Losing Weight #5

Any one else have trouble feeling Left Out or Deprived??

I've been at this for just over a year. I've lost so much weight that I am very motivated, but I'm finding more an more frequently that I feel left out of the meal with good food, or almost excluded at parties because I have to stay away from the horderves tables. All of the crackers, chips, and dips call my name.

I sit at the lunch table, and everyone else is eating spaghetti or the forbidden fried chicken. How do we find that happy medium where we aren't missing out, but still at a healthy weight? The answer is, it's different for everyone and we have to find the balance for ourselves.

I still haven't found mine. I look forward to the day that I am at that goal weight, and can have the balance without dreading a delay in the goal. Right now, I'm plateaued again. I keep getting down to the "record" and then the weekend comes, I cheat too much, and gain 2-3lbs back. It's not much, but it takes all week to get it back off.

Sweets have become a big struggle. Something soft and sweet that I don't have to prep, like a storebought muffin, is hard to resist. A simple snack in the afternoon...its only a couple of chips (like 12), right? It's so important that we not reach a deprivation point. Feeling it every now and then is part of discipline, but when you can't seem to get fulfillment in the choices you are making, you need a change. That's why that balance is important. There has to be a chance for your mind to feel the positives in what you're choosing.

When it's the minor deprivation, finding the discipline to push through is so difficult. Once it's there, it's a lot easier to keep it going. Making the right choices starts to get easier when you aren't constantly bombarded with less than nutritious party foods.

Accountability is the key for me. I have a personal trainer that has me send him pictures of my food. Everything I eat, all day, every day, goes to him. It keeps me from eating the things I shouldn't because the options become: eat it and send him the picture knowing he will be disappointed and probably tell me, or eat it and don't send him the picture, feel bad about lying, and the weight shows him I did wrong anyway.

Ultimately, it's truly too difficult for most people to do this on their own. The people around us may or may not help. Some people, like PT (Mike), Golly and Hubby, are exceptionally supportive providing accountability and often sacrificing with me. Others give support by expressing their perception of the weight I've lost. Some people don't really know how to help. Regardless, it's for me, Hubby, and Little Bug. The accountability is the most substatial support, and I will get there no matter how long it takes.

Have a great week everyone! Praying that you all receive what you need to meet your goals.