Friday, June 08, 2012

What's My Motivation?

I just came across this statement that I have revised for myself as my future motivation to try to stay at a healthy weight. I want to have it in writing to inspire me after the superficial motivation of looking good for my son's wedding is gone in just over two weeks. I also don't have enough motivation in just keeping the diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure in check, as that is based in fear. So here goes:

I am choosing a healthy lifestyle because I want to set up good habits for the rest of my life. I want to model healthy living for my children. I want to maintain my health so my loved ones and friends are proud of me. I want to demonstrate to all of the advertisers, fast food manufacturers, auto superhighways, and other societal structures that set Americans up to fail that I need not surrender to failure. No matter how often I need to pick myself up and try again, I choose to do so. 

I want to feel good about my appearance as I go into my sixties. I want to walk into any room with a sense of confidence that derives from the peace of mind that comes with taking care of myself. Equally important, I realize that proper diet and exercise is critical to my mental and spiritual health. It keeps me grounded, helps me cope with daily stressors, gives me a better night's sleep, and provides me with the sense that God is helping me be a good steward of the body He's entrusted to me . That gives me a sense of inner peace. I want to respect my body, knowing that health is one of God's good gifts to me.

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Losing is the (relatively) Easy Part

Well, my weight loss is still puttering along, I'm happy to say. As of a week ago I have lost 18 pounds. I'm almost to goal. The catch for me is finding the will to maintain. I wanted to lose because I want to keep the diabetes and cholesterol and blood pressure in good control. I also have my son's wedding I want to look good for on June 23rd.That is almost upon me. Now it's time for new goals so I don't get derailed.

The issue with maintenance is somewhat involved. I hate being cold all the time which happens when I lose weight, even where I am now. I like feeling warm as I do when my weight is higher. When I went real low last time my extremely flat feet were very painful. I'm not going that low this time, so hopefully that won't be a problem. And thirdly last time I lost, I also lost my energy. That might have also had to do with the stroke I had.

Other than these physical things, I get tired of tracking and trying to be diligent about eating well. I am going to try to have enough recipes that eating well is second nature. Also I am learning that I don't need to be perfect. If I let down once, I don't have to do it every day. I also am working on having supportive people around me, and a full life so I want to do more than eat. If all these things are in place, it will be easier to succeed.