Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We've had a lot of homework and a lot of discussions about how we're going to manage the stress, the tempting foods, the leftovers, and other land mines associated with this very food-focused holiday.
Today's homework is a two-parter. Part I is about giving thanks and Part II is about busting weight loss myths. If you've got 10 people coming for dinner tomorrow and you're pressed for time, just pick one part. If you're able, take a stab at both parts.
Part I - Giving Thanks
Give 3 reasons why you are thankful this Thanksgiving.
Bonus Points: Make 1 of the reasons related to yourself, your journey or your health.
Part II - Busting Weight Loss Myths
Give at least 1 myth or misconception about eating/food, losing weight or exercising that you feel hinders some people in finding success at reaching their goal weight and a healthier life. Explain why it is a myth/misconception and what the truth is as you know it.
Bonus Points: If this is a myth/misconception that hindered YOU at some point, tell us a little about that.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posts: 7217 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Originally posted by p7eggyc: Weight Loss Myths: Well, I think I'm more like Denise (big shock)
I have to say that I think that attitude probably stopped the weight gain at one point because for whatever reason, I didn't decide I was 'meant' to be another 20, 40, 60 lbs heavier (yes, I know that makes no sense! ).
I am thankful for my family and friends and the friends here that I only know your names. I am thankful for spending another holiday with my dear aging grandparents. I am thankful that I ahve the strength within myself to change and get health for good this time.
Diet myth I don't like is if you just eat one type of food such as all meat or all cabbage soup you will be health for life. I feel that you need all types of food carbs,meats,veggies,sugar to be healthy now moderation is how you balance it all out. at least that is what I think.
Wow, 3 reasons doesn't begin to cover it but I'll try to give you my top ones anyway.
I'm so very grateful for my family and friends and their good health. I am so very lucky to have so many people that love me and let me love 'em back. There have been babies and weddings this year and there will be this year and it's so wonderful to be a part of people's wonderful moments.
I couldn't begin in a million words to tell you guys how much you all mean to me. There have been times this year where I haven't been as present here but there was never a day that your names, your words and your inspiration have not passed through my mind. I could never have done the things I did for my good health without you and I certainly would've never been able to do it so effectively. As wonderful and big as my group of family and friends are, there is NO ONE in that group who could offer the support that you all have given so generously. It goes without saying, but of course must be said, that KD is THE BEST! Thanks so much for creating and maintaining this place for us.
I too am fortunate to have a great job that challenges me and pays me well. I have a bounty of blessings because of it. Many single women are not so fortunate and I realize how very lucky I am.
Weight Loss Myths: Well, I think I'm more like Denise (big shock) in that I was more stuck in myths that kept me overweight. I guess the biggest one was that I had at one point pretty much convinced myself that I was really 'meant' to be that weight and that even if I lost it, I'd just put it right back on so 'why bother?'. I have to say that I think that attitude probably stopped the weight gain at one point because for whatever reason, I didn't decide I was 'meant' to be another 20, 40, 60 lbs heavier (yes, I know that makes no sense! ). I really was so very guilty of the perfection thing that I couldn't see the forest for the trees but FlyLady and this board has really help me reign that in in at least a couple of areas of my life.
Ok its hard for me to narrow it down to just three things to be thankful for this year, so here are a few.
1. I am thankful for every person out there who has decided to become an organ donor. I know its not always an easy choice. Its because of people like you that I'll have my best friend around for quite a bit longer.
2. I am thankful to be surrounded by my family, and that we are not all spread around the country.
3. I am thankful for such a wonderful husband who has been my shoulder to cry on and so much more this year.
4. I am thankful this wonderful group of friends, here on the forums. I know i have not been as active this year, but your support has been so strong all year.
5. On a more personal note, I am thankful that i have been able to build up my confidence again. It had wavered a bit this year, but i'm feeling more like myself again.
Laurie
There is no luckexcept where there is dicipline.
Posts: 1512 | Location: Adams, MA | Registered: March 10, 2004
With men, it sometimes seems to me that becoming overweight is a considered to be a natural part of aging. (Not so!) If you are a middle-aged man, it's almost as if you are supposed to have a pot belly. And of course, you can't lose weight if you don't even try.
Oh well, let the other guys be satisfied with being "pleasantly plump". I've achieved "svelteness", and plan on staying that way.
Posts: 2306 | Location: A Blue State | Registered: May 02, 2004
We moved to the suburbs and I started driving a car every where AND dh got a good paying job and we started eating out.
This all happened when I turned 32...
I couldn't figure out why all of a sudden I was "mysteriously" starting to gain weight... I figured I'd turned 30 and that was just the way it might be.
Originally posted by GoingSkiing: All because I couldn't move on after letting myself down and deviating from perfection.
I've posted a lot about how it was necessary for me to eject that attitude when I began my journey. Perfectionists often think in terms of black or white, good or bad, all or nothing. Looking back, I set myself up to fail because I set such unreasonable standards for myself back in the old days.
quote:
Also, the concept of being perfect meant that I never PLANNED to have a cookie or two. "Perfect" was NO cookies.
