184.0 5%, Only 5%?

I was watching the Today Show this morning and was delighted to see the segment about dieting with Dr. Nancy Snyderman. She and the nutritionist talked about the fact that only about 5%, yes 5%, of the people who lose weight are able to maintain their weight loss. The most important part of their message was that you have to make the commitment to lose weight because it matters to you rather than any other reason, and that it has to become a lifestyle rather than a short term diet. I smiled when Dr. Snyderman said she thinks the word diet is a 4 letter word.

After watching this, I immediately sat down at my computer and wrote a comment to Dr. Snyderman basically saying that I agreed with what she had said but that she didn't go far enough. Until you understand why you are using food to the extent you are so that you gain weight, you can't possibly take it off and keep it off long term. It's everything I have been blogging about during these past 10 months. And, it's what Geneen Roth speaks to in her book "Women, Food, and God". Permanent weight loss is not a matter of simply eating less and counting calories and exercising. If that were true, there would be a lot higher percentage of success stories out there of people losing and maintaining their weight loss. Let's hear it for self examination and understanding, healing that inner pain, and moving into the healthy person we are each meant to be.

200.2 Commitments and Resolutions

Since I had such a great time with them recently, I decided to post some pictures of my grandsons. The one in the center with me is Julien, the three 1/2 year old. On your left is Alex who is 6 1/2, and Lennox, who is 8 1/2, is on your right! They made this Christmas so special with their excitement and enthusiasm, and wanting to spend time with us. Wonderful boys, but I am a bit prejudiced about them!

This morning started off with a walk with my friend Linda who is going to walk with me almost everyday, as much as our combined schedules allow. It was great walking with her. The time went by really fast and I didn't miss Willie Nelson at all. Linda teaches in the Law School at University of Louisville (KY) so comes from a totally different world than I find myself in. She lives here in Scottsdale on a half time basis and has become a good friend. I know I am going to look forward to my walks with her. Since I started walking in April I have been walking alone. Jeff usually had meetings or was playing golf when I would want to walk so we rarely walked together. Walking with Linda will put more structure in my day and that is always good for me.

And, making a commitment to another person is easier for me than trying to keep a commitment that I make with myself. Hello???! I wouldn't have gained all that weight if I had kept all the commitments I made with myself. You can substitute the word resolutions for commitments if you like. I was never very good a New Year's resolutions, either. This year I didn't set down any resolutions on New Year's Day. Keeping focused on awareness, with food and in all areas of my life, is not about resolutions. It is how I am endeavoring to live, everyday.