What I Learned in 2004!

I am typing this in Word vs risk losing it again like the other night … Thought before we do the proverbial New Year’s resolutions or goal setting for 2005, that it might be helpful to assess what we learned in 2004. I am not talking about how we did in meeting our goals. I am talking about specific things we learned in 2004 that we can review and use to make 2005 even better . Also, thought this thread might be helpful to those folks who do not like to do resolutions (uh, that would be me … but I do like to set goals). So here goes … these are things I have been thinking about that I can capitalize on to Come Alive in 2005 (how do you like that one, Dawn? LOL). Also, these are not things I necessarily just learned in 2004, but ones that may have been reinforced again this year. I am sure I’ll think of others later. Hoping this thread will be a good reference for me personally and also a way for us to see other ideas that we can try. Let's share all the positives we have learned this year ...

~Protein--I have continued to be amazed at how dramatically eating the right amount of protein at each meal has made a difference in my weight loss, energy level, overall well being, etc. This website has a helpful summary: http://www.nutristrategy.com/nutrition/protein.htm

~Yoga—Yes, I have been doing yoga for several years, but this year it has been my main exercise effort and its value just can’t be measured. If you are looking for more flexibility and energy in your body and calmness in your life, try it--you won’t be sorry. Who knows what kind of person I could have been if I’d started it years ago?

~Clothes—I do not have to have nice, new clothes, but it is important to have clothes that fit me properly. If they are too loose, I feel like a shapeless lump AND eat more … If they are too tight, I feel like an overweight failure AND eat more. It is a misconception that wearing clothes that are too tight for you will make you more conscious of your weight and therefore eat healthier. Tight clothes are very self defeating.

~Shoes—No comments please on this one if you don't agree LOL … I know that some of you are vehement about not wearing shoes at home. However, I have found wearing lace up shoes (as Flylady advises) to be very empowering. I can run out the door with the dog or to get the paper, up the stairs a hundred times a day, etc. without giving it a second thought. I get more activity that way and my feet are supported and do not hurt when I wear my shoes all day … EVER. Oh, also, the massage therapist said I had the softest feet of any of her clients I do notice that when I go barefoot some in the summer, the old calluses and pain return.

Okay, that’s enough for now. I am looking forward to seeing what others have learned in their quest for the BEST health!



Shirley

Great thread Shirley!

Not to pat myself on the back but I have leaned much about myslef in 2004. I found out that I CAN do it if I put my mind to it. I never thought I could be succesful at losing weight and I have proved to myself that I can with all of your help.

I, too, leanred it is better to have clothes that fit you properly and make you feel like you accoplished something.

I learned how to eat better and what foods are good for you especially related to the glycemic index.

I learned to love exercise!

I learned that you must please yourself and not worry what others think. This was the hardest but most useful thing I learned this year.

Emily

Great thread ((((Shirley)))). Ok, here goes:

Maintenance: I've learned that maintaining the weight-loss I was successful at is not a given. It's something I have to work at for the rest of my life.

Weight Loss Program: For a while, in 2004, I thought I could do it without attending the Support Group meetings. Unfortunately, I've learned this is not the case: because I tried it on my own and was not even one bit motivated at staying on the program, I ended going back, in November, with 30 extra lbs

PACE/Curves: I've learned that the 30-minute, women's only circuit program is the right program for me. Unfortunately, the PACE outlet I attended shut down, suddenly, early December. So I'm planning to join the nearest Curves, come January.

Managing Stress: I really need to learn how to manage my stress. Not being able to do is one of the reasons I gained so much weight.

Binging: I really, really need to get away from binging and to acquire healthy eating as a natural habit. I know: easier said than done!!!

Thanks for such a wonderful insiteful thread Shirley!

My mother tought her family a valuable lesson. You can not go forward and be successful without remembering your past and learning from it. Good advice I think.

The biggest lesson that I've learned in 2004 was that I WAS ABLE to make a major life style change with my eating. Yes, it was due to my surgery. However, I went into it knowing that things would change and I would have to accept it and go with the change or I would never be able to keep the weight off. It has been a learning experience, but I've done it and am continuing to do well.

I've learned that I CAN get over missing certain foods, and that Yes, I can eat just ONE! Since my future health depends on it - I can do it!!

I have learned that I can wear smaller affordiable clothes by shopping in thrift stores until I am at my goal weight. And I can feel good about myself and the way I look without validation from anyone else (but it never hurts, lol).

