I’m now at that stage where I usually start coming undone…
I’m on track with the eating and I’ve added exercise. I feel great! Strong and powerful. Energized and clean. My husband keeps running his hands over my body, because things are tightening up and he can tell the difference (who am I to complain?). My body is changing day by day. I’m making progress and loving it!
Except that the scale has ground to a complete halt. Again.
This happens every time! And in the past it’s pushed me off track, slowly but surely. First I’d start making poorer food choices. Then the poorer food choices will compromise my immunity, so I’d get ill and be unable to exercise. Usually at that time I’d lose my shit over something trivial and start smoking again… which means that I won’t be going back to gym any time soon. This doesn’t happen overnight, but over a period of a few weeks.
But not this time. The scale is standing still again. It’s tough when you want to see your progress in numbers, but it’s not happening right now and I’ve decided that instead of sabotaging myself I’ll just have to toughen up some more.
I have complete faith in the process. My body is adjusting to better nutrition and there’s a lot going on in there right now. It will get to a point, soon I hope, where it will realize that the good stuff is not going to disappear again… That this is the way things will be from now. Then it will start releasing again, probably in credible weekly losses.
I know that I’m developing muscle mass and losing fat. My shape is telling me that. The scale is not moving, but everything else is. I’ve told countless people that the scale is only ONE tool in our tool chest, not the final authority. It’s time I start internalizing that message.
Having said that, there are some things I can do to help it along. I can jack up my cardio even more and watch my portion sizes.
My dietary approach has two stages – first I get rid of all the nasty stuff and start getting used to the good stuff. This is the “what I eat” stage, and it’s most important. I’m doing really well here, eating only whole, unprocessed foods – almost exclusively plants – and I love it! I have no cravings for anything else.
The second stage is the “how much I eat” stage. Here it’s all about listening to my body. I’m being superbly nourished by my food. I don’t need a second or third helping… that’s just the pleasure response talking! I really believe that you can only start working on this aspect once the first stage is well established, which it is. So, my challenge is to now start listening to my body and honoring its signals.
I’ve never busted through this obstacle before, but this time I’m doing it!
I will not be thrown off my path again! I’ve come a long way and I’m still going strong…
Click on image for info.
That’s right! You know the deal. Don’t allow that sinister scale to play mind games with you!
You won’t become undone because your approach is wise and you have a solid plan!
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..Updated! New Additions to Fast Food Cheat Sheet
Ugh. I remember the feeling well. You’ve got the right idea; it’s all about the BIG picture, and it doesn’t really matter what the scale or the tape measure say. YOU know the progress that’s being made.
cammy@tipptoediet´s last blog ..The Heat is On (and a PB2 Giveaway)
COME ON Hanlie, keep going
Remember, this is for life. You are not on a diet, you are learning new, healthy habits which you will have to do forever and forever. You cannot give up because that would mean allowing yourself to go back to where you started. Pounds are pounds and holy canoli, they are hard to ignore, I TOTALLY AGREE! But…in the end, you are attempting & succeeding in reteaching yourself new habits – don’t let the pounds sway you!
Sounds like you have a good positive attitude
Jen, a priorfatgirl´s last blog ..I ate a frank…
Forget about that scale (except when it’s saying something that makes you feel great)! You’re not on some crash diet seeking instant–but temporary–results. If you keep eating real foods and exercising (and blogging about it, I’ve found it’s such a great force to keep you on track), then there’s no way your body will not change massively in the long run.
I have no doubt that you will stay on track this time. Your level of commitment is abundantly clear from your recent posts, and for me that’s very inspirational!
Matt (No Meat Athlete)´s last blog ..Tomato Pesto and a Near Dough-Disaster
I am not worried about you one little bit. Things are so different this time for you. THere is no way you are going to fail!! YOU CAN DO THIS BECAUSE YOU ARE DOING IT!! The scale will always matter. But how we feel about the number is something we can change. I still weigh every day. Some days I hate what it says some days I love it. But I look at it as a tool to keep me going the way I am going. Its like a mental reminder in the morning of what I need to do for the day. Its not who I am or what I am its only what I weight at that small slice of time in my life.
