Your 'Ah-Ha' Moment
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No one else was feeling my emotional pain just me, so unless I did the work nothing would change.
What a great lesson for all of life, not just diet/health.
I'm learning in various aspects of my life (relationships, personal growth, etc) that you have to be your own champion to be happy. Relying on others to make you happy is a false goal.
Everyone else is busy dealing with their own happiness. Empower yourself to be happy, and once you're happy, that's when you can invest energy in others, and help them
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I asked Doctor Donna to give me six months to improve my health then we would discuss my blood pressure.
Incredible. One of my best friends is 57 years old, and a few years ago, he had the same blood pressure "confrontation" from the doctor. He demanded the same thing you did, and refused any medication.
He now has lower blood pressure than I do (I'm 29) and he's one of the most fit people at our gym. He's an inspiration to many, and the first person I point to when my older colleagues blame age for their weight/lack of activity.
Good on you!5 -
My 'aha' moment was when I was desperately seeking Bariatric surgery for all the wrong reasons and my Primary Care doctor told me something wise "No pill, surgery, or diet is going to work for you because you have to change your mind, evolve into physically and mental determination of your own success, if you can't do that then none of those will work."
So I signed up with a Personal Trainer shortly after and haven't looked back. Down 17lbs and 11 inches in one month.
Lisa7 -
Two Easters ago in the middle of a conversation with my sister, she looked down at my hand and said, "wow can you even take your wedding ring off?" It woke me up to how big I had become. The next day I downloaded and started MFP and haven't looked back.4
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I went on a beach trip with adult children and hubby and daughter asked why I was so out of breath, also I had to referee all weekend. I felt so disrespected, hated all them and hated myself, figured I could certainly do something and learn to like myself and I did. Now I demand respect. I remember getting a banana split on the way home, now I think I don't want a banana split, I want to be happy and have respect.7
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My Ah Ha moment was about 18 months ago. We were planning on attending our first WrestleMania (yeah, I'm a 52 year old wife, mom and a DIE HARD wrestling fan) at Met Life Stadium in NJ. I was told by a coworker that the parking there was awful and we better get there early or we'd have to walk about a mile to the stadium if we got stuck in the far parking lot. Well, at 5' 10" and 278 lbs that was like a marathon to me. For the weeks before WrestleMania, I was filled with anxiety about possibly having to walk a mile. I got so mad at myself for letting this fill me with anxiety when I was finally getting to fulfill the first item on my bucket list. I swore to GOD on everything that is holy that after WM I would start my diet. I did on April 15, 2013 and haven't looked back. That was 130 lbs ago. Problem is, somewhere along the line I develop a nasty eating disorder. My trainer says I have anorexia. Clinically, I don't think I fit the weight criteria, but he's right about my thinking. Women who look like I did scare the crap out of me. I have anxiety attacks in the grocery store (and I work in the deli at one!). I had my Ah Ha moment about when to start losing, I wish I'd get an Ah Ha moment about how to stop. Currently am at 148 lbs and without my trainer watching over me for the time being, if I have my way, I won't stop until I reach 125 lbs (my original goal). It's pretty scary. I have a lot riding on this if I don't get better.10
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My ah-ha moment was when I stepped on a scale for the first time in a year, and saw that I had gained 25 kgs (about 50 pounds).
I was depressed, totally blind to the reflection in the mirror, and tried to blame the washing machine for shrinking my pants...
What made that time different was that I took it slowly to begin with. I didn't rush into exersicing 5 days a week. And doing the low-carb diet really helped to get off the first 10 kgs.
I feel that the mind is EVERYTHING. It controls your hunger, your will to be active, and has to be in the right place for you to love yourself enough to not do bad things to your body.4 -
I always dress smartly for work (shirt, shoes, trousers etc) even though we're able to dress down, my 'Ah-Ha' moment was when I started to notice that my shirts were getting tighter around my belly. I've never been overweight thankfully and was always skinny when growing up.
