True confessions from a SLOW learner

So, after losing approx 40 lbs very slowly over the course of a year (yep, that's only .77 lbs / wk) people have started noticing and have asked me how I did it / do it (I'm not done, have at least 40 more to go). The very FIRST thing I tell them is that I figured out:
You've Got To EAT To Lose. I get a lot of blank stares. If they dare ask me to explain I haul out my soap box, climb up and start to tell them. Nutrition, lifestyle change, etc.

But one thing I do that seems to be against the grain of popular opinion on this site is I weigh my self every day. It could be that my psychology can handle not losing everyday so I don't freak if it goes up and not down. I don't change what I'm eating based on being up a lb rather than down. Because of my physical limitations I can't exercise (ok, budgetary limitations as well, I'd swim if I could afford a gym) so I KNOW my process will be slow. It takes me almost 3 months to lose 10 lbs. When I began this process a year ago I started some excel spreadsheets, one tracks my daily weight, another my weekly, monthly and averages. I made graphs for each sheet as well. I'm so glad I did because even if my actual daily weight seems to come down infinitesimally slow I can see progress on my charts and I feel vindicated and encouraged to continue the process.

I call my daily weigh-in and my food logging practices dietary hygiene. Mindfulness of my daily dietary hygiene is now part of how I conduct myself. Just like bathing, brushing my teeth and combing my hair. I will never be anorexic, I love to eat and I love what I eat. I can continue in this vein for the rest of my life and I hope I do.

Good luck and happy eating all!

wow, jojoworks, it's been a long time since I've seen you on MFP! Obviously you have been here, lurking, or at least logging food.

Great post, glad you are doing so well. .. . . this is a really old post that I have in my list of re-readables. It's nice to see them come back around again.

So much of what we learn is refined and tweaked over time. But as jojoworks says, it is for a lifetime of health, not just to fit in a bathing suit on vacation or to look good at a wedding.

Hey There Ms. Riverside!
I've been here and not even lurking. I'm sure I post my opinions more often than people want to hear them, lol! I'm always glad to see your posts and always read them. We must be on similar wavelengths. I like how you think!

I kind of view the forums like I'd view a support group....grumpy to go to them but usually find myself engaged and then reluctant to leave, lol.

I've been doing a lot of work on my head game. My current work is on eating with mindfulness. I've found that this whole MFP process is an exercise in mindfulness for me. I really really love the food I eat. I really really love to read about food and nutrition. I can't wait for summer to see if I can learn to eat the dandelion greens that seem to love my yard. The literature on them sure says they're good for you.

Physically, well....its been a struggle. But, JUST yesterday I was evaluated by a dynamite physical therapist who totally validated why I'm struggling. She's got me doing exercises and I have faith my body will be able to function better in the future. The weight-loss attempts began as a way to help my poor aching knees out.

take care and HAPPY eating!
JoJo

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