Sharing some "stick 2 it" secrets!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2004
Sharing some "stick 2 it" secrets!!!
11
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 11:43am
Hi, everyone...

I seem to be having a pretty easy time of "sticking to it" these days. Well, it's not easy, but I do have some tricks up my sleeve so I thought, why not share these with everyone. Maybe it would help someone else "stick to it..."


Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself: This is a sure set-up for failure. Start small. Weight loss: 5lb increments. If you reach it, let up for a day or so. Let your body get used to being there. Be happy... then shoot for another 5 lbs! Maybe 5 is too much. How about 2 pounds increments? You'd be surprised how many times I had to do this... RIght now, I am on half pound increments.. seriously.. when I can keep a half a pound off for a couple days, I move on...I find this the secret to how I keep my weight off... in the past, if I dropped HUGE amounts all at one time, my body wouldn't adjust. When I would gain it back, I wouldn't gain just a pound or 2, I'd gain the whole kit-and-kaboodle back plus some. Not good. Slow and steady wins the weightloss race.

Remember that EACH DAY is a NEW DAY!: When I get up in the morning, I notice things I've placed around me that remind me "you are trying to lose weight here..." ( put up signs that say "remember your 30 plan." NO one but me has a clue as to what that means) So, before an ounce of food hits my lips, I try to plan ahead what I can do to make this day a successful day. "DO NOT EAT THE DONUTS AT WORK" (I repeat that in my head...) I think BEFORE HAND about the guilt I would feel for days.. over eating that darn donut that I tasted for 5 minutes.. NOT WORTH IT!! And when I don't eat it, that proud feeling last a while too!! And I even take smaller steps than a "day" at a time... I take a "moment" at a time in consideration. how to make BREAKFAST successful. How to make time between breakfast and lunch successful. How to make lunch successful.. you get the picture. All the way till I lay my haed on my pillow. Like I said, small increments...

When the going gets tough??: Yeah... it happens to all of us! You get those DARN CRAVINGS!! Well, yes, there are those times that I just can't take it any more.. usually the TOM..right, ladies?? First I try the healthiest alternative (ie: sugarfree chocolate, sugarfree gummie bears, etc). Then I try to distract myself with something else. If I just can't resist, I give in.. so "some".. I'll have a HALF a donut, or a SMALL piece of cake. Walk away from the source (who ate the WHOLE box of fudge before mothers day?? lol). If there's something that I've been craving for days.. (me, it's been garlic bread and desserts of all things...) I remind myself that there will be a day, once again, that I can have those things.. and I think about how much I would enjoy them even more if I could, in fact, wait till it's the right time to indulge... One of my treats that I am going to give myself when I reach my ultimate goal? I am going to have the dinner that I love most.. and my favorite dessert. I am going to enjoy every last bite! SO, I think about that meal. I imagine every bite, all the wonderful tastes... That helps me to fight off the cravings now.... knowing I CAN have it later...

Something is better than nothing: This pertains to exercise. There are SOOOO MANY days that I just DON'T want to move. On these days, I make SUPER small exercise goals. 5 min on the treadmill. 10 min at lunch. 10 sit-ups... if I make it through the small goal of whatever is setting me back... I can quit guilt free if I want.. I can honeslty say.. I've Never quit then. When I get that far, I can just keep going... but if I did quit, I would remember that little bit of exercise I did.. and know that "something is better than nothing..."

OH, and on tough occasions.. like that wedding coming up, or mother's day, or whatever food related holiday... PLAN AHEAD... get that game plan ahead of time. I did that for mother's day and I didn't cheat, even an ounce. I thought about all the ways I could destroy my diet on mothers day. OVER EATING the bad things... Well, the first thing I did, maybe not the best choice, but I skipped breakfast. I thought "I'm running behind now.. I can go without these calories now.. if I skip these, I can afford a few later..." Then, when the "later" got there and we sat down at that mother's day buffet, I made sure I FILLED UP on a NICE BIG SALAD. I treated myself to a little extra dressing. Then I ate my protein and steamed veggies. Then, when everyone else was hitting the desserts (multiple times for my dad..lol) I didn't have a single one. why? I was FULL of all the good things. Besides, I knew there would be another day that I could have those wonderful desserts. So, I skipped them then.. I'll enjoy them later... It was a sucessful holiday!! I made it!! And I know there are times when you are with family. and they are often not the most supportive folks. And mom's and Grandma's sometimes get offended if you don't eat their cooking. I just tell a little white lie that my "tummy" is a bit uspet.. that way, you can get away with eating what you want.. and not offending anyone...


