Be confident in your plans and push forward.

Obese belly in a mirror

The enemy of a plan to strive to improve your health and lose weight is quitting.  This summer, I really let myself go and gained a bunch of weight.  I gained back nearly 15 pounds, and I felt terrible.  I tried multiple times to get back on track and nearly decided just to quit.  I knew I was overweight and the temptation to quit was there, but I refused to give in to the temptation.  My problems started with I made the transition to a new work location that promised longer hours and plenty of local family members to eat and cook with.   Then, I went on vacation in July.  The heat made me miserable, and I caught a glimpse of the huge gut I had acquired in a bathroom mirror.  I was mortified that I had gained so much weight back.  I am hoping my journey over the past few months will provide some inspiration to you like has for me.  

Think about why you want to lose weight.  Focus on that motivation and avoid the doom and gloom that makes you want to give up.  You have hit that point where your motivation is waning and your need to mix things up to add back the excitement you need to remain motivated.  If you a have put on a little weight, use that pair of pants that bearly fits, step on the scale and absorb the numbers, or walk a hill or set of stairs and feel the exhaustion.  Use the step back to motivate you to make a change toward success.    

I have started the journey toward better health and lower weight, again.  To date, I’ve lost over 10 pounds, and I’m well on my way to my goal of losing those 20 pounds.  I am proud of my success, and I hope it motivates you.  My journey to better health actually started 2.5 years ago.  I am down over 30 pounds and 50 pounds my peak weight.  I just want to inspire people not to give up.  Life is rough, and obstacles arise to derail us from our path to better health.  You can sit around feeling sorry for yourself, or you can get back on track and push forward to your goal.

So how did I do it, again?  I committed to a slow weight loss plan with portion control and moderate activity.  I chose this because I can maintain it for the rest of my life.  To maintain weight loss, you have to develop a lifelong plan.  Without a steady plan, you will certainly yo-yo or regain the weight.  I am no master of consistency, but hopefully, this time that will change.  

Tips for success:

1. Develop a plan and plan for roadbumps in the road.
2. If you fail to stick to the plan, restart imemdiatelty after the slip up.
3. Develop a support network and use it.  
4. Don’t dwell on your less successful attempts.  
5. Avoid the all-or-nothing mentality.  
6. Know your triggers that cause splurging and avoid them.
7. Journal to document your successes.   
8. Never give up

The bottom line: NEVER GIVE UP!  The key to successful weight loss and maintenance is one word: Consistency.  Good luck.