Health or Weight? My first month on MFP...

2stepz

This is probably more fitting for a journal entry, but I thought posting it here might garner some responses I wouldn't otherwise receive, and maybe help some people I wouldn't otherwise reach.

I'm 5 weeks in. I have hit some road bumps, it hasn't been a smooth slide. I overworked myself in aiding recovery efforts post-EF5 tornado (Joplin, Missouri). I have had a couple celebrations worthy of a "night off." (Finished my Master's course work with a 4.0!) I have spent this last 5 days enjoying one-on-one time with my long-distance boyfriend, who has a culinary talent bar-none. It's not easy. Life DOES get in the way.

I stepped on the scale this morning and am up about 4 lbs from my lowest weight. That hurts. If I logged my weight today, I'd be down a total of 5 lbs over the last 5 weeks... and that seems so minimal compared to what I have to lose. I hate this numbers game.

HOWEVER - I have made some major changes:

I have broken a severe addiction to diet cola. I was drinking approximately 400 ounces of diet cola a week... and little to no water. I now drink 80+ ounces of water a day. (sometimes straight, sometimes as unsweetened iced tea.)
I have dissuaded a fairly severe sweet tooth.
I have, for the most part, cut all pre-fried foods out of my diet.
I avoid fast food whenever possible.

I feel more fit. I can ascend the stairs so much easier than I could a month ago.
My clothes haven't felt different yet, but my body does.

Change takes time, patience, and a belief in yourself. You CAN make the changes, you CAN improve your health. Don't let the scale be the only measure of your success. Become more aware of your body and what fuels your heart and mind. Count your blessings, and realize that life is complicated. Every little victory counts.

kao708

Congrats on making it this far, even with those setbacks. You're right...life can get in the way sometimes but it's all about how you deal with it and it sounds like you are in the right frame of mind. It's hard not to get hung up on the scale numbers but feeling better is definitely more important. Good luck on your future losses!

RissaDean

Keep up the hard work - it WILL pay off in numbers! You already feel different, which is the harder part for some people. I'm happy that you are staying so positive and are looking for all the good things that have changed :happy:

_Sally_

5 lbs in 5 weeks? Sounds like you're right on track for healthy, long-term weight loss. You deserve to pat yourself on the back.

Ignore the speedbumps in between and keep a long-term perspective. You are making some really great changes to your diet and lifestyle. Keep up the good work!

deeharley

Love this post. Congratulations on the loss of five pounds and all the other stuff. Each one of those is such a huge step in the right direction. You're doing great!

andreapoole

You are so on the right track! Good for you for celebrating those victories and recognizing the positive changes you have made. The scale can be motivating or discouraging. It has it's place as a useful tool, but you have to focus on the good things you are doing for your health. Everything else will fall in place. Congrats on your school achievements. I'm a grad student, too, and I know how time-consuming that can be. Keep up the good work!