Looking back at yesterday’s post, I’m glad you guys didn’t write me off as a total drama queen. On the face of it, all that happened was that I gained a single pound. I’m glad you were able to look a little deeper than the surface and offer such kind and helpful comments, because as I’m sure you could tell, for me it’s about a lot more than a pound.
My entire journey feels at stake, in a way. Yesterday I felt psychically nauseous; like the world had gone all Blair Witch Project on me, wobbly and unstable. But change is good, change is necessary, and being amenable to healthy changes is probably one of the foundational requirements of being a fat-loss success story when it comes right down to it.
I am strongly considering getting some professional (trainer) support for this transitional leg of my program. I want to eat for life, to train for life, to be fit (and yes, even attractive) for life. I feel like a little structure and reassurance may be necessary for me to keep my footing and make some program improvements to my plan.
I am not giving up. I am not going off the rails and knocking down Hey Cupcake’s door for a double order of Michael Jacksons (chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, for those not acquainted with these delights).
Photo by Haydnseek
It feels like my mind is working to switch tracks now but the change is a little jolting and unsettling.
I want to focus on fat loss rather than weight loss in general. Can I accept that the scale may not reflect changes in the way it did before I changed my strategy? Can I take it on faith for now that eating healthy, whole foods becomes its own reward, and not some kind of punishing drudgery? Can I figure out how the hell to measure my waist consistently (I’m all over the place with that measuring tape!)?
For those of you who are on (or have been on) a weight-loss journey, did you ever find yourself having to change tactics at a certain point in your program? How did you handle it?
27. January 2010 at 3:03 PM
You are a rockstar!! Just for thinking and accepting the need for change! It is hard! I am going through changes myself. I am finally in a place where I am not letting the scale tell me if I had a good week or a bad week.
I read every post! Sorry I don’t always comment – or ever – I am horrible but I am reading! You are doing great Hilary! You should be proud! I know I am proud of you!!
much love, Jen
28. January 2010 at 9:40 AM
Jen: Honestly, I’m the same way: I read tons of blogs but don’t comment all the time. It feels good just knowing you are reading, though :).
27. January 2010 at 3:23 PM
I can’t really answer your question since I’m still new on this journey myself, but I wanted to encourage you on the trainer front.
Having a personal trainer has made all the difference in my world. It’s the reason I kept on with this, the motivating, the pushing, the great food ideas and tips, all of it. It’s gotten me excited to workout!!!
I know some people can’t afford a trainer, but try and think creatively. For example, I’ve got a sort of trade setup with my trainer. I’m a web designer and I’m providing him with two custom websites in trade for my gym membership this year and his services. I haven’t had to pay a dime. Just something to think about, because I’ve heard from a lot of people saying they just can’t afford it.
Best of luck, and I’m glad you’re keeping on with this. I enjoy reading your progress and I think you’re a pretty girl no matter what you do or how much weight you lose. I love your progress picture, BTW. :)
28. January 2010 at 9:41 AM
Hey AFG! You know, your experience with your own trainer has been very inspiring to read about and is definitely one piece of this puzzle that has me leaning toward seeking some professional help in the realm of fitness. I think the barter situation you have set up is really ingenious and awesome! And thank you so much for the compliment on my progress pic :).
27. January 2010 at 11:49 PM
Hello! I’m a newbie to your blog and wanted to let you know I’m enjoying it so far. :-)
I have a trainer and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. He makes it fun, something I never thought I’d say about exercise, and I like knowing that I’m learning how to use the equipment properly. If left to my own devices I’d probably hurt someone. lol
You’re doing great!
28. January 2010 at 9:39 AM
Aimee, welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment here :). Yeah, a lot of the reason I gravitate toward personal training as an option is that I’m afraid of hurting myself as I explore more serious strength training. I’m glad to hear you’re having a great experience with your trainer!
28. January 2010 at 7:57 PM
Hi Hilary,
The first week of January I lost 3.4 lbs, the second week I lost .6 lbs, the third week nothing, and this week – we’ll see tomorrow! So what I did this week was like your other readers, I hired a personal trainer. He gave me guidelines on what to eat (I already know what to eat, but I like the push he gave me anyway), and he told me I have not been exercising at a high enough intensity! Also, sometimes I find when you start or increase your strength training it seems like you aren’t losing as much weight, but there are other ways that you are improving.
I think you’re doing awesome, and you are such an inspiration to me!