I'm struggling right now. My thoughts are swirling around in my head. I'm not sure how to articulate myself. I have so many obstacles ahead it is hard to stay focused. This isn't the first time this has happened, so I should be able to deal with it. But I'm not. In times past, when I've had lots of challenges, I've been able to lose most of the regain in between times. Even though it was frustrating, the impact on my weight was relatively flat. Now, something has changed, and I'm not able to drop down those regains.
It started on the July 4 weekend with a 6 pound gain. I never really put my finger on that one. I thought it was water weight from dill pickles and carbonated beverages. That weight is still with me, so that completely negates the water theory. My weight has continued to creep up ever since. For the month of July, I've effectively regained everything I lost in June. It gets harder and harder for me to keep my resolve strong. It is hard to climb on the stair stepper thinking it is wasted time. It is hard to pass up the fruit since it doesn't seem to matter what I eat or how much. So far, I've managed not to pile in the ice cream or other tantalizing treat. I do know that will be harmful.
The water here is still gross. That doesn't help at all! I tried Timothy's suggestion to let it sit for 24 hours and then only drink the top. It didn't matter. I found some old Crystal Lite in my desk at work. It has been languishing there since I swore off artificial sweeteners some time ago. I figured it was better to get the water in even if it included some artificial sweeteners. Here's the worst part with the water - even with the Crystal Lite, there is a dirty undertaste. The only real solution is to buy bottled water until it rains. I'm in such a mental state now, though, that the whole water thing is just adding insult to injury.
I believe I am willing to do the hard work to fix the problem. I'm having a hard time isolating the problem. Since doing what I've done all along to lose 90 pounds isn't working anymore, it is easier to slip here & there and make things worse. A vicious downward spiral has begun and I'm not sure how to stop it or step off.
On the radio this morning, I heard that a new study* indicates that the way to lose weight and keep it off is to relax. This study found that individuals practicing meditation or yoga had better results with weight loss and keeping the weight off. So, I'm planning to add a 10 minute meditation to my day. I'm going to try and make it as regular as my work out. Maybe right before or after, so that I don't forget. Something has got to give soon. I'm not sure how much more of this I can take!!
*I wasn't in a position to write down the source of the study. I haven't seen anything in print or on line to document the source. If I find it, I'll post it here.
Lessons Learned
3 years ago
Well, I have read and heard many times that stress causes weight gain. I think I wrote a post once about the actual science behind it. So anything that reduces stress might help. I also read that people who do yoga are more body conscious and "they" think that contributes to them being thinner, eating better, all that jazz.
ReplyDeleteI also think our bodies get used to what we eat and our workouts and sometimes we need to shake things up to confuse them and hopefully jump start our metabolism. Something to think about.
Can I do anything to help?
I have rarely had the experience of not losing or, let alone gaining, while doing everything right--until now.
ReplyDeleteWhen others reported that event, I would think, "Well, at least you don't have to blame yourself--you know you did what you were supposed to do."
Haha. I discovered yesterday that doing it right is small comfort when the scale doesn't move. And if the scale went up, ack, devastating!
I know I did things right. I documented closely--all the numbers---every day.
So, I sympathize with you. Sadly, I have no solution for you. For now, I'm doing what you are doing. I'm sticking to my plan and trying to look for the cause of my stall.
And I'm reminding myself that I'm having victory over my compulsive overeating for the first time in years. That's pretty big.
(Yes, I'm saying that over and over again. that's pretty big...that's pretty big...)
I wish us both well!
Deb
You know, Lori, I am struggling too and I think it's for much the same reason. I remember this from last year. All of a sudden, you and I are both hit at the same time with all these social functions that we have to attend and that we have to act right at (ha, ha) because they involve the work of our spouses. And they ALL involve food which is sometimes hard to get around. My birthday is this weekend and no matter what I say or do, I'm already dealing with parents and MIL who only want to "take me out." But this isn't about me - it's about you and I'm am so sorry. Sometimes it really does feel like just too much and why bother when it seems like one step forward and three backward. Please don't give up - you've come to far.
ReplyDeleteStress does cause weight gain - when I look at my stats, my worst month was March, when we went through mom's nursing home placement and then working on her home to prepare it for sale. It was a tough month.
ReplyDeleteMeditation is a good thing for sure - around that time I started to turn the TV off and put classical music on as well as praise music. I started listening to the bible on CDs in the van as well as listening to books on CD. It all really helped me, as well as sitting with my bible and meditating on it.
I would advise that you stop looking at the big picture and look at the little things - what you need for the next hour, until lunch, etc. etc. When the hours are looked after, the days end up being looked after. Don't jump ahead to all the what-ifs of tomorrow - just do your best & move on.
As to water - what about lime or lemon in it? We get an algae taste in our water at the end of the summer, even though we have a reverse osmosis filter on our tap. There are healthier water additives - green tea/lemon etc. that I've used. They do have more calories though - but I spread mine into a bigger amount of water.
Hope that helps! ((( hugs )))
Dawn
wow such similar problems. i too have had ZERO loss in july, and i regained the hard fought 10 pounds to be at plateau weight AGAIN. so i'm changing things completely and starting weight watchers in the morning. maybe you should try something completely different to "shock" the body into change. sending love/prayers you way darlin. do NOT give up you Will figure this out! xoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteFriend, I am so sorry you are struggling. I have recently been where you are and someone told me that I too should relax and enjoy where I am today. I've been so focused on the end goal...fighting and clawing to get there...that I've not enjoyed the journey along the way. I was told this yesterday.
ReplyDeleteWith my new relaxed attitude today, I had a great day. I got new clarity of mind, my troubles seemed to diminish, my joy was restored and I had a successful day.
All because I relaxed and enjoyed my day. Don't get me wrong, I still focused on my plan, but I did not let other stresses in to throw me off.
That's what has helped me. I hope you get to feeling better soon.
Girl you have come so far and touched many lives. You have done something, that not many people have achieved. You will make your goal...you're going to get there. I just know it!
Take care and God Bless you!!
Stay focused!!!
I am so sorry to hear you're struggling. :(
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to exercise, even though it might seem like it is no use for your weight loss, try to remember that it IS good for your health, and that you ARE getting in shape. You're not exercising JUST to lose weight, are you?
If the things you used to do don't work, maybe your body has adjusted and is used to this approach now? Try to switch it up a little, try new forms for workouts, new foods etc. Remember, you're body has changed SO much (and you should be so proud!), so it is literally a different body than when you started! That's probably why you need some new approaches!
Good luck! :)