I’ve lost 10 pounds so far in July. But I am NOT on a diet.
Diets suck. Not just because of the restrictions and changes and giving up what you want. They suck because they get your hopes up. Any diet does it. It promises you that you’ll look amazing in your jeans or bikini or wedding dress or whatever. Promises that if you stick to the diets rules, you’ll feel better and have more energy and be more attractive. But a diet always ends. Even if you didn’t mark your calendar, the stop date arrives the second you step on the scale and see your goal weight. In that instant there is elation and joy, but there is also relief because you diet is over. You’re done with the restrictions. And unless you’ve changed your lifestyle and habits, you will watch the scale numbers slowly creep back upward. And unless you’ve found alternatives to the way you ate before, you’re not going to stay at your goal weight. So all those feelings of hope, excitement, achievement from sticking to your new food plan might as well be hidden in the back of the refrigerator with the carrots and Greek yogurt you’re not eating anymore. And you’re left without any of that and maybe some extra, unwanted pounds. Every diet is an artificial well of hope.
I’ve been there. I lost weight before my wedding. It came back. I lost weight without carbs. And it’s here again. I’ve lost wight any number of ways. It’s all back. I get so excited, feel so good. But old habits die hard, and I eat crap again and sink back into my couch.
So for these 30 Days, I decided that I was not going on a diet. I might be thrilled by the lower numbers I see on my scale, and trust me, I’m happy. But I can’t be on a diet any more. I refuse to get stuck into the fat-hopeful-estatic-fat circle that diets rope you into. My eating habits are different than they were last month or six months ago. They’re healthier. I’m following healthy guidelines. But I’m not strict with myself. I give myself choices. I allow the occasional splurge. And I don’t feel bad when I eat a single Oreo after lunch. I am exercising and eating consciously. But I’m not looking toward a goal weight or skinny jeans.
I’m looking toward a long, long, long and healthy life.
I love this, and congrats on loosing 10 pounds, here’s to your health!
Thanks Virginia! It’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Good job! you’re doing great, PLUS setting a good example to the family. Awesome!
It’s is awesome ADOC. And so exciting! Thanks!
Way to go! I completely agree with you- diets don’t work. The only thing that works is moderation and making healthy changes that are sustainable.
Sustainable is a great word for it, Erin. It has been important for me to look toward the long-term and overall health rather than the quick fix.
Paula says
Such a great approach! One that I need to seriously adopt…better food and more exercise. Well, to be honest, start exercising! Love the photo of the measuring tape.
You know, I feel silly that it’s taken me so long to figure this approach out. But it really is just a total mind shift. I think the exercising is harder than the eating, really. And I’m still looking for some kind of workout that LOVE and really want to do long term.
Juliie says
Congratulations Anna. I agree, a healthy lifestyle is the most important thing. Feeling great and being able to do the things you want is what life is all about. I really hate the word “diet” anyway. It always makes me think of something negative which in reality is not true. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Julie. Diet is such a negative word, isn’t it. And it shouldn’t be, but so many people dread healthy eating. And then they wonder why their diets are successful. It’s a shame.