Wednesday, June 24, 2009

10 things I have learned (so far) during my weight loss journey

1. My body is very predictable. Every four weeks I can expect a weight gain (although, I was able to squeak past that dreaded week this past month with exercise!). It’s those darn female hormones that do it! It is such a joy to be a woman.

2. Eating healthier makes me feel better. I don’t feel gassy and my stomach doesn’t roll and yell at me after eating. I don’t feel so full I could throw up, but I do feel full and satisfied. However, if I eat a greasy food, I will pay for it. That’s motivation not to eat it, right?

3. I have a lot more energy. I offer to go outside with Hoss instead of sighing and making up excuses when he asks. That’s what 60 pounds will do for ya!

4. I am a proud person. At least I’m turning into one. I am caring more about what I look like and how I appear in certain clothing a lot more now than ever before. I am aware of the potential for arrogance and I’m trying to keep myself reigned in. However, I really need a spray tan and my teeth whitened. Maybe even some veneers.

5. My skin does not appear as oily. I’ve always had oily skin and recently this seems to be a bit less than normal. Except for when those hormones sneak up on me.

6. Accountability is a requirement for me. If I don’t have people to report to or who are there to motivate me and make me move, I often won’t do it. This is as simple as writing down my exercise for the weight loss incentive program at work. I know I have to document if I did it or not, so that makes me get off my rear and get moving.

7. I don’t have to be deprived of my favorite foods. If I want something I love that is nice and fattening, I can have it, but will have to accommodate for this food throughout the day. I also have found a lot of yummy low point alternatives to my favorite foods. These make me very, very happy.

8. Verbal encouragement is an amazing motivator. At least for me it is. However, I have to be cautious how I respond to the encouragement. Sometimes I slack off on my point counting and start to eat bad things because I know I look good. Other times it makes me want to keep working hard so I can look even better.

9. Weight Watchers is saving my life. Literally. As long as I don’t get hit by a car today (or anytime), I’m going to be living a long and happy life…as a skinny girl!

10. If I am determined, I can do anything. I’m certain that is true for anyone. The trick is finding the determination and motivation. It is only something that you can create. The only person who can change you is you. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but it can change your life. Seriously. It’s changing mine.

4 comments:

Janelle said...

Those are great life lessons Jessica! I am so glad you are taking care of yourself!

You should be very proud of yourself for what you have already accomplished as well as what you know you will do in the months to come.

I'm happy too that you seem to understand that it is a lifestyle change and that you're committed to it! You're doing marvelous, just marvelous!

Natalie said...

I think Janelle said it very well. Way to go!

Jessie said...

Jess, I am so proud of you!
I am praying for you all of the time that you can keep going strong on this part of your life!
You'll have to make a celebration trip somewhere close to me so I can see how marvelous you look when you are at your goal! And ofcourse, to give you a great big hug and all that cause I miss you like crazy!

Julie said...

You are doing such a great job on this journey. You have inspired me!