OK, I hope you don't all think my little secrets are corny. But, seriously, I live them day to day.. Maybe they'll help someone. If they do, I'd like to know!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 12:14pm

GReat post Pam!!!


For those that can't see the "light" because the tunnel is too dark. I also suggest you take increments in your workouts.


ie. for me, thinking about running everyday to lose weight over who knows how many weeks/months was WAY too overwhelming. Thinking about the gym everyday, sucked. For me, this whole Slim in 6 thing works because it's ONLY 6 weeks. I have a goal. A dead line. I am working towards that REGARDLESS of how much I lose or not lose. It's just a goal. And it works.


So, if you're like me. Somethings are too short and some thigns are too long. Find sometning, pick a timeline and work out. Like you could say, I'm giong to run every other day for two weeks. and that's it. it seemed to help me more.


I love Pam's whole idea of increments. Although, for me, everyday is a struggle and it's a new day. :D

~Cher




my pet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 12:38pm
Great post Pam, and I don't think any of your little secrets are *corny* at all! Thanks for taking the time to jot all your ideas down for us....there are some really great thoughts there!
=== Spring Into Summer ===

cl-vi_islandgirl
co cl @Getting Fit In Your 30's
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-fbfitthirty

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 1:39pm
What has been working for me is planning ahead. Last Thursday it was mny daughter's bday and we were taking her out to dinner. So I cut back on my calories all day so that before dinner I was at 600 and then I looked up the restaurant " applebees" on the interent and looked up a specific dinner that was at the calories I wanted. I had my dinner picked put before I got there and I was able to enjoy the dinner and stay at my calories. Mothers day I did the same I had had already anthiing for breakfast and was able to enjoy the barbecue. I also carry the pocket calorie guide so I can look up quiick fast food ideas when i eat out.

Rainey


Rainey



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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 2:09pm

Pam,


Thank you so much for sharing all your secrets!

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 2:18pm

Thanks Pam!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-26-2004
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 5:53pm
Oh Pam, how did you know that I needed this pep talk today!!!! You must have read my mind!!! I am feeling really discouraged lately and knowing your secrets has really helped me to think about getting back on track. Yes you are right when you said, "Each day is a new day"! Sometimes I forget that and when I fall off the wagon I stay off for a while, but you have given me hope!!!

Thanks, KIM

PS: NO MORE FUDGE FOR ME!!!!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2004
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 9:28pm
Well, Kim...

It wasn't anyone's mind I read. It was all the recent posts. I sensed a LOT of frustration amungst us gals. And I had been getting a lot of praise for "sticking to it" lately.. and well, it just hasn't been hard for me. So, I pondered as to how this could be. (I'm always pondering...). Anywho, I just think that maybe I've finally got it figured out this once. And well, I thought why not share my ways. Who knows. If it helps but one person, then it was totally worth it!! Also, an advantage I have over most is, that I have a very analytical mind. I am always trying to find the BEST way to do things. I guess that's why I'm a scientist by day, right? lol.. Speaking of "by day" I did sooo many little exercises today at work and not a sole noticed. HOw cool that was. The only thing I haven't done yet is my sit-ups. And those are right after I am done here..lol. AND, when I am having another bad day(s) ahead, I'll look my post up and give it a looksee... I think I might be heading that way as I head in to that dreaded TOM again..*sigh*.. I never ending battle...lol

Above all I know we are all a bunch of extroidinary women.. for that I am MOST proud!

~Pam

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-26-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 2:11pm
You are right there, we are a bunch of extroidinary women!!!! Thanks again for taking the time to post. It was a light at the end of a dark tunnel for me these last couple of weeks. I started the day off with 15oz of water and that set the tone for the day. From then on it was a calorie contious and cardio filled day.

Yippie, KIM
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 4:21pm
All the posts were so motivating.

I am always looking for ways to help me stay on track. I have been struggling so long with loosing weight. You ladies are a great help.


Robyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2004
Sat, 05-15-2004 - 10:47pm
Hi smartredfox, I just had some time to read through some posts, I normally am in and out and never have time to see really what I've missed. I came across this post of yours and this is awesome! It's sooo true that we need to set small goals and take baby steps. I am so proud of you for using these secrets and losing your weight! Thank you for sharing and I'll let you know how well I do....

Swan

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