's motd Sunday April 6, 2008 - Maintenance Problem

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MAINTENANCE PROBLEM

Sunday, 06 April 2008

Years ago, I remember how excited I was when I stepped on the scale one day and it showed that I had a 50-pound weight-loss. Oh yes, a ten-pound weight loss was very nice. But a 50-pound weight-loss for me was monumental!

But I also remember, after losing those 50 pounds, I ended up gaining 30 of those pounds back in barely three months! And gaining those pounds back made me feel like I never wanted to try losing weight again. That's how upset I was with myself. But I got over it, I did try again and can remember, like it was yesterday, losing a total of 100 pounds! And, oh...the feeling of accomplishment I had that time was even more overwhelming than when I'd lost 50 pounds.But, once again, I gained back 40 of those pounds in a matter of a few months. Sadly, this became an on-again, off-again pattern that I repeated, time-and-time again. I'd do good for a while, lose some weight and then...I'd backslide. And I know some of you have been backsliders and can easily relate to this old pattern of mine.

All those times in the past, I never reached my goal. Oh sure, I'd get close but never got to grab that brass ring of complete success. But, thankfully, I was able to put all of the pieces together, finally reach my goal and got to see what I looked like and how good I felt at my ideal weight. Hooray!After reaching my goal, things were so different for me. See, by losing weight, the right way, so many good habits were living inside my mind now. And those good habits helped keep me on program.You see, what I had accomplished by losing the weight is that I had made a total lifestyle change. I went from eating at on's Cafeterias and Chinese buffets to steaming fish and chopping up fresh veggies to make healthy salads for myself.

I went from lying in front of the TV, doing nothing and existing like a sack of potatoes to lying on my back doing my abs and leg-work. Making those changes wasn't easy but I kept on making them because I knew I had to. I've lived this new lifestyle every day of my life and, guess what? It's those changes I've made that keep me at my ideal weight!Look, we can all play games with our eating habits and our workouts. But playing those games won't get you to and keep you at your ideal weight. Being realistic with yourself and the healthy changes you've made in your life does!

So if you're one of the people who've gained and lost weight, over and over again, maybe it's because you haven't made the lifestyle changes you've needed to make. And, (very important), been consistent with them. I'm telling you that you've got to...if you want to see the weight-loss results you've dreamed of.

Are you eating three healthy meals a day? Are you using the FoodMover to help keep your portion sizes honest? Are you exercising 30, 45 or 60 minutes a day? Do you stretch your muscles and bones every morning and evening? Do you drink your eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day? Do you get enough sleep for your body to function properly? If you can answer yes to these questions and others, then you've made many of the important lifestyle changes you've needed to make. But if most of your answers to those questions is "no" then it's time for you to make those changes in your lifestyle. So you can move forward on your journey to good health.So come on! Time to lose the weight and maintain it this time. Start making some changes today and a few more tomorrow...and the next day.Love,