It's the new year. That time we reflect on our year gone by and set our sites on the one to come. Many of us make resolutions and resolving to lose weight is consistently the number one change people wish to make in their lives. Ah, would that it was that easy.
Resolving is important, of course. But it is just a baby step in the process, isn't it? Just the first step. If you've checked out my previous posts, you'll know that in my five years (really, five years?) of being overweight, I resolved many times to lose those extra pounds, first five, then ten, and at the highest, 40 (eek!) pounds. And you'll note that it took five years, although with a few ups and downs, to do something that worked.
"I don't have time." "I've tried everything." "I'll do it/start tomorrow." "Everyone in my family is heavy--it's genetic." And so on. They are all real and must be contented with. Resolutely.
Let's take a closer look at that last one. It turns out there are studies that indicate this one might be real. The New York Times published this article, The Fat Trap, yesterday, on New Year's Day, thank you very much, which tells us that our bodies continue to fight weight loss long after the weight is gone, sabotaging our exercise by conserving calories and doing all they can to return us to a state that it likes better. What?!
So we should just throw in the towel, then.
Ha ha ha, not so fast.
First, study results may or may not apply to you. For me, I wonder if being overweight for five years qualifies, or if as the study indicates, those fat cells were formed in childhood and I am safe. While I felt fat during my teenage years, it turns out that I was doing okay, if pictures are any indication (goofy hair and outfits notwithstanding--but it was the 70s). Can't change the past, darn it.
Second, the study was conducted by having the group all lose weight really fast with liquid diets of under 1000 calories, then the subjects were followed to see what happened when they returned to normal eating. Does losing weight fast make a difference in the results? Maybe. I lost my weight over the course of a year. A year!
And finally, it's just one or two studies. They also indicate that genetics only affect the weight of about 50% of us. So if you're in that group, you must be extra resolute. But all is certainly not lost.
I maintain that, as one of the subjects of the article mentions, it's really about finding what works for you, where you want to be and making that your lifestyle. She found a weight that she is comfortable at and puts the effort into staying there.
If you've read my previous posts, you know that I am not a fan of giving up and particular foods, at least not for the long haul. But I think the key to losing weight--and keeping it off--is being resolute. Be aware, whether by counting calories or measuring food or whatever works for you, and stay aware. You're on the train and you can't get off. At least not without consequences.
Okay that sounds kind of negative, which is not what I meant. I love being aware and resolute. I still walk every single day, even when there are gale force winds like yesterday plummeting the wind chill to single digits--okay I didn't go for as long as usual, but I went. I still measure some of my food and count calories a few days a month to keep a check on portion- and calorie-creep. I only gained 3 pounds over the holidays (and I'm working on them immediately!).
Keep the faith--in yourself. Be resolute. You are your own study and you can do it!
