How do I handle weight gains?

© 2002 Scott "Q" Marcus, THINspirational Speaker

First of all, congrats on the 39+ pounds. That's an amazing amount of weight to lose. However, just because you've lost a lot of weight doesn't mean you aren't frustrated with a snag.

Next, realize that EVERYONE has weight gains. They have to; it's what your body does. Sometimes it has nothing to do with your efforts. Sometimes, it does. If it's the latter reason, rededicate yourself to what you've done. Feel proud about the accomplishments. Focus on the positive changes. DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP! Remember, if guilt and shame were motivational, you're already be skinny. (if you'd like to order a magnet to remind you of that, go here) Even people who are thin have weight gains. (They just take them back off again.) The key to long term weight loss is to lose weight MTTN. (More times than not.) If you've been on WW for 12 weeks and have gained weight only once, that's still a 92% success rate! Or if you want to look at it another way, if you gain 1 pound for every 39 you lose, that's a 97% success rate. In all honesty, if you gain only 1 pound each time you lose 39, wouldn't you be content? Of course you would!

The real "danger" is that we look at the weight gain as a punishment or proof that "it's all over" and all my weight is now going to come back. Not so, it's part of the process. I presume you've tried to lose weight before. And each time you tried to lose weight before, you had weight gains. Being on WW doesn't mean you won't have weight gains; it just means you'll have support and help when it happens so it doesn't turn into a bigger weight gain. You body has to periodically slow down and adjust your weight so you don't lose weight too quickly and get sickly. You're losing weight to be HEALTHY, NOT skinny. If you lose the weight so quickly that you damage your health, it's just not worth it, right?

Finally, ask yourself why it's so important to lose weight so quickly? Focus on the pleasures of weight loss, not just the goal. Remember, that if you don't take the time to learn how to handle these little gains now, you'll end up putting on your weight later because you'll have gains periodically even after you hit your goal way. Take the time now to learn what you can do differently. Celebrate what you've done. Enjoy yourself along the way; it sure can't hurt your efforts.

 For comments and questions: ScottQ@THINspiration.com

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