When I met Roslyn Franken, last Friday, I vowed that her book, the A List would be the last weight loss book I ever buy. Because this is not about the food, but about myself and why I keep gaining back the weight I lose, no matter what diet I try.
It's about Ambition, Attitude, Attainability, Awareness, Activity, Assessment, Accountability, Appreciation and finally, Acceptance. I know I can do this, I've done it many times before. The challenge is not in the eating, well it is, but it's more about making it permanent, making it a lifestyle that I can live up to.
These are the first chapter questions that I am answering for the first time and that I will revisit every month to gauge how I'm doing, how and what I am changing that will make it work, this time. So here goes the first day of the rest of my life... This is my journal to keep track of what I eat, why I eat and how I succeed at this.
Wat is more important to you right now than taking charge of your health, weight and quality of life?
Nothing really, my life is really very good - great husband, lovely home, wonderful children, financially stable - the biggest challenge I face is my weight and the self-confidence that decreases as my weight increases.
What needs to happen to take charge of your health? weight and quality of life?
I hit rock bottom before I started Doctor B, in November of 2007 - right before our move to Ottawa. I lost the 32 pounds, paid a lot of money to do it - and now, I feel I've wasted all that (which really makes me feel guilty) because I've gained back 20 of those pounds.
What will I do differently now, so that taking charge of your health, weight and quality of life is your top priority?
I will make time for myself during the day to journal, move (even if it is just the T-Zone for 20 minutes) and be aware of what I am doing.
What is your purpose in eating healthy, controlling your weight and improving your lifestyle?
It is to feel good, be and look younger as I grow older and do fun things with my family, friends and grandchildren.
Why is it important to me?
Because I don't want to be "old" in the sense of being dull, tired, unable to follow, travel, do the things I haven't done yet, and be interesting to be with - not a whiny old person that keeps complaining about their lack of health, or other negative approaches to life.
How are you hoping your life will be different once you've achieved your purpose?
I will be proud of myself, have more self-confidence, fit in my clothes that I loved buying when I was a fit size 8 or smaller :) I will run faster, look better and feel better about myself.
How hopeful are you that you can turn these hopes into reality?
Somewhat hopeful because I achieved this goal before and it has now eluded me, yet again. What has happened is the slippage in the resolve, I guess, the 4 o'clock cravings that seem to be where my body takes over my mind and I can't help myself. Day after day, this has taken its toll.
Starting this moment, what will you do differently to increase your level of hope?
I will erase the past and start fresh as if it were my very first attempt at weight loss, and not look back. I will journal here, and will potentially share it even if it makes me vulnerable.How
So the last questions were: How motivated and committed are you to long term success? and my answer to both are I am very motivated and determined, and I am very committed to long-term success.
Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels ...
