Conference rocks::weight_control

30.0. "Things to think about...." by AIMHI::KRISTY (Saving all my hugs for you) Wed May 06 1987 09:20

    This topic has also been placed in SABRE::SUPPORT, but hopefully
    will do some good here too.
    
    
    
    This past Saturday in my Weight Watchers class, Norman (the lecturer)
    went over steps that will guide you to successful weightloss.
    
    'P'rogram
    'M'otivation
    'E'xercise
    'S'upport
    'C'hange
    
    It's not supposed to spell anything particular.  But if you leave
    out even one of the above ingredients, you'll be back...(I know
    - I've been there)
    
    Program:  Stick with the program (whether it's Weight Watchers or
    something else)
    
    Motivation:  You have to WANT to lose weight... losing weight to
    get someone off your back isn't doing it for you.  It's doing it
    for someone else.
    
    Exercise:  (I need to put a bit more of this in my schedule as well)
    anything is better than nothing!  Park your car at the end of the
    parking lot and walk from there to the building - it may be surprising,
    but just that little bit more of exercise will add another 10 pounds
    to your loss record in a year.  At lunch, instead of walking to
    the caf immediately, go for a brisk 15 minute walk (whether inside
    walking the halls or outside taking a quick walk around the premises)
    and then walk to the caf.  Your appetite will be less and the scale
    will thank you for it next time you weigh in.
    
    Support:  I can't emphasize how important it is to have a chain
    of support going for you.  Knowing that people will be there asking
    you "How did you do?" and "You know you can do it" really pull me
    through sometimes.  When I come into work on Monday mornings, I
    give 4 people a status report.  One of the four comes in every morning
    to check on me to see if I've cheated (it feels *SOOOOOOOOOOO* good
    to say "Nope!") and to see if I'm getting depressed or something.
    Find someone you know you can depend on - someone you know that
    cares about how you feel and wants to help you out as much as possible.
    
    Change:  Even if it's "I won't weigh myself everyday" because if
    you're doing well, you'll reward yourself with food, or if you're
    not doing well, you'll pig out figuring that you blew it for the
    day anyway.  If you're not in the habit of weighing in all day long,
    make it something like "I'll exercise more" or "I'll think more
    positively".  
    
    Don't be too hard on yourself.  You're not perfect and it's OKAY if 
    you can't stop the temptation and it's too much sometimes.  That 
    doesn't make  you a rotten person... if you need help getting through
    the rough times, please call someone.... write a letter (or an 
    electronic mail message to someone on the support network).  No matter 
    what you do, there are always going to be people out there (and in
    here) that care... we've been dealing with fatness for a long time 
    and it'll be a lifetime battle for most of us, but WE ARE WORTH
    IT!!!!!
    
    Another point that Norman touched on (I don't want to offend anyone
    by saying this) is another 'P'.  Prayer.  For some, it doesn't work.
    It's helped me get through some pretty rough times in my life, and
    trying to lose weight can be real rough on the mind.   
    
    Sorry this is so long-winded, but if I can help just one person
    get back the motivation they are lacking or clear up some confused
    soul who's battling it out with him/herself, by sharing this with
    you, it'll be more than worth it to me.
    
    I want everyone who is reading this note (and didn't give up after
    the first screen) to know that I CARE.  I want to give you support.
    Even though we may be strangers, we're all fighting the same battle.
    To love ourselves more... if you need me, please let me know.  My
    telephone numbers are in the Support network (?) note.
    
    also, remember... some of your best friends were once strangers!
    Let's be real good friends!!
    
    					*** Kristy ***

    Thanks for the note of encouragement Kristy.  Since Monday, I've
    starting the one thing I *HATE* the most in the morning:  jogging. But,
    I realize it's good for me, I need it, and (I hate to admit it) it
    makes my mornings easier.  The goal here is from 220 lb to 200 lb
    within two months. It's reachable since I've done it before by just
    dieting but, haven't been able to keep it off. 
    
    I had a chance to read this conference over the weekend and am
    impressed.  Keep up with the ideas, suggestions, and support. 
    
    Jon ...   :~)

Dear 30.0:
    I am also in W.W. program in Chelmsford. I am kind off program for
    a month already(I gain 5 lb in last month), Before this, I did pretty 
    well, so, I was so upsad about myself. after read your notes, fell
    much better, well, tonight I will starts join a fittness center,
    Hope it helps loss weights too(I heard exercise only helps get shapes,
    but not resally works for loose weight?!) 
                     
    I think next time If I still have the "off-program" condi. I will
    read this notes. *-) !
                                                     
    /eileen 

    Become very aware of calorie content on anything you eat.  If you
    should decide to go off program don't feel guilty, just do this
    one little exercise.
    
      Determine the calorie content of the item you are going to eat.
    
      If you make a decision to never eat anything unless you know the
      calorie content you will never trick yourself...you will know
      what you are doing when you do it!