171.8 Better than Good Enough

On the long road of dieting that I have traveled throughout most of my life, I always knew it was possible to lose some weight. And, I always thought that was good enough. I also knew that I would put weight back on, because that was the only way I knew how to think. It was as if the yo yo syndrome was to be expected, and dealt with as desired :).

What I have learned and practiced through hypnosis during this "weight loss adventure" is that there is a much different, much better result that can be had. I'm really aware of it now as I am in the situation of dealing with so many Christmas treats, parties, dinners out, etc. I have gained a little, but I am not depressed, not frightened by the really small amount of weight gained. I am not saying oh well, here we go again. I am saying okay, get moving, be aware, and enjoy life. I'm saying stay optimistic and full of energy and life and all will be well.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a very happy, very healthy New Year!

196.0 A Weight Loss Adventure

What if I develop a salad addiction, having to have one first thing in the morning? I was really looking forward to it as I got up today. I did add about 1/2 cup of kidney beans instead of only 10 which is what I did yesterday. And, I didn't eat anything else until about 2:30 when I was offered a very thin slice of chicken from the deli lady at the local grocery store.

But last night I was ravenous. I don't know what to blame it on and it probably doesn't matter in the overall scheme of things, but I just couldn't get rid of that feeling of gnawing hunger. So I ate oranges, bread, oh I am being so honest here, peanut butter, and I drank a lot of water, but it was "harsh" as my grandson Alex likes to say about anything uncomfortable.

So I am shaking up the regime. You won't see my weight posted next to the title for about a week, which means I won't be weighing every day. It's funny. I fought against that in the beginning and now I am having a hard time giving it up. But instead of focusing on numbers, I am going to focus on eating smaller portions, writing everything down, and listening to my body as I eat each meal. And, getting back into the habit of hypnosis everyday. I guess I did choose a good name for this blog! It is turning into quite an adventure!

197.4 It's All About The Pants!

You know what is really a part of this weight loss adventure as much as anything? Tight pants, or loose pants! As I lose more weight I am either wearing pants that are unfashionably loose, or, a little on the tight side. Tonight I am wearing a new pair of pants and yes, they are a little tight, but mostly feel that way because I have been wearing rather loose pants. So what does all this mean? It's working! Having a tighter pair to work toward fitting into is great motivation, and it feels great to be able to zip up a pair that would not zip when purchased.

I am working hard to not be complacent and to keep in the losing mode. My weight did pop up a little this morning, and because we are going out tonight, I will focus on staying very present about what I actually eat so that it will move back down. Oh, and today, are you ready, 14 1/2 minutes on the elliptical! Onward and downward!

199.0 The Push and Pull of Change

Losing weight is always related to change. You can't do it without changing a few or many things about how and what you eat as you start undertaking a "weight loss adventure". And, your appearance changes as you lose more and more weight. In so many aspects of our lives, change is a constant, especially change brought about by external events. It is the change we impose upon ourselves that presents the biggest challenge. Folks ask if I feel different being 50 pounds lighter, and of course I do. But I am also getting used to the way it feels. And, I still face the challenge of weaving change into my everyday life everyday. Some things are very automatic now and for that I am very grateful. But there is always that tug of war going on between the push to change and the pull to return to the old. Change does not exist as something that you accomplish one day and then that's that.

I am at a very significant place right now. Twice before in my life I have lost 50 pounds and then at that point I would declare the diet a success, and slowly but surely regain those lost pounds. This time I am determined to continue to lose (30 more pounds) to reach my goal of weighing 170. But if you are keeping your eye on the number before the title of each blog, you will see that I have bogged down at this 50 pound point. Over the next few months I will lose those 30 pounds and then I will face the challenge of keeping them off. I am convinced the push to change will overtake the pull to go back and the result will be exciting and perhaps unexpected.

Oh, I also need to say that I may not be blogging everyday over the next few days. A dear relative passed away and I am not sure that I will be able to post any blogs. Do check back late next week.

199.4 Mom, How Did You Do It?

Here we go, finally. I am feeling better, but just couldn't seem to get it together until now.

Remember the story of the shoemaker whose children had no shoes? Well, I felt a little like that today when my daughter Miranda called and we both realized that she didn't really know what I had done to lose almost 50 pounds, and what I do on a daily basis that helps me keep on tract and continuing to lose. And, I just realized that new people check out my blog all the time, and unless they are diligent about reading each entry :}, they will not know the basics. So here's the post about the basics for Miranda and any others of you who may have missed this posting:
http://susanlosingaweightlossadventure.blogspot.com/2009/09/2116-letter-to-judy_09.html.
You'll have to cut and paste, but think it will be worth the time.

Another bit of information ~ my email address smbmiller@cox.net. I would love to hear from any of you via my email address so that I can just get to know who you are and why you are following the blog. You can ask me anything about the blog, the weight loss program or anything else you are curious about. I have a hunch that incorporating your thoughts, questions, etc., will make it a more interesting blog for everyone. I don't have access to any of your email addresses, even if you are a follower, so it is not possible to be in touch with you other than through comments unless you email me. So, I would love to hear from anyone who finds their way to this blog. And, I will always keep your name and email address confidential as well as any content that you don't want shared.