A Weigh To Success

Where Do I Start?

Life has a way of getting in the weigh!  There are distractions, things to do, no motivation, the groceries aren't right in the kitchen, no one in my house is eating well, I'll start on Monday, today's not a good day, I have a party to go to with lots of food, it's never worked before.  Seems to me that life is not the thing getting in the way, it's ourselves.  

There never seems to be the perfect time to start anything to do with a diet program.  Inevitably that 'start' date keeps getting pushed off, and then days are gone, weeks, months, then years.  Believe me, I know.  I am that person, but aren't we all?  It's easy to move that date out.  But, at the end of the day, we've only been cheating ourselves.  Big talker me, eh?   Not really.  I have many days and moments of doubt.  I hear those demons in my head trying to drag my ass to the refrigerator.  I have moments of temptation.  I promise though, as time clicks by those temptations sound like whispers compared to the start.  Imagine a day where you can think clearly, not beat yourself up (The Shift), make sound confident choices, and the voices become manageable!  It is possible!  You deserve that day.

So many people tell me it's just too hard and I hear in their voices a longing for direction on what to do.  I can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, we need to have a way to help us make the decision to start.  I don't mean talking around a kitchen table over appetizers and saying "the diet starts tomorrow." I mean, making a very deliberate choice to start a wellness program. 

Sometimes a nudge or motivation, or a specific incident will get you on your weight loss journey.  Sometimes, you are your own obstacle in moving forward.  What does it take?  Maybe, just maybe, you need to sit down with yourself for a real conversation.

Most of my career was in adult learning and development, and I've had a lifelong struggle with weight.  I took these experiences and developed a short exercise that might help.  Spending time with yourself, and focusing on making the decision to make a change, and place yourself first, might be all you need.  

Step 1:  Take a pad of paper, pen, and favorite beverage, and settle into a place in your home that is quiet and interruption free.

Step 2:  For one minute, sit and breathe deeply, removing any thoughts or any distractions.

Step 3:  Write down the answers to the following questions.  Be as specific as you possibly can, and unapologetically honest.   

1. How do you feel at this exact moment?
2. Detail your current health and medications.  Could some be removed if you were to achieve your optimum well being and weight loss?
3. How do you feel about your body?   Why do you think you feel this way?
4. What has kept you from starting a wellness or diet program? What can be done to change these obstacles or work within them?
5. What are your food strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
6. Have you made excuses to start?  List your excuses.  
7. What are the benefits you are expecting to your health, and life?  What will you do once you achieve optimal health?
8. Why do you love yourself?  Write down all your personal strengths, and why you are ready to begin this journey.

Answering these questions may prompt additional writing, some ah-ha moments, and identify some REAL obstacles.  By narrowing down and exploring these answers you may find you are ready to focus or not, and whether you are ready to commit.  

You may find there are areas of your life that need additional help or attention, of a doctor or dietician, or other professional before you can pursue your lifestyle changes.

Your decision to begin a program, should be immediate.  Don't put off until tomorrow, etc. :)  

Don't throw your answers away, keep them in a safe place and refer to it in the future.  It could become your motivation tool, or help in your continued forward momentum.

Thinking of you, your strength, and tenacity.  Our team of warriors are here to support.  Every journey needs a helping hand some time.  If you are ready to commit, the next exercise will help direct  you toward your weigh!

Your path, your choice!

Select Your Weigh

I have to preface this with a disclaimer, you will NOT find your best weight loss program here.  Sad, but true.  Although, you will walk away with possible answers about yourself, and ideas, to chew on.

The weight loss and well being journey is a tough one.  I am seriously learning and adapting, and researching on a daily basis. We have spent most of our lives asking people how they've lost weight, and proceed to start THEIR program.  We watch commercials, and other ads, with photos of before and after and then align with that particular program.  We see drugs and injections, and the success of others and suddenly we're taking pills and pinching our thighs for a shot.  We read books, we cook by new recipes, we starve, we zuke frozen foods, we weigh in with groups, we fast, we drink gallons of water, overdose on veggies, lower our carbs, use creams, use weights, we walk, we emulate others, we give up, and then we try again. That was a nice long run on, just like our diets.  The greatest lesson, and realization, waging this war, is that we are some tenacious, kick ass warriors, and we never stop trying.

I have learned, to date, is that EACH OF US has an individual journey.  Our 'program' needs to be about US, what fits for us, our life, our health, our pocket book, our goals, and yes our dreams.  There are so many things to consider but the bottom line is this, we must learn to be SELFISHLY SELFLESS!  This is my new mantra.  I am selfish about my journey, I am putting me first.    

Our journeys are uniquely our own.  As I have said before, I am using a mix of all the programs I have been on, learning and adjusting every day, and sticking close to my doctor and watching my numbers, labs included.  The blended approach is best, in my opinion.  

You must find what is best for you, be willing to adapt, educate yourself, and commit to the lifestyle change.  Yes, it's a bitch, nothing about this is easy.  

Here are some of the factors to consider in your journey; current physical health, current mental health, physical limitations, recommendations from your doctor, medications, and willingness and courage to make the change. 

When you've completed the previous exercise, Where Do I Start (above) on your readiness, there is an exercise below on helping you decide which program/programs could help you.  As always check with your health care team, it's crucial you do!  

When choosing a weight loss journey, write down your answers to the below questions, and bring to your next doctor visit for discussion:  

1. Is the plan flexible, using a variety of foods, tailored to dietary restrictions if need be? And easily adjusted to lifestyle and food preferences?
2. Does the plan offer a balance of nutrients, calories, carbs, proteins, to your specific needs?  A balanced approach is ideal.
3. Is the plan monitored by professionals?  How will you track success, and identify strengths in your program?
4. What are the risks? Are their side effects? 
5. Do I have to purchase medications, certain foods, or over the counter?  Can I afford to do this?
6. Do I like the program?  If you enjoy, or like the approach, it will be easier to commit. After all it will be YOUR unique program.
7. What specific changes in your past diets worked?  Can you incorporate in your new  approach?

Remember this, look for safe, effective and long term!  It's tough, but by committing and tailoring your program to you and your needs, success is so much closer than you think!  While on your program, Good Choices Weigh KUDOS (below) can help you stay the course!

Your path, your choice!