Five years ago I was my current weight: 77.7kg. Back then, I was trying to lose weight, on and off, not particularly successfully I might add. Studying at university, and looking for a job. Seeing Becky, but not living together. Not yet using the magic of wi-fi broadband, but on dialup. As it happens, I'd just been burgled, which caused quite a bit of stress for me. Guess what else it caused? You guessed right.
As I go back in time, the memories start getting fuzzier. That's great! Yes, the last 5 years have been a waste in terms of trying to lose weight, but I haven't been trying the whole time (as the graph shows!). 18 months ago, at my heaviest, something changed. I had my theory as to what produced successful weight loss. As it happens, that theory was wrong. But hey, I learnt things along the way. I learnt some things about myself.
What I learnt about losing weight was: the most important thing related to successful weight loss is the belief that you'll get there. If you don't have that, the odds are too stacked against you. For the last 5 years, I've always had this belief. Actually, since I first started losing weight, back in 1993 I've had a belief that I could do it. I've been at goal 3 times. I don't know why I have been blessed with this belief. There have been times in the last 5 years when I went to Muffin Break for a coffee and slice 4 times in a week. Yet still, I thought I could do it. Slightly delusional, I accept, but I'm still here. Not yet at goal, but it's within my sights.
What I learnt about myself and losing weight, unfortunately, was that you have to be at least slightly obsessed about losing weight. Exercise every day is difficult. My metabolism has slowed down due to a restricted intake, so if I want to get to goal this year, I need to exercise. I have less time to do things. I get tired due to the exercise. I need an extra sleep due to it often. Yet I carry on. I'm a numbers guy. What do I think of when I close my eyes at night, ready to fall asleep? That's right. My weight. I've done so for the last 610 nights. Every night, without exception. That's obsession, and I truely believe it's required to lose weight. But I'm not there yet.
I'm really pleased about achieving this. Of course, I've got in my sights the next milestone. 3-4 weeks away probably.
Great job!!! Very happy for you!
ReplyDeleteI like your comment about the belief that you'll get there as being the most important thing for successful weight loss. A positive mental attitude does so much, so I totally agree! Self-fulfilling prophecy (both good and bad) is absolutely true. You can talk yourself into anything! :)
ReplyDeleteThat must feel fantastic! I wish I'd been more diligent with recording my weight in years past, as I only have a few 'milestone' weights I can recall. I've noticed though, that as I drop below a weight I recorded (say) three years ago, I ALMOST have a feeling of going back in time, getting another chance, setting the clock back to that date and starting afresh. Its quite bizarre, and really makes me realise how long I was telling myself "I'll start exercising TOMORROW" - literally for years. Feels great though, so you should definitely be proud of it, its quite the achievement!
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo!! Go You!!!
ReplyDeleteHere's My HYC