For the most part, I feel I've been really happy and positive about everything to do with this quest. I don't let the struggles get me down and I find ways to enjoy all the work I'm putting into this. It's been an incredibly uplifting time! I've even been able to overcome the negativity of people who truly wish for me to fail, for reasons I'll never know or understand. I've let go of any emotional baggage holding me back. I've crushed all of my goals for a total current weight loss of 30 pounds! It's been life-changing in all the best ways!
However, I can't help but get irritated at times. In talking so openly about what I'm doing, I'm exposing so much of myself for others to criticize. Anyone who's "dieted" in their lives can tell you that people are all too eager to give their opinion on what you're doing. Most of the time it's helpful! Those who've experienced success in weight loss offer up words of encouragement and useful tips to get through the difficult aspects of the process. Those who are currently going through it with you serve as an accountability partner to help you maintain focus. But then there are those who say you're doing it all wrong. "That meal plan is too heavy in protein", "you HAVE to exercise at least an hour a day", "why are you focusing on toning when you should be doing more cardio?"... and it's the song that never ends. Yes, indeed it does go on and on, my friends.
I think people like to assume that this is my first experience in trying to drop weight, which is totally understandable. It IS my first time being successful at it so it's a valid misconception. In thinking that, several people have tried to take the reins from me, saying that I should follow their plan for me in losing their idea of the right amount of weight. I know it comes from a very loving and well-meant place so I smile and listen, trying to be understanding. But in my head I'm just thinking 'This ain't my first rodeo y'all'!
Contrary to what most people think, those of us who struggle with weight are actually extremely well-read and educated on healthy lifestyles. We're probably even your best experts if looking into weight loss programs! There are few diets, meal plans, or programs that I haven't tried. Atkins, Slim 4 Life, Slim Fast, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, Skinny Switch, South Beach, etc, etc. I've tried them all. I've failed at them all. But I do know how they work and the benefits of each. Am I still learning and in need of advice? Absolutely! But I do know what works for my body and what works for my life.
I think the main problem with all of the constant advice and "help" I'm getting is that everyone has a different answer for the same issue. Like I said on my facebook page, I stopped eating bananas because one person once told me that they slowed down metabolism. That turned out to be completely untrue! Bananas actually help your metabolism and provide additional nutrients that benefit weight loss. So I finally got to eat bananas again, which I LOVE! Another time, I was eating too few calories for months because one person told me that was what would give me the best results. It actually put my body into starvation mode and caused me to plateau for two weeks! Yikes!
The point that this whole blog is trying to make is that I have to be my own captain on this journey as long as I'm doing it by myself (when I get to the resort they can definitely take control!). I have to do the research, I have to read the books and listen to the professionals, I have to test things out and see if they work for me, I have to be the one who decides what, when, and how I'm going to do things. Because in the end, nobody knows me better than I do. I'm the only one who can control the outcome of this quest so I have to stand up and say "Thank you so much for your advice, I'll definitely look into it" and then make my own judgment call about the information I've been given. Some advice has led me astray and that's not what I need. In order to stay the course, I just have to be strong in all aspects. So... Jesus take the wheel and KJ take the navigation. No worries... we got this :-)
P.S. If you read this and wondered if I was talking about you or your personal input on my journey, don't worry! Ha ha. I've already had conversations with the people who I felt needed to let go of the control and they all were wonderful and gracious about doing so. If you and I haven't had that conversation, keep the tips and encouragement coming. I love it all and truly do appreciate every single person who's continued to support me! You're the best!
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