On Being in Maintenance Mode

[scarlettina]

The last few weeks have been a very challenging time for me in terms of food and my weight loss journey. I find that, with the stress of job hunting and interviewing, all I want to do is feed my face. With the pain I've been dealing with in my left knee, I've been averse to impact exercise even as I miss it in the extreme. And so my weight loss has

Comments

[willowgreen]

My problem with losing weight has been that once you reach your goal, you're looking at a lifetime of maintenance -- something at which I've failed so repeatedly that I'm scared even to try again. I really admire your commitment to the process.

Also, words of encouragement: Once when I was taking a prenatal yoga class, the instructor said, "Work with the body you came in with today -- not the one you had yesterday or the one you think you're going to have tomorrow." I've found that advice useful in a variety of situations.

[scarlettina]

My problem with losing weight has been that once you reach your goal, you're looking at a lifetime of maintenance -- something at which I've failed so repeatedly that I'm scared even to try again.

Believe me, I understand this. I've yoyoed, succeeded and failed, over and over again. My approach this time is all about practice: practicing eating right, practicing my attitudes and approaches to things. I think some of it, too, is how I'm looking at maintenance. It's a discipline, but every discipline has some room for freestyling--so I can face the prospect of maintenance as long as I know how to deal with a Theo's chocolate bar or how to deal with stress eating. It's not easy, and our culture is not set up to make it so.

And thanks for the encouragement. It really is a "one day at a time" process. Working with the body I have today is certainly different than working with the body I had a year or more ago. That's a really good thought, and one I need to bear in mind. I know where I've been; I'm pretty sure I know where I am; I'm

[prettyshrub]

*HUGS* Keep that attitude, it will do you good. Also, look into the community center pools for swim exercises. It is a good workout and you won't impact your knee. It's usually under $5 and you can reward yourself by sitting in the hot tub afterwards.

[ironymaiden]

Ballard pool's aqua jog might fit the bill.

[katybeth]

And Ballard pool has a hot tub.

[scarlettina]

I'll look into that, absolutely. (I need to make sure I actually have a bathing suit in the process...)

[aberwyn]

Does your local PBS station run the "Sit and Be Fit" exercise program? It gives you a work-out you can do while sitting down. Perfect for those bad knee days.

[e_bourne]

It's a lifestyle . I find it easiest to think of eating changes like that. Diet seems temporary while a lifestyle goes on.

Also at least on of your big meals this week was nearly carb free, and that can make a difference.

[the_same_andrew]

So, in the end, this is practice for what I hope the next 40 years are like once I reach my final goal.

Probably true. I feel that way so much of the time about so many things!

Well done.