A Woman's Right to Lose

It's important to set mini goals for yourself along the way. If I had started from day one reminding myself that my WW goal weight was 60 lbs. away I surely would've fallen off the wagon in no time. Instead I focused on increments - losing just 5 lbs., and then another 5 lbs., and then another 5. You get the idea.

I also set small rewards for dropping down to the next 'decade' in weight, hitting a specific pound marker, or finally fitting into a special outfit. For example, after I'd lost 45 lbs. I did a major closet overhaul and went on a huge shopping spree (the first of many). When I hit the 185 lb. mark, I rewarded myself with a new bathing suit. Okay, to be honest I ended up with five new bathing suits; I couldn't control myself! 

At any rate, setting and reaching these mini-milestones helped motivate me to press onward.

I never realized how difficult maintenance would be. Each day is a struggle as I exercise, count calories and fat grams, measure portions and choose healthy food options. This isn't to say that exercising itself is extremely difficult, or that putting baby carrots into a Ziplock baggie is a real challenge, or even that measuring 3/4 cup of whole wheat pasta is right up there with rocket science. The struggle is continually finding the motivation and determination to continue to do all of these things for - how long? - forever!

Modesty aside, I was perfect at losing weight. I learned, memorized and followed the WW program to the letter. Believe it or not, from my initial weigh-in all the way to goal I posted a loss every single week. But that perfectionism doesn't mean jack if I can't ensure that every pound lost doesn't find its way back onto my body.

Enter a life of maintenance madness! Has this journey been a rollercoaster of emotions? Certainly. But damned if the results aren't worth every packed lunch, baby carrot, sweat bead and muscle ache!

My current challenges (as of May 2008) include:

• maintain under 150 lbs.
• try the famous taco soup recipe this month
• exercise at least four days per week
• add ab routine (180+ crunches) after each run 
• savor the flavor by consciously trying to eat more slowly
• attend WW meetings to weigh-in at least once every four weeks

The point is to keep yourself motivated in whatever way works best. The more personal you make your mini-goals, the more successful you will be.