Gratification November 21, 2009

Goal: Not to gain any weight over the holidays, to workout more since I will be off work, to remember failure isnever and option

Weight: 203.4 lbs lost .8 lbs

Mood: Encouraged and Elated

On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, we meet with Julie for our final Emory Session. This was the most encouraging session we have ever had. Everyone was able to share their success and challenges as we progressed through the year.  Losing weight is challenging, even if you have a made up mind to do the right thing. Something is going to get in your way and  people are not always going to be there to support you. But remember the reason you do what you do. If you are trying to please people you probably will never reach your goal. Julie encouraged us to think about the instant gratification of exercising, eating right and making healthy choices. She compared it to eating a bag of chips, brownie or making a bad food choice. The gratification you get from the chips or the brownie, etc. is instant and what keeps you going back to do it again is the instant gratification. After about 3 bites the craving has been satisfied until the next time. So what is  the instant satisfaction you get from exercising and making the right food choices. Consider that the next time you have a decision to make and what the gratification you will get.

Being a part of the challenge has been great. For the first time in my life I tracked my weight for an entire year. I was more conscious of my weight and the up and downs. I did not lose the weight I want to lose, but I gained so  much more. I was able to put my life in perspective and overcome many obstacles that prevented me from reaching my goals.  Through it all, I was my biggest hinderance. I put many limitation on myself and did not try to find other alternatives. Julie would not let me leave her office until I came up with definite plans to reaching my goals. Meeting with Julie was very gratifying and I hate for it to end. She is the one who helps me get through this year. It is because of Julie that I did not gain any weight this year. She consisted ask about the victories I achieved.

1. I did not gain weight.

2. I dropped one clothing size and toned up

3. Failure is never an option for me

4.   Planning is now a key factor in my life

5. Making the right decision and knowing to gratification behind the decision.

6. I have the nerve to say no positively and feel good about it. See past blog ‘ The Power of a Positive No’

Subway has also been a  great benefactor throughout this challenge. Subway gave me alternatives to making healthy food choices. I now am more conscious of my fat and calorie intake. I drink more water and read food nutrition labels, which is something I did not do before. I am thankful because I know I now have what it takes to reach my goals. And that is not just when it comes to weight but other goals I have set for my self. Having a plan and sticking to it will help me get their much quicker.  There will be times when the plan needs to be adjusted but not abandoned. For the holidays and year 2010, I have a plan and I am sticking to it. What matters more is what I do afer the challenge is over. The challenge afforded me many opportunities, I otherwise would not have, so I had to come up with an after the Subway Get Challenge Plan.

I am Grateful to have had this opportunity and look for to continuing a new me in 2010 and beyond.

Ouida