- Celebrate your success! Even small successes! Nobody wants to be the “evil skinny dieting lady” (as I was called this week, by my ever loving husband) When you can’t allow yourself to revel in your accomplishments it can rob you of joy. Now, celebrating in moderation is key. Let’s not get carried away-- the reason many of us are doing IP, is because we lacked moderation or self-discipline in our lives.
- Create a daily gratitude list- I do this every morning-- it keeps me honest. This is somewhat of a new habit, and was suggested by a family friend. My friend could see that I was losing focus on WHY I was dieting, as I was becoming enthralled with numbers allowing them to dictate my mood. Creating a gratitude list has helped to re-shape and hold me accountable why I am dieting. We all enter diets for different reasons, knowing and staying true to your reason will keep you honest and make the journey worthwhile
- Be kind to yourself- this is what I have learned the most throughout 2013. Nothing good comes from beating yourself up, because you didn’t stick to protocol, or whatever the case may be. We, as humans will fail- not only others, but ourselves. Its when we can get out of our own way, that we truly grow.
- Have a support network- this has been so crucial! I have amazing friends in my life who hold me accountable, and have literally reminded me of WHY I am doing this when I want to give up, which lately has been OFTEN. These people are relentless! They have my best interest in mind and press me on towards my goal. It doesn’t even have to be friends or family, it could be a coworker or even a doctor. Find people around you who are going to encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle. For me, it all started with my GYN encouraging me to get fit for a healthy baby. Praise God for her! She has inspired me and kept me honest! Find those people, and tell them how grateful you are for them!
While these four things may seem cliche or “I’ve heard that before”, they have changed my life. I encourage you, to find what works for you-- each story is different!
Today, my scale at home says I’ve lost 30 lbs since August 2013 while doing IP. I chose to celebrate this milestone! I’ve worked my ass off-- learning self-disicpline, and eating healthy. I have always struggled with my weight, and have not found a diet that has worked for me. I always gave up in the teen pound loss milestone. So not only did I celebrate the actual 30 pounds lost, but the accomplishment of NOT giving up! This diet is working for me, find what works for you!
In conclusion, today as a reward I shared an apple cider with my husband, had a sandwich I have been craving for months ( Thanksgiving in a roll), and even finished with an apple cider doughnut. Tis my favorite season of the year!
Yes, many calories. But I know the work I must continue to put in to get the results I want. So today, I decided to be kind to myself. I will not beat myself up over the celebration of 30lb milestone. Tomorrow is a new day, and this girl is a work in progress!