What I've Realized...

I have really been doing some research and paying attention to things that will help me change my life and have found many things very helpful and motivational. I wanted to take a few seconds and let you guys know what I've realized. Don't let yourself feel down because it's not easy, there are many ways to make losing weight so very rewarding.

I'm not a nutritionalist and don't have a degree but these are some things that help keep me going.

First, I didn't get to be this weight overnight so I can't expect to lose it all overnight. I set myself small goals (I never realized the importance of this before) and when I meet those goals it helps. I keep in the back of my mind what my ultimate goal is but focus each day/week on smaller, short term, attainable goals.

To give you a few examples: Each morning I set an amount of time that I want to walk/run and I don't let myself rest until I meet that goal (30 minutes, 45 minutes, or an hour). I reward myself after I meet the goal but not with food. I allow myself a little time for video games or just reading a book. This has been very fulfilling and keeping in mind that I'm rewarding myself helps me to remember that I have to change my life.

Second, I can't think of what I'm doing as a diet because that's not what it is. I'm eating healthier and I'm eating many of the foods that I love. I've just found a new way to prepare several dishes and I actually pay attention to how much I'm putting in my mouth. This is a lifestyle change and I want to carry these behaviors with me forever. Don't let yourself get discouraged, part of the fun is trying to find new ways to enjoy the things that you love while still being healthy.

Third, CC has been amazing and I want everyone to know that. Reading through the forums and seeing how many supportive people are on here is huge lift in confidence. So many others are going through the same thing that I am, I know I'm not alone in this and I can't tell you how much that realization helps.

Lastly, (and I'll stop ranting with this) I have friends who don't need to lose weight and want me to go out with them to have a good time. We start with dinner and maybe a few drinks. Many people trying to lose weight are uncomfortable doing this because you don't want to eat "Diet Food" when you're out with friends. Well, I have news for you, to be healthy you don't need diet food, you need to eat healthier food yes but many of your favorite dishes are prepared on a healthy menu in many restaurants. If you don't order from the healthy menu then just pay attention to your portions. You don't have to clear your plate just because it's there.

These are several of the realizations that I've come to recently and I think they are really helping to keep me motivated. I hope this helps someone who needs a little boost.

Good stuff, aaron!

=^..^= MOLLY

Well said Sir!

MB aka Koilady63 <}}}><

Couldn't have said it better myself!

THANK YOU Aaron, very very good thoughts!!!   I am just starting,  have found it to be  easier for me using this site!!!  I appreciate it.

Great post!! That's a very healthy attitude that will lead to success!

Thats great Aaron! With that positive attitude you'll definately be successful in the long run.

You are a wise man!  The big one for me is "one day at a time".  I have to make good choices every day and not get overwhelmed.

A+++ Aaron!

Its amazing how it hits you!! Like a light bulb comes on... 

It's all the way we think and out mind set for sure. Our minds are so powerful. And educating ourselves is the best thing we can do.

12 yrs ago I had that mind set and I know in my heart its back again. And all the things you said are sooo true!!

I used to go out with friends when I was on one of my "diets" that only lasted 2 weeks. I would sit at the table my mouth watering just reading the menu!! My brain playing tricks with me, and I lost everytime. I always ordered the worst thing on it.

Recently I have been out in the same situation a few times, and what a difference, I enjoyed the healthiest food on the menu, I didn't feel cheated or deprived, its a life style.

I really really have to thank CC for being here, its the best.

Realized=Reality....Cheers

Great Post Aaron

Aaron you sound like you are in the perfect mindset to live a healthier lifestyle. I am not quite as far along as you, but I am getting there. It's fantastic to hear from someone that has so much willpower and positive thinking!

Very true! Very inspirational!  It's all psychological! What's also important is to not forget about breakfast.  Metabolism is difficult, and not eating in the morning can throw all that off.  Eat SOMETHING to get your body going. I've been eating the new Special K bars.  They're super good and only 90 calories!  I never have an appetite in the morning, but this is something that I now look forward to.

Eat right and excercise!  It does a body good!

So proud of you. How long did it take you to realize this all seriously? I'm sort of coming to a realization but I guess a bit disorganized you know? If you read my journal or whatever you'll see what I mean, but thank you so much for this post very inspiring and right to the point. Well done Sir! 

-hananabanana 

Very well said and what encouragement you have given me just by breaking this down. I follow many of the same thoughts and to see it written in once place is wonderful. This is a life style and it takes time and having support is key. I thank my friend who brought me here for this opportunity and I look forward to meeting others who i can support and be supported by. What a wonderful way to become healthy!!! Well said Sir, and thank you!!

Hi Aaron!

I've been thinking about everything you posted for years...and this past holiday season, it hit me.  I've been able to devote myself to school and make straight A's anytime I wanted to, but I could never commit myself to weightloss.  The reasons, I am still struggling with...but the attitude adjustment was finally made! 

I will treat weight loss and getting a healthy "report card" like school - I will "study" and get better at "studying"...and keep "studying" until the report card shows all A's.  And I mean from my cholesterol to my weight.  Why didn't I think of this before?  My family always teases me about being a lifelong student...I love learning so much, so why not learn myself to a healthy me and love myself in the process!

Since realizing this, I've lost almost 8 pounds since Christmas :)

Erin

Cheers.

 

The last piece of advice seems to ring true with me- for some reason being on a 'diet' is embarrassing to me and i have no idea why. It's pretty stupid. Actually it's probably because i used to boast about how much i could eat and not be ashamed of being a pig. And now it's hard to change into the opposite kind of mindset. Really, as if anyone cares that much whether i'm on a diet or not?! argh

erin I just love how you turned it into like a school project or something. That's something I seriously need to do. Thanks for the idea!

Glad to be of help...took me a long time to realize that my strength as a student can help my food weakness.  I have off days, just like I sometimes lack motivation to study..but I can't quit school/learning...guess that means I can't quit working on my weight!

well said

You go dude!!!! 

Especially with the friends and going out, if they are true friends they will not only understand but help you with the "eating out" thing. I eat healthy and run,  I try never to miss a run even if it means not going out to dinner or going to run. Yes, my running partner (a good friend to have!!!) and I often discuss how people might get upset with us because our run is more important, well when it comes to my health and my life I guess it is.  If I were an alcoholic I wouldn't be going to a bar so why is it different, right? 

I love CC and am always inspired by everybodys stories, triumphs and questions.

God Bless You  and keep it going forward.!!

Elaine 

Great posting Aaron. Keep up the great work.