Event loss

[changing]

So I've been thinking here at work this morning about "event losses," when you want to lose X number of pounds or be a size X by a certain event, like a birthday, Christmas, an upcoming cruise, a wedding, graduation. I've been big on these in the past, as I'm sure we all have been at one time or another. It's true that they can help us acheive our goals, especially in the short-term, but I often have problems maintaining that loss once the event has passed.

I had an AHA moment just now... something that I wish had occurred to me long ago. Life is FULL, just smack dab FULL of these events, where being a smaller person would help make your life more enjoyable. There's one around every corner. Even waking up in the morning and putting on your pants can be considered an "event." And I want those pants to fit. I don't want have to go out one more time and buy a bigger size.

So what I'm thinking is that I have to realize that if I lose this weight ONCE and keep it off, then I'm ready for all the events in my life, big and small. I'm there, I'm ready, and I can stop looking back at events and saying "if only I weighed 10, 20, 50, 100, 150 lbs less then."

Of course, I'm not suggesting that I demand I lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date, but only that I lose the vast majority of it once and forever and stay faithful to maintenance.

I want to enjoy every little life event that I can.

[pstansel]

Re: Event loss

Good thoughts. I know right now I'm in a "biggest loser" pool at work and I have to remind myself that winning the pool isn't my goal. Getting myself back together is.

[Rosa]

Re: Event loss

I've been big on these in the past, as I'm sure we all have been at one time or another. It's true that they can help us acheive our goals, especially in the short-term, but I often have problems maintaining that loss once the event has passed.

I couldn't agree more!!
I think it sets up the mindset that there is a finish line in all of this.
That we're going to make this goal and we can relax and let up.

For me...I wanted to be under 200lbs for my college graduation. I made my goal and weighed 190lbs that day. Since then, I have seen 190lbs only one other time.

I'm now plugging away at a Birthday goal for October.

Maybe I need to just take it one day at a time and forget about all the numbers. the deadlines, the pressure...It's about getting a healthy relationship with food and exercise so you can maintain a healthy weight for the rest of your life, right? Who cares how quickly you can do it.

[IrishIrish]

Re: Event loss

It is important to realize that when Dr. Atkins gave us the answers in DANDR, he didn't do so because he wanted us to lose a few pounds for a graduation or a reunion. Key is that he offered this plan as a way of life. That committment is so important to those of us in Century Club who have probably lost and gained more weight over our lifetimes than we care to imagine. And what has caused us many of our problems ... yo-yo dieting !! Each time I lost weight, I felt so happy and proud and each time I gained weight, I'd gain it in a new place with vigor and I'd be miserable. I finally reached the point where it is more important for me to strive for health and be happy. And we invite everyone to do the same.

[Momtofour]

Re: Event loss

I love your AHA moment! This is a great thing to remind ourselves from time to time. Life is full of events that can cause us to deviate from our plan. We have to make a decision to be prepared for these events and not cheat.

[Analog6]

Re: Event loss

It can be more dangerous to nmake the goal than to fail. As Rosa said, she made the goal, and she's having a darned hard time getting back there and staying there. It is the relaxation that sets in once it has happened that is dangerous. It HAS to be our new way of life or we'll be yo-yoing up and down that darned scale forever.