Weight Watching...A Lifelong Journey

[LiLiSwen]

I am 41 years old and I can't remember a time in my life when my weight hasn't been an issue. Even after I lost weight and reached goal, I still had to worry about maintaining the loss.

I went on my first diet when I was 12 years old. It was the Scarsdale diet and my whole family was doing it together. I remember how humiliating it was to bring out my lunch at school. This was the beginning of my low self-esteem issues, that followed me for many years to come.

Since that time I have been on countless weight loss plans, programs, etc, but I tend to gravitate towards the Weight Watchers program. It really allows me the freedom to eat food that I like and not be forced to eat things I don't.

I read all kinds of health and fitness magazines and books. I search the web for the latest information and I have a library full of exercise videos and dvds.

What I've learned along the way is that there is no "one size fits all" plan out there. There are no "quick fixes". It takes alot of effort on my part, ie. planning, shopping, preparing, working out, to be successful. I've learned I can't do it alone and I need support of others who are walking a similar path(Weight Watchers, CafeMom group). And most importantly I have learned to accept that these are things I will have to do for the rest of my life. The good news is that over the last 20+ years many of the changes I made have now become part of my daily life. I no longer have to think about them, I just do it. For example, I almost always park further away so that I get some extra walking in, take the stairs instead of an elevator, ask for dressings on the side when ordering a salad.

Some of the changes I made seemed very insignificant, but when I put them all together, I realized that I really am leading a healthier life than I was 20 years ago.

I have been blessed to be here for 41 years and I plan on continuing to make changes that become habits that will help keep me here for at least another 41 years. It's been a wild ride so far and I look forward to continuing this journey.

[2inspire]

Jan. 20, 2008 at 11:40 PM You go girl......I am a life time member of weigh watchers, And I truly believe it really is all about choices.  I am 36 and joined weight watchers after my 1st Daughter Sydney was born in 98.  It really was about a lifestyle change for me.  Obviously after having a child your body is truly different and I knew that I wanted to get control over that before it took the control away from me.  I know now that exercising and just eating right and absolutely having the mindset control is how I have succeed and keep succeed everyday.  I even took up running which I had never even thought of before....You Go Girl.  Just being the example to our children and just eating right and making the right choices.  Have an Awesome Week. 

[PENJET]

Jan. 20, 2008 at 11:42 PM I've dealt with being overweight my whole life. It stinks! I joined weight watchers like 4 times already. But January 1st something clicked with me and for the first time ever, I actually feel very serious about doing it this time. I even joined a gym two days ago! Me, yes... me! I can't believe it myself either. I'm excited and looking forward to actually seeing some results. Way to go on reaching goal! That's excellent. Keep up the great work!!