I have learned that I CAN is very empowering. Now in 2005 I will learn to excerise regularly and (probably) like it. ;-)

I'm looking forward to "Comming Alive and Diving into 2005"!
Hugs - Melissa

Wow... food for thought... and since I have a few minutes -- here it goes:

1. This year was a year of various health issues... I learned not to take my body for granted. Striving to do what is best for my body, my health, is a goal that I am taking more seriously. My thinking is that I really want to be able to enjoy retirement... as well as each and every day up until then )

2. I found that I need to be around "like minded" people... people who are interested in living healthy life styles. I had strayed from maintaining these healthy relationships at work, and I feel that my health has suffered because of this. So, with that said, I have made an effort to rekindle these friendships. Although our jobs may be stressful and the work non-stop, I am taking time each day to do something "healthy" -- wether it be walking, or talk therapy, actually eating a healthy lunch instead of skipping it, or sharing ideas and goals.

3. I also know that I am solely responsible for my actions, and, I need to motivate myself to reach my goals. I need to stop being lazy... and, again, do what I know I need to do to keep this body healthy. I, at times, wait for others to join me... and, then, when they don't... I don't follow through with my plans -- such as planning a walk at lunch & my buddy cancels, so I don't go. So I guess I need not to use others as the reason I don't excercise, eat right, etc.

4. Along with goals for my body, I have found that I have strayed from taking time to do healthy things for my mind & soul. I seem to run in spurts... but the truth is that when I take time to foster "soulful" moments, life seems to run so much more smoothly and stress is a non-issue. This is something I need to work on moving forward in my life.

5. Group support... I really enjoy the support and friendships outside of work and they help keep me on track -- thanks BEST. In addition, I find that finding the right groups makes such a difference.

I am a true believer that we are where we are suppose to be... or we would be doing something different. I'm truly thankful to have this group support my growth toward a healthier me.

Sue

I think the most important thing I learned in 2004 was to not beat myself up when I slipped.

I learned that a plateau is not always bad - it means you're not gaining.

I learned that anything can become a habit if you do it enough - even exercise and food plans.

I learned that I liked to clothes shop now that clothes fit - perhaps not a good thing...

I learned to appreciate the baby steps - they eventually add up to giant steps.

I learned to be happy and truly enjoy myself for the first time in many years.

I'm looking forward to the year ahead, to the changes and the sameness, the ups and the downs and even the plateaus.

Great thread, Shirley! Thanks for making me take the time to think about a response - it's a good day to look back at 2004's journey.

One of the things I've learned in 2004 is that I still have lots more to learn!

I've learned that "change" (of any kind) is a much more difficult thing for me than I had ever realized. I don't really have the coping skills for that yet, but I'll keep working on that!


I've learned that I NEED my BEST friends to keep me sane!

I've learned that I am not very motivated most days to loose weight. I am hoping to turn that around!

I've learned that I have a distorted view of myself, which may or may not be a good thing! I usually see myself (in my mind) as someone that is NOT obese (afterall how in the world could "I" be like that!) when in fact I truly AM obese! I've always thought of myself as someone that is 'nice' but in reality I've realized I am grumpy quite often which is NOT my description of a nice person. So you see I've learned that I don't truly know myself all that well! Not even sure I want to, guess I like my own version better!(jk) However on the up side of this it doesn't appear that I have a confidence problem!

Looking forward to learning new things in 2005'!


Take Care, Dawn

Thank you for making me stop and think Shirley.
I have learned so much from all of you.
I have learned that I can be succesful, I have power over food and life style. I can say "NO" to people and still breath. I have learned that peoples doubts in me are their doubts and not my failures. When I fall I can get back up unscathed and go on in this endeavor to a healthier life style. I have learned that if I fail one day I can go right back at it the next without any failures and feeling I may as well give up because I failed. ( I have overcome that feeling and what an obstacle that was for me ) I have learned that my DH is my biggest obstacle and worst critic and I have learned to ignore him and prove to him I can do this. I have learned to amaze him!!!!!
This has been an eye opening journey for me. Thank You!

I can be the best ME that I can be, and feel proud of myself without any guilt.

What I learned in 2004

As I mentally reviewed what I learned, its actually been a lot...and I hadn't realized this until you asked this question, Shirley.

Friends
My BEST friends have been so-o-o supportive. And I've been blessed to meet three BEST sisters in person, which was a 2004 goal of mine. I'm missing some of the BEST folks who used to be regular posters who have moved on.

I also learned that I "knew" enough to support a close friend as she went to the castle and rather suddenly found herself in the confusing land of hystersisters.

Independence and self-confidence
I really think I have gained here, including driving to a strange airport to fly to meet a BEST friend.

Mistakes
Boy, have I learned that one the hard way - low carb diets are not the best choice for me, even though I lost some weight. The pay-back was horrendous as I craved sweet carbs. And then knowing that I was not making the best food choices, and ignoring what I knew...well, not good!

Committment
This "C" word when it comes to diet and exercise continues to be a major challenge to me, one that I hope I can overcome as I soar and fly in 2005.

Reflection as we plan for the future is a good thing...thank you!
bliss