I don't know about the rest of you, but I am looking forward to
2017 coming to a close. At no time in my life have I ever felt
so completely dejected and angry - just because of politics. Normally, that
frustration would result in a serious amount of overeating, but not this year.
I actually have learned something over the past decades about my relationship
with food and stress.
In early 2017 I reached what I
believe was the pinnacle of stress in my life. Difficulty with a family
member's future, concern about my dog's health, weight issues - again, and
overwhelming angst about our political environment.
I decided I couldn't do
anything but remain aware and call my Congress people about the political
climate. I could also reduce my impact on the environment by recycling,
walking/cycling more, creating less waste, etc. The concern about the family
member was mitigated. Our family put our collective heads together and, along
with the vet, found some excellent approaches to dealing with our elderly
bulldog's arthritis issues. Mostly holistic, one injection, and we also
discovered that my son is quite the pro at giving shots to a wiggly dog!
What remained to manage was the
weight. Yet again, the weight. So, I decided to start tracking with LoseIt!
again. As the level of awareness increases with the application use, the weight
loss begins. I guess I lost about 5 pounds just from tracking. Then, in August,
after a reunion of my husband's family, I realized that I was feeling less
healthy than I'd ever felt. I feared, for the first time, oddly, that my weight
was going to contribute to health problems that I would have to manage with
medication. So, I decided - with that in mind - that I needed to lose the
weight. Nutrisystem has always been a good way to do that for me, so I
rejoined. It's been 113 days and I am down 35 pounds. This time I haven't been
obsessed with adhering to the letter of the diet. I have had a couple of drinks
with friends, eaten meals at restaurants, enjoyed food at parties, and holiday
meals with family. I'm just eating less, logging everything (even the
cocktails, people!), and doing this for my long-term health. I feel better, am
sleeping better, but mostly, I'm not so worried.
It would be terrific to believe
that this is the last time I will have to lose weight, but I know it isn't
true. Certainly, weight is my life-long challenge. Even when I have been a
group exercise instructor I've still had weight issues...so I know I will
always need to be vigilant.
So, here are my thoughts going
into 2018: I'm going to take a breath. Each time I am stressed - each time I am
overwhelmed - each time I encounter a challenge. I am going to take a breath. I
am going to make time for simple pleasures - a walk, a bike ride, a movie. I am
going to listen to what my soul needs - creative time, alone time, snuggle time
with my pup, family time. Also, even though I am going to eat less, I am going
to eat everything! No more NO approach. From now on it's YES! (but just a
little, please). Hoping yes leads to longer term success.
Happy 2018,
Everyone!
