As I continue my journey along the Dr. Oz Highway of Health, I sometimes lose a little steam - a little "hope," if you will. When I think about the big picture of how much weight I need to lose, it can be overwhelming. And that's when I lose hope. Because it seems like such an impossible task. And because, like most people, I want results now.
I've always been pretty impatient about things. Actually, that is probably an understatement - just ask my parents and anyone who knew me as a child. I'm still pretty impatient most of the time. And so the whole "slow" weight loss thing is kind of a thorn in my side. That's probably the reason I've never given any diet more than a couple months.
Given the fact that I had been complaining about how my weight loss was moving along much slower than I thought it should, my pal Loriana decided I needed a pep talk. It was exactly what I needed. She reminded me that it's not going to happen overnight and that I have to just keep moving forward and continue to build on the good habits I've developed. This is a life program - not a quick fix. And that I WILL see results, but not to expect too much in a short amount of time. And most importantly - not to compare my results to anyone else's. This could possibly have been the best advice she gave me. It's hard not to get caught up with the quick results you see on "Biggest Loser." It almost brainwashes you into believing if you're not losing 5-10 pounds per week, you aren't doing something right. Loriana made me realize that it truly is a marathon, not a sprint.
And so what if my results are small - they are still going in the right direction. As long as I continue going in the right direction, it's all good.
After my mini "kick in the pants," I took my measurements and was surprised to find I did better than I thought. The scale said I lost 10 pounds, but the tape measure gave me even better news: a total loss of 7 1/2 inches (1/2 inch off my neck, 3 inches off my chest, 2 inches of my waist, and 2 inches off my hips).
So thanks, Loriana, for reminding me of what is important. Suffice it to say my hope has been renewed.
“Hope never abandons you; you abandon it.”
George Weinberg
