Back in September I had a little rant. The rant was caused by a conversation with a former work colleague who was continually griping and making excuses for her unhappiness with work, her life etc.
I realised, about the same time, that I should probably take some of my own advice. Not about money but about health.
There are excuses. Aren’t there always? Here’s mine: debt, a bad break up, a crappy job and my daughter getting ill. Probably enough to make anyone reach for the crisps! I don’t drink or smoke, so something had to help!! 
I’ve been miserable about my health and weight for years………without doing much about it. In 2004 I lost weight {with the help of Weight Watchers}, went down to 150lbs and felt good….for about 8 weeks. Then slowly it came back……with a cherry on top! This year I had a goal of losing 40lbs and up until September I’d lost 16lbs, now I’ve lost 26.5….it’s moving in the right direction.
So what’s changed?
Me. I’ve changed. I now realise that I want this more than anything. Getting out of debt was a stepping stone, this is a giant leap.
There’s still a way to go and no way am I saying that I’ve got it licked, my food choices are 50% good, 50% bad, but that’s much better than the previous split. I’m also drinking 1.6-2.0 litres of water a day…it’s become a habit.
Changing the way your life is heading is not always easy, it’s about taking small steps and slowly changing your habits; you have to really want it to happen.
If your trying to lose weight, what works for you?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I could talk all day on this one!
In a word, well three words, go low carb. I’ve significantly reduced my carb intake, increased my protein, fruit and veggie intake, and the pounds have fallen off. What’s more, I hardly ever feel hungry, and feel stronger and fitter than I can remember. Getting the right sleep/exercise combo turns out to be an important factor too. If you get the three combos right (diet/sleep/exercise) the weight comes off, and more importantly stays off. Off course where it all gets a bit gnarly is when you have to take into account psychological and habit factors…
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And by the way, yes I know fruit and veggies have a carb component. I was talking about complex (starchy) carbs – pasta, rice, potatoes, and bread being the main culprits. (I do eat potatoes but I watch my intake carefully). Hope that helps!
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Laura Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Tony: Couldn’t agree more re the low carbs….cutting out white bread seems to be the thing that works for me.
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I gotta agree with Tony… I went low-carb not by choice but because of numerous food allergies, and I feel the BEST I’ve ever felt. For a while I was eating Vegan and I was so lethargic, tired, weak, etc. I’ve found eating “Primal”, is the way to go for me.
Good luck in whichever way you find is best for your body!
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Laura Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Carla: thank you…now I need to find out about ‘primal eating’
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its good to realise that you are in control though isn’t it. I mean, well done for recognising your own weak point. once you are aware, then you can start to make some good choices. I feel it at the moment as any form of control I have seems to be gone right now. but for me, doing yoga really helps. because its all about awareness and feeling good in yourself. the more aware you are, the better choices you make as they are not unconsious ones. have you tried doing a yoga class regularly?
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Laura Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Mo: not tried yoga or any exercise class for that matter. I’m so scared of hurting my back that for now I just walk. I probably need to get advice on what I can do in the future.
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Strong motivation is the key factor for me. I recently lost some weight after a friend posted a horrible picture of me on FaceBook. That was enough motivation for me. Writing down all my reasons to lose weight and looking at the list every day helped too, as well as tweaking my eating plan until it worked for me.
The hardest part is keeping up the motivation after the weight is gone. But like you said, it’s a lifestyle change that keeps it off for good.
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Laura Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Lindy: It’s funny, I’ve gone through stages of writing down reasons, doing different diets, getting motivated by pictures of myself and that’s all worked short term, just not long term. This time I’m taking it one day at a time, logging my food intake on Livestrong and it’s working. It’s all about the mind.
Well done on losing some weight, it’s not easy
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Seven years aago I lost weight with a nutritionnist : protein+veggie + being very careful about my intake. Two years ago, my husband flew away in a week time and my kilos are back on my hips. I feel miserable, I am exhausted and currently asking for help.
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Laura Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Nicole: I hope you’re getting help, as I know how hard this all is. Take one day at a time and know that you can do this…for yourself.
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I’ve just found your blog – it is fantastic! Bonus: looks like you recently visited Vancouver, my home town.
I’ve also struggled with my weight. I have found that the only thing that really works for me long term is small and constant change. I’ve done the track every calorie thing and it works. But then you stop. For me it has to be about being mindful and in the moment, about stopping and thinking before I walk into a cafe and buy a muffin because I am tired or feeling stressed out. Food, like smoking, too much internet, booze or what have you, is just another vice for some of us.
R
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Low carb is tough though, because:
(a) A lot more work & less convenience: low carb eating involves more work on average per meal in prepping, cooking, etc. All the quick & “easy” stuff: sandwiches, pasta, rice, etc – are all high carb, and
(b) More expensive: compare the cost of meat, cheese oils, veggies, etc with that of bread, rice, pasta, & potatoes.
Though I must admit, sticking with low carb has always resulted in lost weight & improved bloodwork (cholesterol and triglycerides) for me.
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Laura, you might want to check out http://www.marksdailyapple.com
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JMHO – having tracked the finance as well as the carbs – low(er) carb is cheaper – for me. Back in the day when low carb first came out as a diet alternative, it wasn’t as restrictive as today (or as Atkins). Keeping it under 80g or so per day is easy peasy. Well, maybe not peas… I like moderation, even in low carb.
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