On Weight Loss and Self Love

As you know by now, if you have read my last few posts, I have been on a weight loss quest since Summer.  I started out doing a low-cal/low-fat diet from June-October paired with daily 3 mile power walks.  I lost 18 lbs in that time.  Inevitably I would gain a couple lbs, and lose them over again but 18 was the grand total that stayed off.  I ended up in a rut for awhile.....

To get out of the rut I decided to join Weight Watchers.  I figured what I really needed, since moving out of state and feeling lonely, was some social interaction and accountability.  SO join I did, and I lost approx. 16 lbs from October-Jan, the prime months I normally pack on 10 lbs or so.  That was quite a victory, and yet I was less than satisfied, 1 lb. loss on average per week was too slow for me to keep motivated.  Not only that, but I thought about food A LOT as I was quite a hungry person.  I ate a ton of veggies and some fruit, but did not like the way I was always looking to what I could eat next.  A couple of weeks ago I canceled my membership for these reasons, and also to save money.  I felt like I had received what I had paid for, and what I could from them.  I was ready to kick it up a notch.

About 3 weeks ago hubby and I decided to cut out sugar, heavy starch, and wheat from our diets.  I truly believe that these are not healthful or necessary anyhow, and would help us continue in our journey toward our goals.  I only got serious about it this past Friday though, Feb 18th, and I have lost 6 lbs. in this first week!!  How wonderful, and I am not hungry all of the time, what a difference!  I do miss the fruit, but once I reach my goal I can add them back into my diet gradually.  I still have a ways to go, but I am 25% to my goal and feel energized and renewed in my efforts.  WOOT!!

Another thing that dawned on me a few days ago, I thought I'd share here.  Treat yourself!  Do not wait until you are "good enough" to deserve to be treated well.  I totally understand and applaud the rewarding yourself for reaching goals, yet do not wait until then to be good to you!

So many times I've said, "when I lose 15 lbs. I will get a new haircut and style because I can't stand my hair anymore"......well finally I threw caution to the wind and just went out and had it done, just because it would make me feel good, and you  know it did!  I didn't have to "earn" it, I didn't have to wait until I was "good enough".  I did it, and I felt great.  What I have come to realize is that when you treat yourself like a queen, you will believe it and the rest of you will follow!  Actions speak louder than words.  The proof is in the pudding!  Once I started being good to me, and felt good about my appearance somewhat, I naturally wanted to do right by my body, and nourish myself properly, and especially exercise faithfully. And hey if you are not there yet, FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT.  I did not feel that way in the beginning either, it took some time.....and just dawned on me recently, 8 months into my journey!

Go and get that haircut, paint your nails at home, do something nice for you, just because you are you! 

I understand not being able to afford a lot, believe me, as a family of 8 on one income over the years at different stages in our lives, I can totally relate.  Why not take a bowl, pour in some olive oil and a ton of Kosher salt (it's coarse) and take a 10 minute shower.  Toward the end, rub this luscious scrub over your body paying attention to your ankles, soles of feet, knees and elbows.  Rinse and towel dry and you will feel like a new you!  Baby soft!  This is one of my cheap stand-bys.  It can be done.  ;0)  Start today, you are worth taking care of.  You just may be surprised in the renewal of your motivation.....