However since I moved up to where I'm living now I would go out on a Fri / Sat and drink 15+ pints of beer because it was convenient to go to the pub after work. I'm now in a new job thankfully and kept telling myself to stop going out drinking so much, not only was it bad for my health, it was bad for my bank balance! This will shock some as it did me, but I could go out and spend £300 on a weekend binge and not recall anything at all.
I signed up to this site to mainly track what I was eating, I wasn't aware that there was a social aspect to this site, I'm now on a 17 day streak and I'm keeping myself positive / focused mainly through the friends I've befriended and their kind words of support.
One of my goals is to lose the beer belly, and all the fat that's around my stomach and then put on muscle in all areas. Luckily I live near a wonderful beach so another one of my goals is to get myself into a shape where I'd be proud to walk along the beach without being ashamed of my physique and being able to be proud of myself. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not a change that will be fixed quickly but it will take months of hard work to get there.
I am seeing slight changes already in my physique, however the transformation of my belly is going to be a long process after all the abuse I've given it.
To end my essay, I am thankful for all the friends I've encountered on MFP and also the messages which I read on various forums. Everyone on this site is working towards their own goals and I would happily & proudly give you support if you would need it. Having supportive friends on here is making such a difference to me.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYONE AND TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE GREATNESS
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My moment came the Friday before Labor Day of this year when I stepped on a scale for the first time in about 8 months. I knew it wasn't going to be good. I knew how I felt in general and I knew how the clothes felt tight. I almost passed out at the read.
Top this off with a newer found struggle with blood pressure issue. I already was aware the nightly beer or two (or three) along with the accompanying snacks were beginning to take their toll on me physically.
Add it all up and at that moment, I decided I had enough.
Stumbled onto MFP by accident and signed up. Couldn't believe the resources here and how helpful people were. Now I'm about 2 pounds of current target. If I can do it safely, I'm about 10 away from my weight from 30 years ago.
I always knew this is all about lifestyle - not diet. Diets won't work for me, only lifestyle changes. I fell into the sedentary lifestyle about 10 years ago and am now pulling myself out of it to get back to living the way I did before which kept me fit.2 -
My Ahhh moment was when I finally accepted how big I had become. Recently turning the big one
I knew something had to be done. I know I can do it as being a former smoker of thirty plus a day and went cold turkey 20 years ago and not returned (get in) I can and will do it. My love of food both good and bad has taken me too far. I also realise that it is not just about diet it's as you say a change of life. I won't say fingers crossed I can do it. I will say good by to my former self and put on that coat of my new self. 0 -
We've all had many different A-Ha moments, but there is always one where really kicks your *kitten*. My Real A-Ha moment was when I went for my routine physical in December and found my blood pressure was in the high range. It has never been in the high range. I left the office crying and a prescription for blood pressure meds. I went back to her right after Christmas and told her that I was not going to take the meds and that I would learn to regulate with diet and exercise. The best part was that she took the prescription from me, shredded it and said "You totally can do it!".8
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When was your 'AH-HA' moment that made you decide, 'ahhhm okay it's time to do something about this weight?'
I was sailing in Cypremort and realized that even though I was a giant fat pasty boring personality-less dead whale, I was strong. Something I'd had not felt in the 6 and a half years since the car accident that had thrown my entire life into chaos.
I latched on to that like a psychological lifeline.
At the end of that day, I felt alive again. Until I saw the pictures of myself and realized that I didn't look anything like me.
And vowed that would never happen again. From that day forward, I would make sure that the inside matched the outside and reverse.
What made a difference this time which differed from previous attempts to lose weight &/or get healthy? (motivation)
That was my first and only attempt. When I said I was serious, I wasn't crying Wolf. I could have died and didn't - and I'd been wasting my 'another chance'. I was no longer going to waste one single second of the life I'd had to fight to keep.
How much impact do you feel that a correct mindset has on the level of achievement?
