I know there is a whole anti-New Year’s resolution movement happening but this isn’t about that. I am fine with resolutions. Being forced to reflect and make plans to be and do better seems OK to me. I have made resolutions, some successfully and some not-so-much but I definitely see the value in drawing a line in the sand and committing to making some positive changes. What better line to draw then a brand new year?
But this is not a resolution. It is a gift I am giving myself.
Many times over the years I stepped on the scale, discouraged, and vowed to lose weight. I vowed to “get skinny”, fit into those jeans, look more attractive. I saw my weight gain as weakness and I hated myself for it.
Not anymore, something has shifted. Maybe it is my over-40 attitude. Maybe it is a newly realized self-acceptance found through acknowledging and celebrating all of the great things about me and not focusing so much on the things I don’t like. Maybe it is the knowledge that this body is a sturdy, healthy one and it has carried me this far. I don’t know.
So, instead of resolving to look better I am giving myself a gift. Instead of being ashamed of my body I am going to celebrate it and love it and treat it right. I am going to take care of it because I deserve a healthy body to carry me through the rest of this amazing journey.
I have not been doing this, especially recently. I have been stressed out and making unhealthy choices – not moving enough, eating poorly and not consciously thinking about what my body needs.
So, there are three main things I am going to do to change this.
1) I am going back to the tried and true. I am going to go back to the one place that has helped me get perspective on eating and made my body feel good while helping me get control – Weight Watchers.
I know, it sounds like a weight loss resolution in disguise but it’s not. I have tried tons of diets and weight loss programs. Weight Watchers is the one program where I felt healthy, not deprived. Weight Watchers helped me get control and, right now, that is what I need. Plus, taking into consideration recent research on “hedonic hunger” (eating for pleasure) they have introduced a new approach with Weight Watchers 360°. I think this could really help me in better understanding the reasons why my eating falls apart at certain times in my life and show me how to address these challenges by managing my environment.
2) I am going to start moving more. I haven’t decided exactly how. I used to love to run. I started my day off with a quick 20 – 40 minute run 4 days a week and I was energized and clear headed. I did this for 4 years but once I stopped I couldn’t ever seem to get back into it and always disappointed myself. Therefore, I am going to be more realistic and not set my expectations quite so high. I am going to start going for a walk 3 or 4 times a week before work. I will have that clear head to start my day and who knows where it might take me?
A few years ago: 15 – 20lbs lighter and much healthier.
3) I am going to eat more fruits and vegetables. I have been completely negligent in this area recently and I can feel it. Weight Watchers recommends that we eat fruits and vegetables at every meal. Not just because they are healthy but also to create a routine. Once we are in the habit we are a lot more likely to stick to it.
That’s it. For now. I deserve to feel great and that is my goal. I will join Weight Watchers this week and, over the next few months, I will keep you posted on what I learn and how I do.
You can also join Kath over at Losing It! as we take on this weight loss journey together!
