Is It Sustainable?

I woke up this morning feeling tired and overweight.  Stayed up watching the World Series and then ate late. 

World Series every so often? Fine.  Eating late?

I know better. 

So I woke up this morning and today is the first day of my goal to lose 10 pounds by year end.  Picking the holiday season to do it probably isnt the smartest time, but there will always be an excuse, so that is my line, 10 pounds, Jan 1st.

I started thinking of ways to get there, but this question kept coming up in my mind, "Is this sustainable?"  If it isnt, I will go right back to my old habits in no time.  Sustainability is the key to sucess I am finding.  That is why Adkins people usually gain all the weight  back.  You cant sustain eating nothing but protein long term. 

But there is another factor to the equation that makes it even tougher:  To be sustainable, it has to be enjoyable as well.

We always go back to doing what we enjoy, period.

And thus the problem.  :) 

I havent figured out my plan yet, but I know the 2 above factors have to be present for the changes to be long term.  Any advice appreciated!

PB

Comments

[Carolyn]

I agree with Jim I think more about Movement and productivity than FOOD.

[teresa skelley]

I say go for the big tv contract. :-)

teresa

[Gwenda]

Bobby,
Weight Watchers. It works, end of sentence.
:-)

I have lost weight with weight watchers. The biggest thing that I found helpful were the weekly meetings (and yes, there were men there too, more women, but there were men). Even though I'm no longer going and regained weight lost that's more about those life circumstances you can't always control than weight watchers not working. I would still be going if I could afford it in these times and fully plan on incorporating it back into my life once I'm working full time again. It works, no question.

Is it enjoyable and sustainable? I'd say yes b/c while you're learning how to eat right they also teach you that it's not realistic to give up all those "bad for you foods" you love. Being able to treat yourself with them is worked into the "system." Sustainable....I think as long as you continue to go to meetings (built in accountability-hello!), yes. And once you've met your goal weight and maintained it for a certain length of time the meetings are free as long as you stay within 2 lbs of your goal weight.

Also, before I started going and was thinking about it, I used to find myself thinking things like "you're not overweight *enough* for weight watchers." - what does THAT mean? Any excuse to give myself to not do it, right? So all that to say even if all you have to loose is 10 lbs ("all", personally I think the fewer lbs you have to loose the harder it is.)

Also, if you don't already you should watch The Biggest Looser...very inspiring. And be thankful that Jillian (love her) isn't on your but cussing you out and forcing you to work out every day! LOL

G

ps. the thing they've stopped reminding everybody about Jarod and Subway is that the man WALKED EVERYWHERE HE WENT!

[Freddie]

Ask the Lord to replace the desire for food with Himself.

[BobbyLepinay]

Jenny, I am ordering the book now. Brandy? P90x....now way. :)

Jim, as always, your advice really makes me think and I agree: Think of food as fuel. My body is wanting to overtake my brain though!

Markos.....yep....eating out is a killer.

Jason, Ellen, I have started walking again this morning with the 'beast'. Cutting calories is easy....til nighttime!

Gin.....you know better...:)

Donna...thanks for the cup! Also, will pick that up at Evermans next time for sure.

Teresa, I am liking it! Jason did it with Subway. Maybe I can do Pizza Hut for a year and get a big tv contract???

Trevor, excellent advice on avoiding distractions. I am doing weight lifting at the gym but it isnt helping the middle. :) Calorie reduction, plain and simple, but in a way that my body doesnt feel deprived??

Thanks guys! Putting it all together like this gives a good composite. PB

[Trevor Gehman]

My first advice: Do everything you can to eliminate unnecessary hassles in your workout regimen.

1. Get nice workout equipment, or join a gym. Don't use equipment that requires a lot of steps to setup or change. If it's in any way a hassle to prepare for, you won't do it.

2. Have a nice workout space. Don't workout in a cramped, dirty garage with barking dogs. It will demotivate you, rather than relax you.

3. Eliminate distractions. Working out helps clear your mind, so get away from whatever is distracting you. Working out should never stress you out.

My second advice: Increase your food budget, especially when trying to lose weight. You're going to look for food that is Cheap, Easy and Healthy, but you can only have 2 of the 3.

If you run a calorie deficit of just 2-300 every day, there's no doubt you can lose 10 pounds in two months.

[teresa skelley]

How about a strict diet of nothing but pizza and coke?......just kidding :-)

love ya,
teresa

[DONNA]

DRINK LOTS OF WATER! NO SOFT DRINKS AT ALL! AND TRY "NUTRALREV" BY NATURAL VITALITY SOLD AT EVERMANS. IT WILL GIVE YOU LOTS OF HEALTHY ENERGY AND HELP TO BURN CALORIES. GREAT STUFF. GOOD LUCK.

[mike & gin]

There's weight watchers:-)

[Jason and Ellen Beck]

We counted calories and walked. It works beautifully. You can really eat what you want, but you do have to stick to your calorie intake for the day.

[Markos]

dude, develop an outdoor habit such as biking, running, or walking where you can get away, wrestle with God. Also, cook from scratch and try not to eat out too often. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables each day. Michelle is a cooking lover and does most from scratch. When we are were in the states for a couple of months eating at people's homes and out a lot, I gained a few pounds. I found for me to develop a love of something active and do with someone helps. I take the kids in the stroller. Its a fun way we connect and I can kill myself while having fun. The P90x is a tough program that I think is something that will not last long term since it is a body beater. I have a lot of my college buddies on it to lose the 30ish flab, but for longterm a hard one to settle on...Just some thoughts for you. Blessings, Mark

[Jim Mather]

I appreciate your sense of a specific weight goal but feel it is too short sighted. I almost NEVER think about weight. I think about what I want to do to help me achieve health. I view food primarily as fuel for doing what I want to do in life. I can't put into my body anything which hinders the big goal... being healthy. I have found that specific goals related to my physical activity (running races) keeps me accountable a few times a year to measuring my health. Your weight is important but very secondary to health.

[brandyg]

Are Michael & Courtney still leading the PX90 community group? You should try that!! That stuff is cu-RazY- you'd prob lose those 10lbs in 3 days...

[Jenny Smith]

Read the book 'weigh down'...it is the answer...not a diet but a new mind set and easy to do. I know people who have lost a ton of weight and kept it off for good AND you can still eat what you enjoy :)