It's a deal breaker. If your brain isnt in the right space, you're doomed.2 -
I love that this post has resurrected. My ah -ha moment has been some what delayed. Back in June I went to the drs with severe knee pain. The out come of that apt is that I am a 51 year woman looking at 2 total knee replacements. The kicker? the doctor told me I was too fat to operate on. (my words).
so there I was in denial for 6 more months! Im not THAT fat... (only 50 plus pounds overweight)! Clearly, I went to a quack, Im not on any medication at all so how does he know that I wouldn't survive the surgery?
Sometimes it takes longer for that ah -ha moment to penetrate a fat head. But I got it. (finally). Today is day 3 with MFP and I am picking up a fitbit tonight. I am very determined.
Thank you for this post.3 -
My ah-ha moment happened just 3 days ago. Even though I have known for a while that I needed to do something. But the actual moment it clicked was when the doctor told me they would prefer not to remove my tubes (tubal ligation) because the excess weight on my stomach was a huge risk.1
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RaspberryTickleChicken wrote: »I obviously have far too much time on my hands as another question out of sheer curiosity has been nagging away at me ... so here goes.
- When was your 'AH-HA' moment that made you decide, 'ahhhm okay it's time to do something about this weight?'
- What made a difference this time which differed from previous attempts to lose weight &/or get healthy? (motivation)
- How much impact do you feel that a correct mindset has on the level of achievement?
My "AH-HA" moment happened in early 2011 when I went home for my grandma's funeral. While I was home, I saw one of my relatives who has several serious health problems that probably could have been avoided with better eating and exercise habits. I realized that I would almost certainly be headed down that road if I didn't change my behavior NOW... I couldn't put it off or be in denial any longer.
In terms of mindset, it's *so* important for me to think of excercising and eating healthy as a vital, daily part of my life. If I thought of it as a temporary "diet" rather than an ongoing health habit (like brushing my teeth), then it would be very easy to put it on the back-burner when life gets busy.
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My AHA moment was realizing there aren't many pictures of myself and my six month old daughter because I am ashamed of what I look like. I am so motivated to start.3
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When I realized that I weighed a GREAT deal more than I had 9 months pregnant and I wasn't pregnant anymore. I sure looked it though.1
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Sprained my back moving some furniture. Dr. said, "You are borderline morbidly obese. Things like this will keep happening until you lose some weight."
I found mfp the next day (July 1, 2012) started walking, and cycling, then running. I've been at a healthy weight since November 2013.
Mindset is major!4 -
WOW - This is SO nice to see this oldie but goodie resurrected!
Love everyone sharing their bits!1 -
I worked with a guy who smoked and was overweight. I though I was in pretty good shape. Saw a picture of he and I together - and I realized I was as chubby as him. What a wake-up call. I lost 50 lbs over the next 6-7 months and have kept if off for 5 years.7
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Loving this post☺
My aha moment wasn't particularly eventful! My muffin top was spilling over my jeans and nothing hid it, my boobs were getting humongous, I hated how I looked...hated shops fitting rooms when trying clothes on, everything looked horrible....it was then I realised ENOUGH! Happened upon MFP one day, almost 3 yrs ago!! Was the best thing to happen!!... apart from getting married, having kids obviously! Lol
Thanks for all the great replies☺0 -
I was at Wally World, bent over to pick up a bag of dog chow and my shorts split, allllllllllll the way up........ lol.......... that was the day of reckoning for sure...... lol........6
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New to the community, and just happened upon this thread. (Lost 20 lbs since 11/9). Ive battled weight all my adult life. Been on thyroid meds for 7 years (hypo-severely), and went into A-Fib Thanksgiving weekend 2013. Was just taking too high a dosage for too long. We moved so I hadn't found a new doctor yet, so not my previous home town's doctors fault. Cardio doc brought my meds all the way down to next to nothing. New family doc monitored as he raised the level every six weeks. BUT, I had ZERO metabolism. Not losing weight despite my exercising. Finally got to the right level with meds in July '14. I never dieted, but thought I was not a "horrible eater." Fast forward to 11/14, a friend simply told me of MFP, started it, and realized, dam, I was eating bad. That in tune with my thyroid levels being right have me stoked about losing weight. It is a lifestyle change. My motivation is I am turning 50 in May and I am having a big bash at the lake and I want to stun people with my transformation.1
