The Sometimes Forgotten Simple Step

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Permalink Reply by Laura on April 3, 2009 at 11:39am

This definitely is the best step.

So many times in the past I would slip up on a diet and then would never get back on again. None of my diets ever lasted more than two weeks. This time - it's been over three months. I take a different outlook towards dieting now than I ever did. I don't look at it as dieting, I look at it as a lifestyle change. Also, when I am really craving something - I have it, but in moderation - and I don't beat myself up about it. I just keep on going. I look at it as a nutrition program, not a diet, and I allow myself to have the treats when I want them. I just don't want them as much anymore. : ) That is how I have lost 11lbs and 18.5 inches overall without feeling like I'm dieting. I still have 123lbs to go, but I KNOW I'll reach my goal. Even better, I'll enjoy reaching it.

Forgive yourself and keep moving, it's the ONLY way to reach your goals. Good luck to everyone!!

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Permalink Reply by Judith on April 3, 2009 at 11:48am

Brava Ladies! But I find this very simple step incredibly difficult. It's always a goal, of course, but self-loathing runs deep and is a difficult beast to manage! I'm trying to work with meditation practice now. We'll see.....Be well.....Judith in Portland

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Permalink Reply by Laura on April 3, 2009 at 12:51pm

Self-loathing is definitely a hard beast to tackle. It took me a while to get past it, and honestly I don't think I could have managed without the support of my wonderful husband. I have my days where I have to fight from beating myself up and all I want to do is quit. Then I just think of how much better I feel compared to a few months ago and how much easier it is to do certain things and what I'm going to be able to do when I'm done - that is what keeps me going.

I don't focus on any particular weight, or any particular look, I focus on my future "simple wins." For instance, I'd like to visit the Grand Canyon one day and go hiking down into it. I couldn't do it now, but I will be able to one day. That is what keeps me going. Focus on the parts of your goal that make it exciting to you and not on the slip ups and it makes it so much easier.

Good luck Judith!

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Permalink Reply by Andreina Davila on April 3, 2009 at 1:15pm

yes, yoga and meditation help with this, but you are right it is a very simple and difficult thing to archive. But it can be done.

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Permalink Reply by Linda Gauvin-Miller on April 3, 2009 at 12:30pm

So true...once you've started blaming yourself, it's difficult to see beyond that...forever seeing yourself as "weak", "bad", or a "failure"...things then begin spiralling downward from there. You're absolutely right, Laura, in not thinking of it as "dieting"...as that has/sends such a negative message....and EUREKA!....18.5 inches is one heck of a lot.

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Permalink Reply by Laura on April 3, 2009 at 12:42pm

True, if you think of it as a diet, you are just setting yourself up for failure. No one likes dieting - but everyone loves eating and feeling great. : )

Thanks for the congrads on the 18.5 inches. Too bad that is overall inches and not more off the waist, but 4 inches average over the entire body is not too bad at all for only three months. A few more and I won't be able to wait any longer to buy new pants. : )

Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by steve on April 3, 2009 at 12:43pm

My problem is that I am so divine so many times that I am becoming a heavy candidate for saint hood :-)
Steve

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Permalink Reply by Andreina Davila on April 3, 2009 at 1:13pm

This is so true! Amazing... i have been thinking about it too... The problems is when you break your plan, and then feel so much guilt and regret, you give up and go back to old not-so-healthy habits... not good to give up, because it is never too late to change for the better.

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Permalink Reply by Mary on April 4, 2009 at 9:20pm

Karen,
I need a big dose of this.
I get off track more than ever.
I've been D 42 years. I've never had the right A1C.
I need the energy to focus better, till I get it right.
But It hasn't happened yet.
I need to forgive myself and get back on the wagon.
Thanks, Mary

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Permalink Reply by Sheila Green on April 21, 2009 at 8:09am

Mary:
I totally understand where you are coming from - me, 55 years type 1 and I think I was always "off" track. Being on the MM pump and CGM has helped tremendously. You don't feel guilty about cheating now and again..you can SEE your BG go up and you can correct. I HAVE hated this D thing for so many years, but with today's technology no longer do we have to hide and be ashamed. I now have come to the belief that I am PROUD to do 55 years...and counting !!! I am defiant - this will NOT get the better of me.!! I hate it when a doctor says.."well, you do have diabetes"...ha...AND ?? we are normal people, with normal aches and pains - we do not get a certain disease "because we are diabetics"....we catch the chicken-pox like everyday people...
Take Care
Sheila

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Permalink Reply by Judith on April 21, 2009 at 6:03pm

Brava Sheila---Celebrate an amazing accomplshment and move forward withe pride and hope and love for the universe in your heart!!!...Blessings on you...Judith in Portland

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Permalink Reply by Denise Reyes on April 5, 2009 at 8:20pm

i say forgive, but never forget :)
every decision is made with reason and has different outcomes
you shouldnt forget, but learn from each reaction whether it be a bad one or a good one.

-d

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