It seems as though as the Summer is rapidly turning into Fall, many people are feeling like this.
In the meetings I conducted last week, when I asked who was feeling stuck and spoke directly to that feeling I observed a couple of scenarios that I'd like to share with you so that you can take a look at yourself to see if you fall into these traps: Several members agreed that their plateaus kinda showed up after a "break from the program" such as a vacation, long weekend, family event or even just a backyard barbecue blowout. There definitely seems to be a correlation with relaxing efforts and being less (perhaps) willing to pull the reins back in!
Another clear message came from folks who have been on the program for a long time and is similar; it seems that over time, on program, we become more and more confident at our ability to follow the program so we begin to take shortcuts - and shortcuts, unfortunately don't necessarily help us - they actually help us come up short!
Finally, a reluctance to change can make a member get so far, but no further. Weight will drop initially because small changes make a difference, but when it comes to releasing the "big" behaviors or making "real" lifestyle change, the members who are change resistant have a really hard time.
This whole topic is pretty interesting; the fixes involve being willing to embracing aspects of the program which, in the past we may have rejected - what do I mean by that?
There are 5 or 6 behaviors which, if embraced may get the scale moving again:
1. Yeah Yeah, I know you've heard it before - but that's because it's true! TRACKING WORKS! And, watch those portions - weigh and measure for a week and see if your portions have become distorted!
2. Find NEW foods that will freshen up your efforts - avoid menu fatigue!
3. Plan ahead - that means planning meals, or cooking ahead, or looking up PointsPlus Values BEFORE you eat the food, don't second guess it. In some meetings we chatted about "Decision Fatigue" - an article in the NY Times describes this phenomenon.
4. Get Busy - don't hang out in the kitchen or near the food / snack source. Go do something... Don't let boredom doom your efforts.
5. Up the activity: Take the family (or the dog) for an afternoon walk. Get to the gym. Park the car farther away, or get off the bus a stop or two away from your destination - oh, and by the way make sure you're not over estimating the value of the earned PPV and so over-eating!
6. Do you pay attention to your consumption and tracking of your 49 extra weekly PPV? Use them when you need them, but remember; you can't borrow more from next week or your best friend, nor do they roll over to next week - track them so you know where you are with them at all times.
7. BONUS SUGGESTION: Attend meetings - no really!
It is the ONE HUGE difference I embraced when I was journeying towards my 103 LBS lost. I was willing to give up the ONE HOUR a week to give myself that gift. I can categorically state that that one change I made was what kept me motivated and inspired. After all the weekly fee is not just to buy you 2 seconds standing on the scale; but it includes coming into the meeting to get empowered and recharged. Think about this... do you recharge your cell phone when the battery is running low? Would you consider not plugging it in? Do you think your batteries last longer than those in your cell phone?
If you are doing all of the above and the scale is still not moving - 3 more quick suggestions:
Check the side effects of your medications,
Check your daily PPV allowance to make sure you're eating the correct amount.
Look at your gym routine - are you lifting weights? You MAY be building muscle that is holding the scale number back.
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NOW I want to introduce you to something that is coming up for September and October - I am so excited to be able to tell you that this initiative is back...
Lose For Good campaign is Weight Watchers 4th annual campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.
Locally Weight Watchers leaders and receptionists are also getting involved in collecting food donations for local food pantries. This is something that I am passionate about - locally we have literally hundreds of neighbors who are food insecure.
My partner and I have supported a food bank for several years now and we see, first hand, how vital this lifeline is in the community.
Locally Weight Watchers leaders and receptionists are also getting involved in collecting food donations for local food pantries. This is something that I am passionate about - locally we have literally hundreds of neighbors who are food insecure.
My partner and I have supported a food bank for several years now and we see, first hand, how vital this lifeline is in the community.
I am asking you to consider being a part of this initiative; if you are able to and wish to help - please consider donating the equivalent of your weight loss (either what you have already lost or your loss for the 2 months of the campaign) in non-perishable food: cans, cereal or oatmeal, peanut butter, brown rice or pasta and whatever else you would like to contribute. If that's not possible - anything will be unbelievably appreciated. I will ensure it gets to a food bank on your behalf.
Thank you so much.
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Reminder to Thursday Members:As of this week, (09/01/11) we are combining the 2 Thursday evening meetings at Newton Weight Watchers Center to ONE meeting beginning at 6:00 PM. The doors will open at 5:30 PM for weigh-in. All are welcome at this meeting.
and finally: “Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something, because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people.” Excerpt from "The Last Lecture". Prof. Randy Pauch.
See you at your meeting
Stay Safe and Dry today and remember, no matter what "Irene" is not an invitation to nosh!
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