We can be inspired by anyone, from loved ones to new acquaintances to our own innermost thoughts and dreams. The important thing is to keep that inspiration alive – to keep moving forward on our journey to achieving and maintaining our health.
Today I had a conversation with one of my sisters and we discussed our old diet experiences. What a colorful history we’ve both had. Really it’s the definition of rollercoaster dieting!
See the blogpost The School of Hard Diets here: https://lindawbrowning.com/2023/01/22/the-school-of-hard-diets/
The seed of this idea took root: how can we look backward at our successes and failures with an eye towards self-improvement? How can we view our past trials – not as failures – but as part of our personal roadmap to progress?
I asked her what causes some of us to be successful in our weight maintenance, while others continue to struggle. And she replied that we must keep learning from our past errors to become successful. Falling down and making some questionable choices are all part of the cycle of dieting as well as other addictions. Many of us do face some sort of food addiction or deeply seated eating habits that we need to address.
As you look backward, when did you feel happiest with your physical and mental health? Can you form a picture of that time in your mind? What can you do right now that could move you in a good direction – back to that place of well being? Can you choose one thing to act upon?
Or, if you’ve never really felt that healthy, what is one change you can make right now that you know would be a positive in your life? It doesn’t matter if it’s a small change; in fact, that’s probably the best type of change to begin with!
Need some ideas? I’ve compiled a list of diet miscues that can help you out. Remember to change just one or two, live with your new habit, and then slowly add more improvements.
- Eating a diet that’s overly restrictive (1)
- Keeping unhealthy foods around your home or workplace (1)
- Eating late at night (1)
- Not eating enough to support your health or activity level (2)
- Not getting enough fiber (2)
- Drinking unnecessary calories (2)
- Eating too many healthy foods/poor portion control (2)
- Skipping a healthy breakfast (3)
- Avoiding snacks completely (3)
- Going through the drive-thru too often (3)
Next, look forward to a future when you have achieved better health. Continue to make the changes you feel will support the future you have visualized.
I hope that this post has sparked some new ideas for you! Any to share with the rest of us? Please comment below.
(1). https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-mistakes-that-will-sabotage-a-healthy-diet
Maintain Weight Loss 
with the 4 surgeries I’ve had this year, the medications and their various side effects, 110° heat for over a month last summer and being unable to travel- well that mess resulted in my diabetes going nuts. The doctor put me on Mounjaro which got my diabetes back under control. Lots of uncomfortable side effects the first couple months but the one wonderful side effect is weight loss. So far I’ve lost 25 lbs and the doctor said I’m not to lose any more. He wants a “ cushion “ in case I get sick. At one point I was eating 500-800 calories a day. Obviously not sustainable or desirable. I’m now supposed to eat 1500 calories a day, focusing on lean protein and healthy carbs. It’s been 6 months now and everything is mostly going well. Still dealing with some side effect issues. Now the challenge is all about exercise- regaining/building muscle. It’s all complicated a bit by age, in July I’ll be 76. It’s quite a journey but I’m happy with the progress I’ve made. Getting my diabetes under control is job#1, the weight loss is such a welcome benefit.
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I didn’t realize that you’ve had 4 surgeries in just one year! You are such an inspiration to many of us – really remarkable achievements as well as being a devoted friend. I’m sorry that you’ve gone through so many challenges lately.
Sounds like your new medication is working well – maybe a little too well! Feel better, dear Peggy!
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