Lose weight the fun way.

Posted on March 30, 2016

Learning to love kale isn’t the answer. While I love kale and I hope everyone does learn to incorporate good leafy greens into their diet, it isn’t the most important ingredient in the recipe for success. So what is? Mindset. Yes, folks – your attitude towards food and yourself. You get that part right, and the rest will follow, trust me.

Weight loss and healthy weight management is a journey. And everyone’s journey is different – what works for one person many not work for another. Some people succeed taking baby steps and progressing slowly, others can lose a lot quickly.

You need to examine your relationship with food. Do you eat your emotions or your stress? Do you use food to self-medicate? Do you have an “off button”? Are you a sugar addict (and may not know it!)? There are strategies for dealing with all of these as well as dealing with the type and quantity of the food you eat that may be getting in the way of your weight loss.

So the point I am getting to is that what matters, what really matters, is developing new HEALTHY HABITS and making PROGRESS! I have been a faithful DietBetter well over 3 years and to me the key to success is using the community, and learning what your journey needs to be like. You will learn a lot along the way! Some months you will win the bet, some months you won’t. I don’t think it is important to win every game. I have seen people get frustrated if they don’t win the bet even if they lost 2% that month and then they give up. Do not give up on yourself! Stick to it! Sometimes losing 1-3% or just maintaining and internalizing a new healthy habit is PROGRESS and therefore a win! Take the long view – keep your eye on the REAL prize. Focus on developing those healthy habits and a healthy relationship with food and you will be a winner every time.

Comment Now!

Victoria

04/02/2016 9:12AM

I think you're exactly right. I've not mastered what you're describing but I'm on the way. I try not to get derailed every time I hit a bad few days or (like last month) hit a month where emotions rule me. At least now, even when I have a bad month, my inner voice will not allow me to completely give up. I think giving yourself some grace, but not allowing yourself to cop out and quit is key. Thanks for your post.

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Victoria

I'm in a 30 day diet bet right now and a Transformer that had a weigh in today, but I'll be joining your 30 day diet bet. I appreciate your insight and encouragement. I started this journey January 1st and have lost 20.5 pounds. I've got 60 more to lose. What I've found is that not all Diet Bets are helpful to all. Some have left me uninspired and unaccountable. Others keep me on track. I don't just want to complain about what's going on in my life that keeps me from hitting my goal. I want to understand how to overcome. It sounds like you've done that. Thanks, Marcie.

Marcie

Congratulations on losing 20.5 pounds - that is an accomplishment! Life will always throw us curve balls and what took me too many years to learn is that being in control of my health is actually the best stress management tool there is. Seriously.

Val

03/31/2016 3:44AM

I haven't yet found out how to dominate my mindset...day by day by day...but I am NOT going to give up! You are so inspiring! Thanks!

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Marcie

There are a lot of strategies depending on the particular mindset shift you are striving for but around cravings, one is to stop and pause and breathe and think about what is causing the craving - boredom? stress? loneliness? sadness? Then once you identify the trigger, find another activity to satisfy it. Of course this takes time but WORKS. Turning to food almost always makes the situation worse later. The other one, which was hard for me, was learning we don't need to be perfect and we can't hit the high bar every time, remember to celebrate what you HAVE achieved and focus on PROGRESS.

Ana

03/30/2016 9:05PM

Yes!!! I have always been the first to beat myself up for not having a perfect day. And after working with you, I realize EVERY day is a perfect day! Because every day I am LEARNING -- about myself, about my history, about my family, about my triggers. It's ALL good!!! And, you know, with that kind of positive input, the progress just naturally happens. Thank You, Marcie!!!

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Marcie

:-) :-) :-)

03/30/2016 7:29PM

Stress eater, emotion eater, sugar addict, yes all. Am getting older, nearing 57, it's not easy to lose anymore, am in much pain and need to get the excess stress I'm putting on my body, off. Weight off, emotional state improved.

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Marcie

I can so relate - I would say I was in the same place 3+ years ago. The good news is change IS possible. If anyone told me 4 years ago that I would be down at this weight and strong and functional and with far less pain, I honestly would not have believed them. I am glad you joined GET RESULTS - we can talk more there!

Thanks Marcie!

Ada G.

03/30/2016 8:35AM

Well said! Thank you for this nugget of motivation today. Much needed and much appreciated!

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Marcie

Glad!

Julie Lama

03/30/2016 8:23AM

Some months I am happy to just survive to try again. 2 days. 60,000 steps with moving.. The stress through the roof. What can you do? Try ones best to manage it. Need to get more runs in now that my schedule after this week will clear. Some months just a pound or 2 lost or just maintaining is a blessing.

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Marcie

You have done so great Julie! You are an inspiration.