Halfway through

I'm on week 6 and very happy with my progress, having lost 9 pounds. I gave up booze and all treat-related food on 1st October. I have to say I haven't struggled as it's really something I want to achieve, and I put it down to strong willpower (or stubbornness!) I joined the gym on Nov 1 and can already see and feel a difference, and I get to listen to my favourite songs! I can now fit into 90% of the clothes in my wardrobe (before it was only about 25%). I have 4lbs to lose to get into 'the stone below' so will be around for a while yet.

So for all of those struggling with the plan, do stick with it. Just doing something is so much better for you physically and mentally. I went to the gym today and thought I wouldn't get much of a run and I managed 25 mins, so even when you think mentally you can't do something, your body has ways of telling you otherwise. A poster down my gym advertising Body Pump says 'Stronger than your excuses' and I think it makes a valid point; if you do enter into something saying you won't succeed, chances are you won't. I'm facing an evening of my partner watching football. He's stocked up on beer and snacks. I'll put my headphones on, pick up a pencil and start sketching. Tomorrow he'll have a bacon sarnie for breakfast, I'll have my weetabix and banana. I'd love to indulge, but I've come too far and know that 25 mins on the treadmill is no match for the calories in a glass or two of wine and everything else that it leads to, so I'll carry on until I get into my 'safe zone' of losing 4lbs, and then I'll be ready for the festive season.

I think having a goal helps, and mine is to get fit for the ski season. It's a challenge and challenges aren't meant to be easy. But the important thing is not to give up. If you want it, you have to work for it, it took years for me to reach the weight I was before I started, so I don't expect it to come off immediately.

So good luck to everyone who's struggling, but it will be worth it, and thanks to everyone on this forum who's helped so many people. It's a great community and it's reassuring to know that help is always on hand when you need it.

Now, let's see what advice Week 7 is offering me.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Jane_Ski,

Your post is really inspiring - thanks for sharing it. Congratulations on losing 9 pounds in 6 weeks, and to all the changes you've mentioned.

Sounds like you've got a good plan to help you to cope with this evening, and you'll get some great sketching done.

Great that you've got the ski season to inspire and motivate you to keep going, and it sounds like you'll be ready for the festive season and into your 'safe zone' really soon.

Have a great weekend.

Lowcal

[8811]

Well done, I hope I can say the same in a few weeks, keep up the good work x

[Hidden in reply to 8811]

You know you can do it! Good luck, I look forward to hearing your progress.

[Portlandprincess]

Really good post...and poster ...will keep that in mind now that I've hit my brick wall. Dust myself off and get up...no more excuses

[Hidden]

A lot of this sounds familiar, just putting yourself in the best possible position to succeed again and again, lots of small actions for a big result. Once you're at the gym being more likely to do some exercise, foregoing the wine as that reduces willpower, keeping hands busy with sketching. All these decisive actions are part of the process. I think it's amazing you're fitting into all those clothes now. You will be in 100% of them very soon. Good luck for week 7

[Hidden]

Well done.. you seem to be well in control