After 53 years of dieting, I know how to lose weight. I’ve done it so, so many times.
But, for some reason, right now, I can’t motivate myself to do it.
Over this past summer, I’ve enjoyed two awesome vacations; both included cruises with three meals a day, wine, and several choices of desserts for lunch and dinner. It was marvelous. Not only the meals but the memories, complete with photographs to share.
Unfortunately, the downside of these trips was that I gained an additional 10 pounds when I was already tipping the scale before I left.
Last January, I told myself I could lose the weight before that first trip in mid-May.
It didn’t happen.
We went to the UK along with many extra layers of clothing. It was an amazing trip, and with the coats to cover up any extra bulges, the vacation pictures actually turned out great. I didn’t look nearly as overweight as I felt when we left.
The thought that I still “looked pretty good” was in the back of my mind as I continued to enjoy desserts at home and pretended there was no need to focus on losing this extra weight.
The second cruise was at the end of July, and it involved bathing suits.
Augh.
It was also my Birthday, though, spending it with family, and didn’t I deserve to really celebrate? What is a Birthday without cake…and wine? I can diet when I get home. This was my time to enjoy life.
Now, it is almost Labor Day. The Holidays are coming, which equals more pie, sweets and celebrations.
This has got to stop. Now.
I have been in this position so many times before, but it seems that each time I decide that I can eat whatever I want, and I say to myself, “Yep, I’m good, no problem!” The weight comes right back on with extra pounds included. In other words, I weigh more than I did when I decided to lose weight the last time.
So frustrating. What kind of example am I to my family and friends? How can I ever face them or the scale again?
The last time I remember losing a significant amount of weight was actually at the beginning of Covid in 2020. I had lots and lots of time on my hands. We couldn’t go anywhere or spend time with family. You know the story.
I discovered a Noom app (Noom App Discount)* and started tracking my food and reading about why we overeat; I learned about healthy options and other “tricks” that were part of the program. I followed the curriculum step by step every day. My husband joined as well. I’ve always been active and on the go, but in addition, we started walking and increased the time and distance every week. It was something positive to focus on besides the pandemic, and we had plenty of time to devote to it because so many of our other activities were abruptly stopped. I lost 20 pounds (as did my husband) and once again felt pretty invincible that I had this weight control thing handled for good this time.
Fast forward 20+ pounds, and three years later, I’m back to feeling bloated and defeated by food.
I think part of the problem is that there are so many distractions now. And yes, I’ve created most of them.
I’m the kind of person that has to have a plan for each day. Sometimes, three or four plans. I need to have something to look forward to and something to accomplish each and every day. In addition, I get bored easily. And I’m interested and busy with so many things. I love to spend time with my family, granddaughters, and friends. I love writing, photography, reading, painting, travel, YouTube, online courses, generally learning new things, shopping, technology (when it works!), fashion, cats, and nature. There are LOTS of ideas and thoughts in this brain of mine.
Dieting is such a restrictive downer. It chokes my creative flow.
But, I know for sure if I keep on this path, not only will I not be able to fit into the last third of clothing with elastic bands still in my closet, but I will end up drowned by the food fog, have possible health issues (I’m not getting any younger) and what is left of my energy will be zapped for good. How can I keep up with all of my daily activities and plans if I am too bloated and too tired to care? That will lead to depression, and then many bad things will happen. It’s not a pretty picture.
This has to change today. Today is the day to get with the program and resume healthy eating.
Today.
But what program? As I said, I’ve done Noom, which was successful for a while until I became unfocused and distracted again.
I’ve done some sort of dieting many times over in the past, I would say I started to think about losing weight at the age of 12.
Sad, huh?
I’ve done major calorie restriction, drinking loads of water, soup, Adkins, South Beach, Results Weight Loss (I was so good at it that I was in their commercials 15 years ago, but alas, they are no longer in business), fasting, Weight Watchers 3 or 4 times, Eating only Fruit in the morning, My Fitness Pal, Having a Personal Trainer (she’s now a great friend!), Keto, etc. I’m sure there are others. Basically, any new book that came out or a new fad that seemed to produce results for others, I thought I would give it a go.
I am 65 now. I don’t want to give up entire food groups anymore.
I just don’t.
For one thing, I know it won’t last because there will be a celebration in the future, and that chocolate cake will be calling my name. My daughter-in-law is an excellent baker, so there is no chance of avoiding it, and why do I want to?
I was told once by a wonderful lady named Henrietta, who lived to be 104, that the thing to do is to eat or drink whatever you want but to do it in moderation. I know, easier said than done.
But I also know this is the answer!
That good ol’ mindfulness.
I am slowing down.
Paying attention to what I am eating and drinking and actually enjoying it!
How many times have you looked down at your empty plate and didn’t even remember eating it?
That is why logging my food works for me. It forces me to pay attention to what I put in my mouth. It makes me pay attention and focus.
And if I really want something, I can have it, but with the full knowledge of how many calories I consume. Is it really worth a big slice when a sliver will do?
My doctor always tells me to “cut back on the carbs,” and I will do that. I’m just not going to cut them out of my life entirely.
Like I said in the beginning, I know what to do.
I’m going back to Noom with total commitment this time.
I appreciate your reading this far as I wrestled with myself to make a decision to start back on the path to health. Yes, today.
I will post an update in a month and let you know how it’s going.
Accountability is another good friend to weight loss.
Thanks for listening!
Please feel free to share below any struggles or successes you have had regarding weight loss over the years. I’d love to support you as well.
Keep smiling! Keep reading!
(*) I only recommend products and programs I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks.
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