Living the Lifestyle - Wed. 2/24/2021

newmantjn

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion.

Monday - crewahl (Charlie)
Tuesday - whathapnd (Emmie)
Wednesday - newmantjn (Todd)
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday - imastar2. (Derrick)

Mini Goals?
For those of us with a lot to lose, do you establish mini goals? If so, what are they? Do you feel that they help?

newmantjn

I like to establish something attainable to work for.

A couple of goals that I have:
- Weighing less that the last time I was so disgusted with my weight that I needed to go on a diet.
- Weighin' in at 19 Stone... the AC/DC goal
- Weighing less than the last time I stopped dieting
- Getting my BMI under "obese"

Note - after looking at this, I just noticed that after today's weigh in, I have achieved goal number one!!!
Now - on to the 19 stone goal...

whathapnd

I get less agitated with the process when I focus on behavioral goals rather than weight goals. So my mini-gials are usually something like:
- log every day for two weeks
- no junk food for three days
- get "x" number of steps for the week

I ALWAYS trip myself up when I start looking at goals on the scale. Don't get me wrong - - I love scale goals, but they usually lead to silly behavior for me. Like right now, I'm dying to set a mini-goal of getting back into the 170s, but if I do that and don't get there by following my plan (which I believe is a good one) I might do something dumb just to have the scale tell me what I want.

The exception to my scale rule is doc appointments. I still see my oncologists regularly, and I've set a goal to weigh less at each appointment. But appointment time of day and clothing impact this. I can only control one of those. I try to remember to weigh at home on those days, but it doesn't always happen.

Another exception is back on the old WW GOAD board, I would pick a person to "chase." That was actually kind of fun. I specifically remember reaching, Charlie, George, Al from Vancouver, Podkey and Shendler. There was a short time that I considered reaching Steveomania, but he started losing again, and I had accidentally gotten into the mid-140s and wasn't able to sustain it since I hadn't "learned" how to be there.

TLDR; Yes to mini-goals but not time-based scale goals.

linmueller

10# increments, recorded in the 10# challenge thread every Friday.

Al_Howard

Keeping a downward trend.

podkey

I like looking at the special numbers at 10# increments like others. I definitely don't like time goals concerning weight.
I too loved seeing my family Dr about 10 months after I started WW and was at goal weight. The strtled nurse whom I had know for years swore she had the wrong chart after she weighed me. Still love that one.

misterhub

One of the key things I've learned about goal setting is that they have to be small and specific. If I try to set a goal that is too broad (e.g., clean the kitchen), I'll find myself overwhelmed and no be sure where to start. But, if I set goals that are smaller and more specific (e.g., clean the kitchen sink), I am far more able to select one and do that one...not only moving me toward my overall goal, but creating a sense of accomplishment.

The same holds true for the issues I have regarding weight loss and lifestyle. If I say that I need to be less sedentary, that just frustrates me. But, if I say that I need to walk for 20 minutes three times a day, that is a tangible goal, and I feel better after I accomplish even one of those tasks.

Works for me. YMMV.