I have been trying to lose weight for a while. Years actually. Throughout those years I worked with 3 different personal trainers, and a dietician. I gained, and I gained, and I gained. Finally, I started running weight loss challenges on FB, and managed to keep my weight steady. Now, I am learning about how my body works, and working with my doctor as it actually may be PCOC's.
I write a lot, and think a lot, and run a FB group where I posted a lot. Looking back over the posts and time, I have come across a pattern of how I think.
1- I can do this!
This is the stage of extreme motivation. I mean, with the dreams in my head, I have already conquered the weight loss. I make plans, I count the calories, I research diet plans, and I calculate expected weight loss. I plan cheats, I throw out junk food I make my husband promise not to have anything terrible around the house (which leads to him squirrelling away chips in random spots in the house that I hope not to find.) This is it. I follow the Canada Food guide, there is not extreme's, just everything in moderation. And a salad every day. And workouts at least every second day.
2- I am too tired too...
After eating salad for 3 weeks in a row for lunch, I would rather not eat than eat that salad. Which usually leads to me feeling sluggish, and then also fobbing off my work out, and/or eating a terrible supper. The fatigue has set it, pretty sure I've recycled step 1's plans and I'm just going through the motions
3- I wonder if this will work
Sick of the plan from step 1, I start looking at "alternative" weight loss methods. Hmmm, most of these reviews are positive. This pill must be safe. This clinic must be the real deal. This laser for sure melts away fat. Let me grab the saran wrap to hold this wrap in place... yup can feel it working for sure.
4- Oh god, I can't believe I thought that would work.
After none of the above actually doing anything, I dig deeper and start reading the negative reviews. Articles not posted by the company. Looking at the sources and studies for the products. And then shake my head at myself, for ever being so stupid to fall for any of it, and then feel bad and just give up.
And then, pretty much repeat!
I know this happens, and the one thing I have found that does help is trying to motivate and inspire others. I think of my little sister, and my family also trying to live healthier lives. Would I share that article about how to lose 5 lbs in a week with my little sister? Would I give my dad those pills? Could I look my friend in the face and tell them I was wrapped head to toe by a stranger to lose inches for a day? Trying to keep the advice I give myself in perspective with my life, helps me moderate the extremes of the cycle. Trying to find information that applies to everyone, I constantly reaffirm the positive and sound advice- slow and steady. Small changes make big differences. Plan to fail, so you can plan to recover.
It's slowly helping, and I am right on track to lose the 3 % for the first round. Realizing how my brain works means I can recognize when I am shifting my priorities, when I am going into extremes, and then I can moderate it. I feel like this will help me achieve my goals.
My biggest goal is not to lose weight, it is to inspire the people in my life. They believe I can accomplish anything, and by proving them right I will inspire them to push themselves, to love themselves and to accomplish things that are otherwise impossible.
This is what I need to remember, while going through all the ways my brain works.