let it!!
This is the tough part for me, when I feel that my efforts aren't paying off anymore. That's when I really lose motivation. I honestly don't have any good advice on how to get back on track, other than to focus on the achievements you've already made.
I just read a brilliant thing over the weekend, and it said something along the lines of, 'what could you do in the next five minutes to make you feel good about yourself'...and I tried it - I went and wrote in my diary instead of checking my email again - and it was one of those things that once I tried, I just thought. 'why on Earth haven't I done that before'. Maybe you could use that somehow.
Oh, uh, I'm not one to give weight loss advice...
Its normal to struggle. One of the harder realizations about starting a decent fitness routine is that it is a lifelong journey. Sometimes that can be a little intimidating, when you think about the planning and the hard work that go into it. And I'm pretty sure the hormonal surge with your cycle isn't helping you look at yourself with loving eyes.
Its OK not to be perfect. I have to remind myself that a lot when I get dressed in the morning or look in the mirror.
I'm not reading the other comments first- because I want to get this out of my head before I get on a tangent. . .
What you've said is so true and is hard to swallow for any of us on the same journey. But THIS is the crucial moment of truth- THIS is where you CHOOSE your destiny and choose to continue - KNOWING that the journey is a MARATHON, not a sprint. It didn't take 6 months to put the weight on (and all the emotional baggage with it)- so it will take a long time to shed it. Sometimes it comes in giant spurts- 2 weeks ago, I lost 6.2 lbs. I have kept that off and then some, but we can't expect those results every week.
Not blowing smoke here- but you have set yourself up for success this time. Not only with your methods of clean eating (most of the time) and excellent fitness routines - but by being open and honest with the struggles and successes. NO life changes will survive if you can't have a "bad" day or two- we're human and add PMS- well- it happens. The real success is getting back up, dusting off and continuing onward and upward.
Consider it your spring break from heavy studying. Now, it's back to the books! :)
Try not to beat yourself up over it....easier said than done I know, but 2 days won't undo all the good you've done in 2 months.
Get back on your healthy schedule....bring/eat your healthy snacks, do a lunchtime workout, etc. If I'm really down, sometimes I'll change up my workout. Maybe do something a little easier (but that still gets me moving) if I'm REALLY tired. Try something different. I sometimes will go inline skating instead of walking or running. It's fun. It reminds me of being a kid and it's still a good workout. And sometimes, I just take a day off and make it more of a "me" day...pamper myself a bit. Then come back the next day refocused.
One more thing- another blog I read, his post this morning fits in quite nicely....
http://theantijared.blogspot.com/2010/05/bad-days.html
Ah, yes. I know those struggles all too well. It's always helped me to have someone that I'm working with that can encourage me through it.
And you are doing so awesome!
This is where you remember the gift of grace, and give some to yourself.
XOXO
You can't quit now. We're all watching you, and we'll all talk about you behind your back if you give up.
(I'm with Garrett...not so much with the weight-loss guru stuff here. But I still have faith that you'll get back on the horse, or else you wouldn't even be talking about it! Your progress is obviously too important to you to let it go again.)
I think that for me, the "One Day At a time" thing works for everything, not just not drinking. I only have to walk/eat healthy/work out a day at a time. That's the only way I can do anything.
I really like this attitude. You are already a success, even if you haven't reached all of your goals, because you aren't giving up. Here's why I say that. You said:
"Getting fit and being healthy all the time is hard work and sometimes... it's easier to slip a bit."
If you understand that everyone slips a bit, you've finally got it! Everyone, even elite athletes, personal trainers, and very fit people, sometimes make bad food choices. Or miss a workout. It's part of the game. What separates the successfully fit people from everyone else? We pick ourselves up and keep going.
You're there, girl. Congrats!
I do just what you're doing. I just keep going. Because you will hit those times when it's hard! Your motivation will slip, so you remind yourself just how important this is, and you keep going (even when you don't want to) and then when the motivation returns, it's a BEAUTIFUL thing. :)
Sounds like you had a great run today, so I'm really happy for you!
And also, you give yourself grace. I didn't get up early to run today. I was just too tired after a few very busy days. I'm still tired. I think I'm going to run tonight, but if I genuinely need the break, I'll sigh and take it...and have a great run on Thursday!
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