I have been really surprised - pleasantly so, I might add - that I am still continuing to lose 3 - 4 pounds a week at this stage of my weight loss journey. Another 4.8 pounds last week - that following two 4-pound weeks. I now officially weigh less than the total number of pounds I have lost. My coach put me on Phase 2 of the program this week, mostly because she wants me to be on Phase 3 when we go to Hawaii. She says, "No one should go to Hawaii and not be able to eat fruit!". I hadn't thought of it but, By, Golly! I agree with her.
I also began working as a coach this week. One lady looked at me with a slight look of recognition, then stated, "I know you! I have read your blog!" So, apparently I have followers that I know nothing about. Being a coach involves so much more than just sharing the program with others who are at various points on their journeys. There is paperwork! And the computer program! And remembering to fill in all the blanks on their charts. I am constantly reminded that I am not as young as I used to be - my mind doesn't comprehend details like it once did.
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." - Chinese proverb"
Speaking of not being as young as I was, there are other reminders along the way. One woman who is considering joining the program has expressed one of her concerns. "If I lose all this weight, I will have too much skin!" Well, she's right. I responded with, "Yes, you will have too much skin. But, when I was so much heavier, I didn't look good naked in front of a mirror - and I also didn't look good in my clothes. Now, at least I look good in my clothes. For now, 50% is enough and I will work on the rest."
"If you're interested in achieving success, you'll do what's convenient. When you are committed, you'll do whatever it takes." - John Assaraf
The excess skin is a problem. If it were nice smooth skin, it wouldn't be so bad, but it isn't. I am hoping that the exercise program, lifting weights and doing some cardio, will help in that department. I am planning to give it a year, and if my body still looks as flabby as it does now, I may have to consider surgery to fix it. I have to say, that idea terrifies me! Whatever it takes - right?
" Learn to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want." - Jim Rohn
As I have said before, I am basically a very impatient person. I want instant results. That is one reason that I think I have been able to follow the program so successfully. Each week I was able to see progress. As I look back on previous posts to my blog, I realize that I am really a different person. Not just my body, but all of me. And, I am happy with what I have achieved. Actually, I am just a little more than proud of myself. I wasn't sure that I would be able to stick with this program because it really is restrictive. Now, I am not sure that I want to be off the program. I was really looking forward to graduating to Phase 2, but I find that I am missing my protein packet at noon. I have some favorites that fit very nicely into my daily schedule, and by eliminating the one at noon I feel a little like the proverbial 'fish out of water'.
" You will become on the outside what you believe on the inside." - Unknown
I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I am hoping to either eliminate - or reduce -my final diabetes medication. I have had blood sugar readings now that are too low, and I have had to have a banana to raise them some. And, I can't see any reason to take medication to lower my blood sugars - and then have to eat special foods to raise them back up. But, we will see what my doctor says. He has the results of my blood work, so the story should be told on Tuesday.
"We are addicted to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking." — Santosh Kalwar
You, and only you, can choose to make changes in your life. I could see that my addiction to food was not only affecting me and my health, but my marriage was suffering as a result of my weight. My relationship with my children was hindered by my weight. I could not play with my grandchildren like I wanted. But, most of all, my addiction was affecting me. I hated me! I have come a long way, but I believe that I will have to be constantly vigilant and never allow myself to go back to my old habits.
Life is a series of choices. Food, like any addiction, is very difficult to attack. First, you must admit that you have an addiction, and then find something that is worth enough to you that you want to make changes. If I had to choose one thing that was important enough to me to make me want to change, I would have to say it was my marriage. And, after that, the rest fell into place. Yes, I look at my life and hate that it took me so long to decide to change, but I am constantly grateful that I have finally made that commitment.
"The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose." Arnold Bennett 1867 - 1931
You are an inspiration to me. Thank you.
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