Simple in Theory
The formula for losing weight is really quite simple in theory – eat less, move more, and weight loss will be yours.
I was always told that the only way to really lose weight and to keep it off is to make long-term changes that I could stick with and truly incorporate into my life for the long haul, and I feel like I have truly done that.
I am now a runner and have completed 3 half marathons, several shorter races, and have many more coming up on my schedule.
I consistently workout several times per week and am in the best physical shape of my life.
I put a lot of prep work into my meals to make healthy eating easier and spend a bit of time coming up with a menu plan each week.
And finally, I surround myself by people and brands that support my lifestyle and encourage me to be the best version of myself.
But, despite all that, and not even one year after hitting my goal weight, I am up several pounds and have had to switch gears from weight maintenance back into weight loss mode, and I am having a really hard time with it. I feel like after all this time trying to and successfully losing weight, it should be easier. But, it’s not.
When it comes to execution, and despite the simple concept behind it, why is weight loss so… not simple?
This question is something I’ve tossed around in my head over and over again. I still struggle to be able to find the right answer, but after a lot of thinking and reflecting, I’ve narrowed it down to three key reasons that weight loss is not so simple for me.
1.) I put a lot of pressure on myself.
There are many reasons behind this, but I know that I feel a large amount of pressure to be back at my goal weight. I think because I’ve lost the weight before, I feel like I should have it figured out by now and should be able to do it again relatively easily, so it’s frustrating that it’s not coming that easy.
Also, because of the fact that I am a Leader for Weight Watchers, members look up to me and expect me to know all the answers, so I internalize that expectation. In addition to member expectations, there’s an expectation from Weight Watchers for me to be at my goal weight, and while they have been flexible and accommodating in my effort to get back to goal, I think the amount of pressure I feel from both internal and external sources causes me to self-sabotage at times, which is a big hurdle in the way of successful weight loss for me.
2.) The last 10 pounds are the hardest, and I have to lose them again.
It took me almost a year and a half to lose the last 10 pounds the last time, because these ones do not come off nearly as easily as the first ones. I remember when I first started working for Weight Watchers, I was worried about being able to relate to people who “just” had 10 lbs to lose, and was worried they wouldn’t relate to me. But as my coach reminded me, those last 10 pounds are the hardest, so having lost as much weight as I have puts me in a position to be able to relate to people who have to lose all different amounts of weight. And here I am – having to face these stinky 10 lbs yet again. It’s just tough!
3.) I want to be both healthy AND happy, and sometimes the things that make me happy don’t translate into being healthy.
As cliché as it is to say, life is all about balance, and I really struggle to balance doing the things that make me happy while being healthy. I was and always have been a total foodie – I LOVE to eat and try new things and restaurants. Plus, I am a very social person – I like hanging out with friends, going out on dates, and going to happy hours with coworkers. And, there are just some things that I like – like French fries, wine and nachos – that I have a hard time being moderate with, but don’t want to cut out from my life all together. Trying to find a balance to have both the things I know I should do to be healthy with the things I want to do because I love them is something I really struggle with, but am working on.
I was always told that weight maintenance would be harder than weight loss itself, but if I’m being totally honest, I never really believed it. I thought that once I finally hit my goal weight, everything else would fall into place and I wouldn’t have to try quite so hard. And I can honestly say that now, I know better than to think it’s that simple.
What do you think is the main hurdle for you getting in the way of weight loss?
Be well!
Beth
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Apr 25, 2012 @ 05:13:00
So true. For many people, keeping your weight in check and losing weight, is a life long committment. There are ups and downs, there always will be. Get back to where you want to be, make sure it’s reasonable, and then don’t be too hard on yourself when you have little ups and downs. It’s life.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 06:10:00
You really hit the nail on the head with #3, Beth. Trying to navigate that balance is so difficult, because the truth is that a lot of unhealthy foods DO make me happy. Overdoing it with them makes it come back around and make me unhappy because I feel bad, but still.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 06:43:00
very well explained. i have to also agree that #3 hits home. One of the hardest things in life for me is to keep a sane balance between work, life at home and friends. lack of time is my number one reason for making unhealthy decisions. so making a conscious effort to MAKE THAT TIME to prepare healthy meals, exercise and feed my children healthy wholesome foods is really where my hurdle lies. its all about balance.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 07:42:00
My experience has been that nothing is more important than what I put in my mouth. I could exercise until I dropped but if my food wasn’t clean it didn’t matter. So I made a commitment to myself that my diet would be clean all day and then if I had a dessert it wasn’t a big deal. Kind of like a 90/10 rule. My body craves the good stuff now – green smoothies, fresh fruits and veggies. It’s a good thing.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 07:50:00
Great post, Beth!! As someone who hasn’t yet hit their “goal weight” – (hopefully by the end of 2012 though!!) it’s a good reminder to me that life won’t be hunky dory all of sudden once I hit THAT #. I will still struggle with balance and healthy vs. happy… which reminds me that it’s about the journey and living a happy healthy life all along the way, not the final magic # destination. Thanks!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 10:46:00
Oh sister, how I can relate. I’m a Weight Watcher and worked with you on Saturdays in D.C. before I moved out of the area…you made my Saturday mornings more enjoyable.
I, too, have realized just how hard maintenance is. Sometimes I’m overly strict to stay at goal, but then I risk having any fun at all. There definitely has to be a balance, but Beth, don’t beat yourself up. You’ve come a LONG way, and one order of nachos isn’t going to sabotage the hard work you’ve put into this journey. Everything in moderation, and you’ll be back in no time. I love reading your blog out here in Michigan!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 11:05:00
Hi Courtney! I remember working with you all those weekends and have to say right back at you – my Saturdays were much more enjoyable because of you! Glad things are going well for you out in Michigan. I’ll keep the search out for balance back here in dc!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 11:44:00
The main hurdle for me is MYSELF. I know exactly what I need to do, but I’ve sabotaged my own efforts way too many times. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve done really good, so I’m hoping I will keep it.
I have my WW meeting after work today.
Apr 26, 2012 @ 07:50:00
I keep hearing at the maintaining is the hardest part. So I’m trying to lose weight more slowly than I’ve ever done. (I’m averaging a little more than half a lb per week). I guess I’m not trying to lose it more slowly, but I’m trying to change habits slowly so that they stick. I’m hoping that will ease the difficulty of maintaining a little bit? I am going to still expect that it won’t be easy, though! Thanks for your insight.