I have been yammering on for months (years?) about how I need to get my ish together and drop the weight I gained after my foot surgery and last marathon (November 2016). For some reason I am able to focus and then lose the plot a bit, rinse, repeat… I do think there are several factors involved that make it hard to lose weight, and whether it sounds like excuses or not, there are believable studies out there that confirm the same.
Two factors are:
- Pain
- Lack of sleep
There are two other factors that perhaps others may recognize in themselves:
- The “I don’t wanna” syndrome
- Emotional eating
I realise – for sure – that I am a broken record when it comes to weight loss but I have actually really been trying to work on the things that I can (the latter 2 factors) and try to eliminate anything that may be causing me stress (which can easily lead to emo eating).
Just before the beginning of the month I made a decision that I find crazy on the one hand (because I said I would never do it again) and logical on the other. I re-joined Weight Watchers online. I don’t have to justify it (but I will); I have been working with a lifestyle coach the last several months and that has helped me in recognizing triggers but also to think about what I eat and when I eat it (for example, I don’t need a ton of carbs if I’m not doing any running or spinning that particular day). This costs me EUR 30 each time I visit her and frankly I need just a little bit more to get me in the right direction. WW had a very attractive deal (no sign up or admin fees and EUR 16,95 a month for 3 months) so I decided to take the plunge. I had spoken to my friend Gerrit a few times about the new program (we actually met at a WW meeting years ago), and Dani (and Tori) are following it as well and even though the first few days were hell and I thought “eff this” at least 1,000 times, I think I can do it now.
I joined on a Monday but switched my weigh-in day to Wednesday, so officially TODAY is my first weigh-in. I will weigh-in every Wednesday for the next 3 months. This is the reason, basically, that I planned my entire month out. I need to know what I’m doing and how I can attack each day. Sound control-freaky? I’m ok with that.
My start weight: 79 KG (174lbs)
Weigh in #1 78,1 KG (172lbs)
Loss – 900 g (2lbs)
I’ve been “fitness/running” blogging for quite some time now but in fact I’m somewhere between two worlds, fitness and weight loss. Being on a weight loss journey, especially when you don’t stand out (I’ve not lost hundreds of pounds), is kind of a lonely place. You inspire no one. You motivate no one. You have to be strong-willed and determined and you have to be 100% committed. And that’s where I was really lacking. Commitment.
Are you at your desired weight? Have you ever had a weight “problem”?
Have you ever followed Weight Watchers or another plan?
Good for you choosing a path that fits YOU and your lifestyle. You don’t have to justify signing up for WW, many people find success with their system and enjoy how it works. Just because someone else doesn’t go that route for their own goals doesn’t mean you are doing something wrong by using WW. I have gotten back into figure competing so weight is a big deal for me. I do daily weight checks, weekly email check ins with my coach and bi-weekly check ins for body fat and measurements. Would I recommend those extremes for someone wanting to lose weight? Absolutely not. But that is MY path and what I need to do for my own current goals. Keep up the good work, you will do awesome!
A few years ago I told myself I wouldn’t be going back to WW – I didn’t feel they really understood the very active overweight person! But I can see now from diving into it again that it really has changed. So we will see. It’s not the road I want to be on forever, but I will take this path for the next couple of months and keep working on the changes I want to make alongside that! It’s nice that you understand! Good luck on your journey as well!
That’s fantastic that your lifestyle coach has helped you so much!
Yes, it’s very helpful to have someone coach you through situations and help you turn it around in a positive way. I really like her too because she also knows what it is like to be overweight and inactive. Obviously she has really turned her life around too, to have become a coach.
I totally feel the lack of sleep (I have a 3 month old baby). Curious about Weight watchers! I have 10 lbs to lose in the next 9 months…. Have you been successful with WW before?
Oh gosh I think you will have to get used to that feeling! babies will definitely zap your sleep from you! I have been successful before, yes; I joined WW in 1999 and I lost around 62lbs. I managed to keep it off for a few years but I never really learned how to cope with emotional situations and the weight eventually came back on. In 2009 I started again (after many failed false starts) and that’s when I started running as well. When I stopped the last time I was frustrated and felt they didn’t really understand athletes. The program is different now, and I’m confident I can get things on track again.
Well, I am excited for you! I think a huge advantage you have going into WW is the work you’ve already done with your life coach. Best of luck, Renee! You will have so much support from all of us blogging/running gals ;-)
Thank you so much Kim! means a lot!!
I definitely get the “I don’t wanna” syndrome sometimes, haha. I’m glad your lifestyle coach has been helping you a lot!
thanks! and yeah I know a few people with that syndrome haha!
The nurse I work with had great success with WW! But she needs to exercise. I think you can’t have one without the other. And sadly as I age, I’m putting on weight no matter what i do.
it’s so true, you really can’t have one without the other. I don’t need to be “thin”, I just want to be a little lighter to run a little more comfortably.
You got this! I’ve heard lots of success stories with WW. Good luck!
Thanks Andrea!
Fantastic! Congratulations!
I honestly don’t even own a scale. I struggled with my weight all my life and I have had to let it go. I was obese as a child and up through college, developing severe eating disorders in high school that followed me into my mid 20s. I have been in a good place for maybe 11-12 years, and I strive to stay there. I could weigh less, but I prefer to focus on staying fit and active and not worrying too much about the rest of it.
Thanks! I let go of my scale for a while, I also felt like it was turning into something very negative. And I’ve said it before – if i didn’t want to run just a bit faster and more comfortable, I would be very ok at my current weight. And I seem to be able to maintain this weight with a balance of activity and food. I am not yet where you are but at some point I would like to be.
You have to do what’s right for you – no need to justify it as you said. Sticking with good habits is tough even for those who look to be pros at it, so good for you for recognizing something that works. I’m also on the emotional eater train :)
Thanks Stephanie. If it weren’t for emo eating I think I would have the food thing down.