Weight loss is not about numbers and timelines. Once I figured that out and started to discover how my relationship with food was more about how I felt about myself, my situations, my past, present, and future direction, and my relationships, I was able to make small steps toward controlling my own life and making choices for myself, the weight slowly came off.
I am writing this because maybe this insight will help you too. How did I do it you may ask? The food was one thing, but everything else was as, if not, more essential. I had to listen to the girl inside; my intuition. I did this over many years with the help of a journal, some yoga, supportive friends and family, and taking action.
Here are the things I do on a regular basis that have made it possible for me to lose weight and keep it off for the past ten years.
- Know what you are eating for the next meal or snack.
- Eat every 3-4 hours, but pay attention to hunger and satisfaction signals.
- Always have vegetables, and or fruits with every meal or snack.
- Plan the meals for the week, make a shopping list, and buy those items as you shop the perimeter of the store.
- Every once in a while, try a new fruit or vegetable that you’ve never had.
- Set a bedtime 7-8 hours before you have to rise in the morning and stick to it no matter what is going on (well almost). Don’t worry; most things can wait until tomorrow. Sometimes others in our household might even pick up the slack.
- Get some activity in every day and make it something you enjoy.
- Practice yoga not just for the flexibility, strength and toning, but for the chance each day for some reflection.
- Make time for self-care including massage, manicure/ pedicure, getting together with friends, whatever it is.
- Do what you love, who cares what they say. Some of my hobbies have been basket-making, painting, and scrap booking. I joined the choir three years ago. I sang in a choir in elementary school and it felt good.
- Keep a journal next to your bed. You don’t have to write in it every day, or week, or month, but it can be your best friend in challenging times.