YOU remember YOU ARE WORTH THIS. You will be just fine!
*huggles*
=0)
Felicia´s last blog ..And the next project begins…
You can do it! When I was losing weight and trying to get pregnant, I had stops in my weight loss progress also. I think it is natural, plus with the muscle mass growing and the fat being lost- of course it would take a while before the metabolism starts going again. It is discouraging though. But this lady at the pool yesterday showed me this cool watch she has that tells her how many calories she burns when she exercises. She says that she burns the most from bike riding.
Sometimes, though you have to work up to new workouts. Sometimes when you are trying to get into shape, you can’t go for just any workout. (Just because it can be too hard on your joints you know) But when you feel ready, maybe try some biking classes.
Tricia´s last blog ..Just Swimmin’
Clarity
Peace of mind
Focus
Determination
Accepting change
Is what I heard in your writing.
Very good posting, very good out look.
vickie´s last blog ..Line of domino’s – the early knee story
YOU SAID IT
I wish I could have read your post HUNDREDS of times in the past
This ONE IS WORTH PRINTING AND TAPING TO THE BATHROOM MIRROR
Cindy´s last blog ..Welcome to the Sparkle News Network (SNN)
“complete faith in the process.” YES!!!! The process includes sucky parts known as plateaus. That doesn’t mean its over for you. Stay strong Hanlie. You can do this!
A very inspirational post. Thank you for saying it like it is.
Debbie´s last blog ..Why oh Why??
Keep at it, Hanlie! You are doing great so far… and this is just a little bump in the road. Keep pushing on… and you’ll be over it in no time!
I KNOW that you can do this! I KNOW that you can reach every goal that you have set! I have complete confidence in you!
And… always know that you are not alone! I’m right here with you fighting the fight day after day after day! This is our time to finally take control of our bodies and our lives so that we can live the life that we’ve always wanted!
Chubby Chick´s last blog ..Wednesday Weigh In – Week 17
What you said about internalizing it is so true- we tell it to other people but a lot of the time have difficulties believing it ourselves!
And you can do this!!
Sagan´s last blog ..Maintaining a Healthy and Realistic Attitude toward Body Image during the Summer Months
I know it isn’t the most important thing, but I have a feeling that scale is gonna get a gold old fashion a$$ kicking real soon.
Patty´s last blog ..It’s all about the Jelly Belly
Good girl! I know you won’t let yourself get derailed by a stubborn scale. I too have to remember that the number is just a number, but how I feel and how I treat myself are what is REALLY important! Go, Hanlie!
Trisaratops´s last blog ..HYC Check In
You’re doing great. Don’t worry about the scale. In fact, if you can, hide it from yourself for a couple of weeks and see what happens.
BigGirl´s last blog ..Here’s Goes Nothing
Yup, this is the point that all of us reach when we make that conscious or unconscious decision to continue on the path or to quit and go back to our old, unhealthy ways.
You know what to do, you know how to do it, and you obviously have the drive and determination to stick with it! Now it’s only a matter of time…
jenn´s last blog ..Week 6 Results: I Had A Feeling
What an inspirational post. You are right on track though – it is all about making the decision that we are going to do this no matter what. Keep it up, you are doing great. There is no doubt your husband would second that, especially if he cannot keep his hands off of you.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Day 239 – Long Day, Short Post
Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto…what everyone else said. Put the freakin’ scale away already! I’m serious. Bury that thing in the backyard.
You are beautiful. You are nourishing your body with healthy food. You are moving your body daily. Your body is transforming – Craig can see it and so can you. Let. It. Happen.
xo!
*HUGS* You are such an inspiration to me. Truly. I am so proud of you and proud for you.