You Still Don't Want to See Me in Bikini!
Posted on 12/29/2011 by dsjohndrow
I remember one New Years eve I got into the vodka, and my friend had to help me get home in the snow; I was sick for 3 days. Other than that, most of them were pretty good. The truth is that I have not had a drink in over 30 years, and therefore; I don't make a habit of staying up on New Years eve, or any other eve for that matter. I guess it's not the cheesy falling ball that makes New Years worth celebrating. And I can finish the shrimp cocktail by 9.
For many, the New Year is about resolutions! Shoot, I tried to quit smoking a number of times. I made it about 2 or 3 hours. One time my ex bought me a carton of cigarettes and left it with a note: "Smoke all these, then call me!" I finally went to a healing service and haven't had one since April 4, 1994.
Although I think every new habit begins with a single decision, I find that changing things is not easy at all. The good news is that success is just NOT stopping after a failure.
Maybe you are one of those that took off the holidays, gained a few pounds and are planning to hit hard after your hangover leaves. Good for you, I am not like that.
Here are some things that I do to keep the momentum going:
- Make Friends: I make MFP friends with people that have lost more weight than I have, or have the same goal as I do. The good news, there are no background checks. I think I have talked a guy at work into going to the gym with me at lunch.
- Read Success Stories: Nothing says it better than before and after pictures! The winners that lose here on MFP knock off between 40 and 110 lbs of fat in a year. Think about next year, and then get out there for today's workout!
- Encourage Others: I try to encourage those that do their exercise and fill in their food diaries. Sure "WTG" and "Nice job!" get old. So try "Holy crap!", "Nice freakin' job!", or "You rock!" but do it.
- Log it All: I don't take days off. I hate to, but I even log when I when I go over - way over. I logged on the holidays and I logged on vacation. I am initiating a life change, and I am done with diets. Logging reminds me just how fragile this whole thing is.
- Open Diaries: If your friends can't see what you are shoving in your face, it is unlikely they can help you. Being honest is an important step. Keeping secrets is a pretty good sign that there is some failure hidden in there.
- Pictures: Post a picture and get involved. We know you are overweight; you are on MFP for God's sake!
- Blog: I write these blogs to remind me of what I am up against. Obesity nearly killed me, and exercise saved my life. Dialoging about it helps!
- Be Realistic: If you can't do it for day, how the hell are you going to do it for a lifetime? I suggest making exercise a daily thing, that way you don't get lost in skipping days. Take it slow, a 10 minute walk is better then a can of Pringles.
- Health Care: I worked with doctors and nutritionists and I am fortunate to have regular blood labs and monthly visits to discuss my food diary with a professional. I also got a personal trainer to make sure that I develop a routine I can live with. Here is what I found out; all this information is available free online. So let me save you a few grand. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, nuts, lean meat, and fish. Do some strength training and get the heart rate up. Schedule your exercise times and stop lying to yourself.
There are some constants in life. There are no perfect mates, churches or shortcuts to weight-loss. Diet (what you eat, not what you do) and exercise are the only way.
Thanks for reading along and being my friends!
Have the healthiest year of your life in 2012.
Thanks for the comments and votes. Friend me at your own risk!
Always great advice.
Thanks for the positive way you remind me what this is all about. Honesty and integrity. It's how I got outta shape in the first place by trying to sweep both of these under the rug... slippery slopes begin with one single toe the wrong way. Slipping a little here and there and gradually the whole way is lost.
Thank you for the constant reminder. You make me remember I can do better. So... I will.
=)
**a 10 minute walk is better then a can of Pringles**
You have a very simple strategy that is common sense and you are right,.....free information. If we could all just take what is staring us in the face and use it honestly without throwing up roadblocks (excuses) we could be successful too.
I haven't read any of your earlier blogs, sorry you have likely already shared this, but how much have you lost and how long ago ?
Congratulations by the way
Thank you.
this is the best!!!!
i love the reminders....thanks for the blog!
Now I have to go find you and friend you!!!!
DEE
But a can of pringles tastes better :(
A girl can but dream.
Keep blogging