A Challenge.........as we enter into the "Traditional Weight Gaining Season"

[insearchofme]

Weighted in today at 228 again.

It seems that I am on the dreaded "Plateau"! Some may not know the term, it's when you get to a point where you not losing even though you are still trying to. This is the most difficult part of losing weight. Intellectually I know that this happens. Your body is still adjusting to your weight loss, you are still exercising but now that you've lost some weight it takes more exercise since you're not carrying around your starting weight. Maybe the foods you're eating are causing you to retain water, maybe you're starting to develop more muscle mass (muscle weights more than fat). However, emotionally I feel like crap, all this self denial with stalled results really sucks. This is the point where a lot of folks will say ,"Screw it"(or something along those lines) and go off their weight loss strategy. I've done it before

This is definately not the time to do such a thing. You may want to review your plan and see if there is another way around it. Remeber we all lose weight differently and what works for me may not work for thousands of others. You may want to keep a food diary, record every thing you eat that day. Make some adjustments. If you are exercising definately keep an exercise diary. I do and my current diary goes back to 2003. I use this to mainly track my strength training but I do put overall exercisng in it. By doing so you migth want to change your exercise level.

One thing is you may not want to weight in each day. When I try to lose weight I usually weight in once a week. This way you most likely not to get bumbed if you gain a lb or two because of water weight or over indulgence one day. I am doing the weight in every day to see how it goes for me. Most people who have dramatic loss and not and steady weight loss are those of us who are grossly over weigth (think Biggest Loser over weight). If you're over your target weight by around 50 lbs. or more you should see your doc for help. If you do wear your prettiest bra and panty set.

So don't get discouraged if your progress stalls, it happens for every one. In fact by writing this I feel better about my self and I'll stay on plan until Thrusday; my wife's birthday (going out to dinner but will eat only half it it but it'll be fattening), then on Christmas Eve I'll cheat a bit, on Christmas I don't care I'll eat any damn thing I want and I will get some of the best alcoholic eggnog there is: Evan Williams brand. It has Burbon, Blended Burbon, Rum, Brandy and of course some egg nog!

If I can't get back here for a while please have a Very Merry Christmas!

BIG HUGS TO ALL, dana