Last year at this time I was on the Dukan Diet full swing. But alas, life and stress hit and all my work and goals went down the drain.
The things I battled:
-Tons of party type events happened in a very short period of time
-Boyfriend who did not support my goals, and often his actions or lack of support ended up sabotaging me (no I don't believe maliciously or intentionally)
-Said Boyfriend moving away and the stress of learning to cope
-Beginning a grueling series of weeks of after-work barn chores for a 20 stall horse barn.
I could and should have been stronger. Totally fully my responsibility and accountability for not pushing through and sticking with my goals. I think the biggest hurdle or battle I faced that was the ultimate weightloss killer was the barn work. Not just being the straw that broke the camel's back, but a significant battle if I wasn't prepared food wise to handle the long days in winter.
So lesson learned:
RESPECT YOURSELF
GIVE YOURSELF THE TIME
DO NOT sacrifice your health for any endeavor or favor or recreational activity.
Get to your goal FIRST then take on other responsibilities. Yes, your health is a responsibility because it's no one else's, it's all on you.
Firstly, I now know how much more someone going through a weight loss battle needs support. They need their family and friends with them on it, supporting them with words of encouragement - not just compliments, but actual encouragement and emotional support.
Compliments are great, but for me when they come fast and furious it gets to be almost shameful that people are noticing. The types of comments, while so flattering, can bring so much attention that it's distracting or unnecessary.
Secondly, learn to stand up for yourself against friends and family. While many close to us may seem supportive and encouraging, at some point one (or two) will come along with veiled words that unravel into commentary that they feel they know exactly what battle you're going through. I'm going to say it, and many won't agree, but if they haven't *actually* walked the path you're walking then they need to STFU about how much they "know" about the weightloss battle. Friends! It is TOTALLY okay to say: "You're doing great buddy! I love that you're so dedicated, and I can absolutely see a change in you and it's great!" No need to offer advice, no need to offer half learned medical knowledge about calories in and calories out and the various types of biological functions! Just keep shut and SUPPORT! If we ask you a question, for help - that's your cue to impart your valuable knowledge.
Thirdly, (if there is a third item...) ....IF YOU HAVE FALLEN OFF THE WAGON: it is never too late to start again. But what is key is to motivate you to "be ready" for when you begin. Don't start halfheartedly. The second, third, fifth time around, if it's to be your last, needs to be acknowledged as the rest of your life. What will you do "after the diet/exercise regime" differently to ensure your life in your rejuvenated body lasts in it's new form?
And finally, use TWO methods of evaluation. One visual based (clothes sizes, tape measurements, pounds, real life differences, ex: I fit into a booth at the restaurant today vs last week), and one emotionally based. How do you FEEL? Are you energized? Do you sleep better? Is your backache gone? Your knees no longer sore? Confidence? Better luck?!
Always check in with both, don't focus on the one because the other needs to support you if you hit a plateau. AKA - My energy level has been the same, but the pounds have dropped! The inches have stalled but I am feeling so well rested and the sun shines so much brighter on my days!
So to close, I am starting the Dukan Diet again. I just spent $78 in groceries, which will HOPEFULLY last me two weeks but I doubt it. I begin tomorrow morning, so wish me luck! I would love the support... if you read this. And hopefully in 100 and something odd days, by February 5 2014, I will weigh somewhere around 125-130 lbs.
Cheers!
D.
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