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Mine was less about physical health and more about mental health. I struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my college years. So I guess my "Aha!" moment was when I quit my high-stress job and sought therapy. As a part of my treatment, my therapist recommended exercise to help control my mood and stress. I was skeptical at first, but I've been amazed by how easy it has been for me to control my anxiety without medication. I started on MFP around the time I weaned off my medication, and while I've only lost a few pounds, my fitness and health are greatly improved. A year ago, 30 seconds of running was all I could handle. I've since run two 5k races, and I'm training this year for a 10k mountain run next fall!4
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My aha moment was a combination of things. My MD suggested I look into gastric surgery which really scared me. Also, I couldn't stand to look at pictures of myself. Then a very large obese woman started at my work and every time I saw her, I would think to myself-I'm just a few pizzas away from looking like that- you'd better do something! So it just hit me all at once- a voice screaming in my head to cut down on my calories NOW TODAY. I was never this motivated before, I was like I'm already fat so I might as well eat these french fries but now I'm going to lose the weight b/c the alternative is gastric surgery and I'm scared to death of that plus I'm MAD at myself- I ate my way into this mess so damn it -I will eat my way out! 5
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My Aha moment was when I first heard of MFP and decided just to check it out. I wasn't even planning on starting a weight loss journey that day but set up an account just to see. I was playing around with it, entering the foods I had eaten that day when I realized that if I didn't eat anything else that day I'd be within my calorie goal.
The best way I can describe it is a switch went on in my head. All of a sudden it seemed so simple, I just don't go over that calorie goal and I would be in a deficit and lose weight. 148 lbs and over 2yrs later I am still going and have reached my goal for the first time in my life.
The main difference from the other times I've tried (and failed) to lose weight was that "switch" hadn't been turned on before. I don't really understand what exactly made my brain switch on but now that I've finally gotten here, there's definitely fear that the "switch" will just turn off one day and I'll spiral out of control again...
This is so similar to me that when I read it out loud, my husband and daughter both said did you write this?!2 -
My doctor coming into the room and giving me a look of disbelief and asking me
"What the hell happened to you since you last came to see me?"
I had gained over 80 lbs in less than a year so he tested me for everything and the results were not good. My ah hah moment was being asked if I wanted to be around to see my grandkids.1 -
I used to sweat while I ate3
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My Aha Moment came when I saw on the scale that in the last 3 1/2 years I'd gained back the same 30 lbs I lost 38 years ago as a determined, 18-year-old teenager. I'd stayed thin with no special effort for all those years, and I couldn't stand the thought that I was back in the same pit I'd crawled out of again.1
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My a-ha moment took place a few times before i originally acknowledged it, but it was final when I went to the doctor and stepped on the scale only to see that I was nearing 200 lbs. I knew I was gaining weight, but health problems took so many chances from me until I found out how great biking felt to me and how much it gave back to me in such a short time. I'm not even a year into this, and I'm only about 10 lbs from my goal.
I never REALLY attempted prior to this outside of missing my normal outdoor activities that I couldn't do anymore. Mainly excuses as I look back now.
I have always had strong will power, and it's the reason I'm still pushing through my stagnant weight loss right now. I've been hung up (gained a few back) since October last year and it's finally paid off this week with a .5 lb loss. Don't give up! there are too many reasons your body does what it does when you get to this stage so it's a patience game. Look for support: There is a ton of it on MFP and love everyone of them that has supported me!3
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