As Blair pointed out, it is a scant three months til Christmas. October is fast approaching, and with it comes the Bermuda Triangle of weight loss efforts. Halloween (whether you celebrate it or not - the candy is omnipresent), Thanksgiving, and CHRISTMAS.
I’m going to really step out and make a rather bleak and harsh prediction. If you aren’t seriously committed now to your lifestyle changes (I’m desperately trying to avoid the d-word, can you tell)… I say again, if you aren’t truly-uly mule-headedly committed to making good choices and taking care of your body and losing weight, you might as well give up until January.
I’m not trying to be mean. It’s just that we all know what’s coming. Parties and dinners and traditions, OH MY! If we don’t make up our minds right now that NOTHING is going to derail us, we will be off the track faster than you can say pumpkin pie.
For the last month I have been brainstorming about strategies and posts and other bloggity things to help us through the holidays. But none of them are worth much without individual commitment.
What am I talking about? Well, I’m really not talking about people’s posting habits. Post as little or as much as you want/can. There are no rules about that. Though I firmly believe that the more you participate in the site, the more you get out of it. I am getting tough about the weigh-ins. They are mandatory. They have been mandatory for a month now. If you’re not at least weighing-in, you are not part of the team. That’s just a fact.
Other than that, what do I want from you? I want you to COMMIT! No more excuses. No more outs. No more days off for holidays, birthdays, PMS, post-PMS, prePMS, or bad hair days!! There is NEVER a day when you shouldn’t make good choices in your eating. Am I saying you can’t ever have a treat? Not at all. But I think that until we realize that this is not a temporary measure but a true LIFESTYLE CHANGE, we’re spinning our wheels.
I remember reading Susan Powter’s book a long time ago. (loved that crazy no-hair lady) Maybe her story was true, maybe it wasn’t. I don’t care. But I remember a part where she fell and broke both ankles. She was wheelchair bound. But she was terrified she would gain her weight back so she worked out with her arms as much as she could. That is the kind of attitude we need to have. The attitude that says “I don’t care what my life says, I don’t care what the scale says, I don’t care what my kids just painted on the new couch…” I WILL NOT QUIT. I AM GOING TO GET THIS WEIGHT OFF! (PERIOD)
We’re going to talk a lot about how to enjoy the holidays without getting off track. We’re going to find new recipes, come up with new traditions, and have some fun! But first we have to get serious.
Will you get serious with me? Say so in the comments.
Are you saying that when I had some indian corn (”chocolate” candy corn) on Saturday I was not making a healthy lifestyle choice? Even if it was a bad hair day?! (joking!)
I am sooo with you. If I was any more with you, I would BE you.
Comment by lady laura — September 25, 2006 @ 12:07 pm
YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOO…. MEAN!!!!! *snickering*
Comment by Leann — September 25, 2006 @ 12:25 pm
Okay, okay…I hear you. I am buckling down right NOW! You’re right that the next three months will be the toughest but it’s all about attitude and commitment. I can say NO to that piece of pie or extra helping of food. Portions, portions, portions! I can DO this!!
Comment by Andrea — September 25, 2006 @ 12:29 pm
I’m gonna do it. For so long I’ve hated the way I am, but just not sustained doing anything about it. Having this group and the fantastic example you’ve all been setting is spurring me on to change me and my life. I’m fed up of what I am at the moment, so I’m determined to change
Comment by Debs — September 25, 2006 @ 12:51 pm
I’m with you! I was tired of myself along time ago! I really believe though that this will be as hard as we want to make it. Remember “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Comment by Tami — September 25, 2006 @ 1:29 pm
Aye, Aye Captain. (Is pregnancy a good enough excuse???)
Seriously, I want to be GOOD this Christmas, pregnant and all.
Comment by stephanie — September 25, 2006 @ 1:32 pm
Pregnancy excuse is one of the reasons I have so much weight to lose!!!
I kept losing weight - getting pregnant and giving myself a free pass - and then starting all over again!
I think that you are gonna do great!
Comment by blestwithsons — September 25, 2006 @ 1:36 pm
As though I even have to respond lol - yes, I’m on board!
And I can relate to the “pregnant pass” - I had mine laminated…ha ha! I’m sick of “starting over” personally - time to shred that bad boy….especially since I’m not preggers lol.
Comment by Blair — September 25, 2006 @ 1:41 pm
Okay, I’m going to knuckle down. I know it’s possible - last year when I started Weight Watchers, I lost weight continually through the holiday season. I did allow myself two days to not “count points” - Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just the days themselves - not the days (or weeks) surrounding them. And I did great. I’m having a hard time not being angry with myself for letting so much time go by without some serious losing. But I’ll channel that anger into perseverance.
Comment by Carrie — September 25, 2006 @ 6:33 pm
I’m committed….count me in!!
Comment by Mandi — September 26, 2006 @ 7:58 am
I’m still with you. Must commit.
Comment by Leigh Ann — September 27, 2006 @ 3:37 pm