You've heard of the Freshman 15?
Well, since I've moved to Michigan, I put on 40 pounds. The sad fact is, I'm not alone. I look around me in grocery stores, at the gym - everywhere - people here seem to be overweight - even obese.
After losing 90 lbs - watching the scale - and my wardrobe as they inflate - has been disheartening - to say the least. I've been resistant to posting on my blog - so ashamed of gaining weight. I wrote a book about the psychology of weight loss - and here I am gaining weight. What's that about? So this week, after my husband gently reminded me that my belly was kind of preceding me - I finally heeded my own call to action. I've taken control.
Step One - I stepped up my gym presence. Even though I'm fat, working out makes me feel better. I'm hoping I can break the cycle of feeling bad, eating, feeling worse, low energy and gym resistence. Going to the gym makes me feel strong and healthy - even when there is a bit too much jiggle.
Step Two - I really tried to get to the root of what was eating ME - and only then did I step back and really thought about what I was eating. This was probably the toughest step because it involved introspection, realizing that I was out of control, and determining that I want to be IN CONTROL. I realized that in certain areas of my life I am not in control. But it doesn't have to be that way with my waistline. Now I'm in position to take my life back. This is a whole blog post in itself. I will follow up as I continue to explore.
Step Three - I acknowledged that although I love my husband, I have not been happy in my new life in Michigan. That may or may not change. But I don't have to be unhappy AND overweight. It's kind of like wearing a big, fat sign - "I hate my life!" And clearly, I'm not the only one - there are depressed people all over Michigan wearing the same sign. It's a club I'd rather not join. So I've ditched the sign.
So, here I am on day 3 of what will hopefully be the road to recovery. I don't have a clearcut goal - other than wanting to ditch the Michigan 40 and feel better. I'll be working through my issues - one pound at a time - and strengthening my body and my mind. With help from above, hopefully I can tackle the challenges.
I guess the one upside about yo-yo dieting is that I know I can do it. I've done it before!