When I read the thread this morning I could not dwell on every post. I've been a bit distracted and haven't kept up, so I basically scanned over them to see who was posting and if anything captured my attention.
I know there are many of you who follow this blog, whether you are new to the program or older at it then I. By now I'm sure you realize that the reason I post is to not only answer questions, but to congratulate and hopefully lift the spirits of those who need it. THIS is the place I address issues or formulate an opinion about something, because this is MY place and I can write as much or as little as I want. ON the thread I try to keep things short and sweet, sometimes difficult or impossible depending on the subject, but I try...I really do.
Back to this morning: I was deeply touched by one of the posting because it was posted by someone I consider to be a friend. Someone that joined the program pretty much at the same time I did. She is younger then I and I was so envious at her weight loss. Of course she didn't have as much weight to lose as I did but still...weight is weight and I watched her slowly melt to nothing. But then she passed that WOW! Look and became gaunt, pale and not healthy looking at all. Rich, who thinks she is adorable, started questioning me. I had no answers. We had dinner with her one night and watched as she played with her food, taking teeny tiny little bites, but not really eating. As she spoke, I listened and I heard the voice of someone obsessed. Obsession at times is not cause to worry, but when it is about weight, it is not a healthy obsession. I mentioned things to her and I'm sure other people also mentioned things to her. We were all delighted when she started looking healthier. It is indeed a struggle and I was happy that she posted what she did today.
People need to know that this is not an easy road. Each of us has our own demons and each of us face things differently. I fear obsession. I grew up under the rule of an obsessive compulsive and it was NOT fun. This program can bring that out in a person, especially when you realize you are in complete control of one aspect of your life. The one thing that was once totally out of control, you have managed to grip the reigns and change the course, all in a very short time.
When people "Confess" to me, they do so because they know I will not betray their trust, but trust me, there are people who do NOT follow this program to the letter and they have lost an enormous amount of weight. They have fit the program into their life, not fit their life into the program. If you are a beginner, you need to think about that..You need to think about the things you MUST surrender..smoking, soda, drinking with straws, but there are also things, sweets, fats and desserts that should be avoided. Sounds pretty extreme huh? I'm here to tell you NO ONE ever got fat on 3 pieces of candy, one piece of cake a week. That is what I mean about fitting this program into your life style. You KNOW what you MUST do and that is drink a lot...64 oz a day if possible. Get in all your protein, always eating protein first at every meal. Then there are the things you should do, exercise, cutting out snacks, keeping carbs low...there is nothing in this program that speaks of deprivation. Everyone wants you to succeed, so we won't say "sure have that cookie if you need it", "treat yourself with a piece of candy once a week"..because we are all different. Some of us can deal with one piece of candy, knowing that the first bite will taste exactly like the last. Some of us will eat one piece and go back for more 10 times. Only you know what you can handle. The things I can't handle I don't even allow in the house..That would be marzipan. I love the stuff and would walk a mile if I knew there was a pound of it at the end. Most things I can portion out and control. When I want something sweet, I allow myself something that will take the edge off, but never lose sight of what too much can do and the damage it can cause. In other words I am extremely mindful. There is a fine line between obsession and control. In order to succeed on this program you must be in control of your feelings, your emotions and the food you put in your mouth and be willing to suffer the consequences if you lose control. There are many nights I fight with myself...I usually win, but there are times I don't. I try not to agonize over those times, instead I start a new day with a renewed determination to win the next battle. One step at a time, one day at a time that is the only way to face life as a recovering food-aholic. Once a day is finished, it is history and what ever you did that day needs to be forgotten.
I was very thankful for that post. I believe it enlightened all who read it, that each of us has issues we have to learn to deal with and once we learn HOW to deal with them, we try and pass on that advice so others may not have to struggle so hard.