Boy do I hear that. And it seemed RIGHT or LOGICAL at the time to say "NO cookies" but now I realize it was so NOT logical. There may be people who can deprive themselves of everything they love and still be successful, but most can't. I know for sure that *I* can't.
Sometimes, friends or coworkers will look at me a little sideways when I talk about planning a burger/fries day or planning to have some sort of treat. It goes against everything the average American lifelong dieter knows to be right and good. But I think it's the only thing that makes sense...at least, if you are the kind of person I am who goes into a crave & binge cycle as soon as I try to deprive myself of something.
Posts: 7217 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Originally posted by GoingSkiing: Another food myth: I used to think, "I am so stressed/sad/angry/overworked/under appreciated/______ , I DESERVE a reward/treat.
Me too!!!!!
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
Originally posted by GoingSkiing: I used to think, "I am so stressed/sad/angry/overworked/under appreciated/______ , I DESERVE a reward/treat.
I have come so far in dumping bad mental attitudes that serve to sabotage me, but this is one I still fall victim to. Last night, on my way home, I wanted fast food so bad and I know that, in large part, it was because I'd had such a hectic and stressful day. I didn't get fast food, but it took a LOT of will to keep driving past it.
Posts: 7217 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Originally posted by SheriaVa: If this is a myth/misconception that hindered YOU at some point, tell us a little about that.
The myth that perfection is possible. The myth that you have to be perfect.
It hindered me because it took me a long time to figure out how to climb back on the wagon. EVERYBODY falls off the wagon, but that skill of getting back on right away is really important to learn.
In the past, one cookie led to, "I might as well eat the whole box." In the past, one bad snack led to a bad day, which led to a bad week, which led to I might as well start over on Monday, which led to I might as well start over after New Years which led to a LOT of weight being gained.
All because I couldn't move on after letting myself down and deviating from perfection.
Also, the concept of being perfect meant that I never PLANNED to have a cookie or two. "Perfect" was NO cookies.
I'm so thankful for my wonderful DH and my happy, healthy DS. They are my inspiration, my reason for getting up every morning, and the reason I work hard to stay healthy. Not only do I want to set a good example, I want to be around a long, long time.
The myth that I've fallen victim to more times than I want to think about is that there is a quick and easy solution to anyone's weight problem. I wanted so much to be thinner RIGHT NOW that I tried lots of products and diets that promised to "melt away pounds" or some variation on that theme. Maybe those pounds melted but they sure didn't go away!
I've learned that good health is a journey and a process, and it takes work and effort. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun and gratifying, too.
Part I I am thankful for my my family, especially glad that my son is here (and I'm not pregnant anymore). I am thankful that I am not lacking everyday needs, I have a home, food on the table and all of our basic needs (and then some) fulfilled. I am thankful that I am on the road to being far more healthy and that I am doing it for me instead of anyone else.
Part II The myths I would mention are already listed here: SheriaVa mentioned the myth that you can go back to your regular habits once the weight is off. That happened to me last time. And Cate mentioned the misconception that you have to starve yourself. Everything in moderation...
Pam
"Habits are like supervisors that you don't notice." -- Hannes Messemer
I am so very thankful for my husband and daughter. I am so blessed to be a part of this board- thanks all for being here and thanks, kd for provding it.
As far as the myth, I think that portion distortion has been a biggie for me. Even eating hte "right" foods in too big a quanity leads to weight gain. I have to measure, weigh and be pretty vigilant as my mind distorts.
I'm going to do short homework for now... feeling pressed for time all of a sudden.
I'm REALLY grateful for everybody on the board and for KD for providing it. You are all REALLY a help to me on both the weight front and on the fly/chat thing. (I did dishes last night during Rachel Ray's commercials... )
I was jogging in place watching TV last night because of KD's exercise challenge. dh and ds had egg nog milkshakes from Jack-in-the-Box last night and I passed, in part because of the virtual weigh in.
You all challenge me to just do a little more to stay healthy. Thanks!!!
* * * * * *
I bought into the "eliminate a food group" diet myth. I bought the "fat is bad" thing.
It is hard to get over... but I'm making good progress on the healthy oil thing.
"Eliminate a food group" is very seductive because it feeds into my "all or nothing" thinking.
I am thankful that I have a home, a family, with me this year. So many do not have anything, I don't ever want to take that for granted.
I am thankful that although my health isn't perfect yet, I am getting there. Slowly but surely wins the race.
I am thankful that I have friends and family who are supportive, encouraging and loving through many trials this year.
Part II - Busting Weigh Loss Myths
"You can loose 20 lbs by Christmas" What a farce and not even sound health sense. Yes you could loose 20 lbs by Christmas, and put 30 on by New Years. I have a very hard time with fad diets and thinking that they are going to be the answer to our prayers of loosing weight. Loosing weigh takes time, steadfastness and determination. You have to be motivated to go the distance and then make it a lifestyle change. Diets don't work, changing habits does. I didn't buy into this one, my mother bought it from a doc when I was 13 --- the grapefruit diet. To this day, I can't eat grapefruit. And did I loose, yep, 30 lbs, and put it back on and about 100 more. Don't fall for fast, fall for healthy.
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3453 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
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