The Ink-Pot and the Palette

I've nearly replied to a couple of your weight loss posts but needed some time to properly formulate my thoughts, because this is something I've struggled with for decades, and while I'm pretty clear what my issues are, it's always wise not to assume that's true of everyone.

I would say this, though - goals and goal tracking is an excellent way to improve anything, including the self, BUT - only if you treat yourself kindly.

There's a fine line between healthy discipline and self-punishment, and I have wondered if you're really asking too much of yourself all at once? I know that's something I do a lot, so I'd ask you just to do a quick check that you're not doing that?

The more exercise + less calories = weight loss equation sounds so simple, and yet it's so not, especially if you're aiming for steady weight loss. For one thing, it's a lot easier to burn calories when you're heavier - as a fitness instructor pointed out to me once, it's like you're doing everything with weights permanently affixed to your body. Also, different kinds of exercise have different effects on your metabolism: some burn fat, others burn sugar and some even burn lean tissue, so it's important to get the right kind of exercise at the right time, and always to mix exercise into your program; if you only control food without increasing exercise you'll just fuck your metabolism even more.

But the most important advice I've ever been given (by that same fitness instructor) was that it's pointless trying to control food intake and exercise by will power alone. It doesn't last, or if it does it has a terrible toll because it requires a strong streak of compulsive behaviour which isn't healthy. (The only exception to that rule, she suggested, was for people who are naturally fit but have got out of condition due to some externally imposed factor, like injury.) The first thing to do is to work out why you aren't fit already. The first question, if you eat more than your body needs, is 'Why do you want to eat when you're not hungry?'

Because that's where the problem really lies. The human body is designed to regulate itself to its own healthy weight. It's the mind that causes the trouble. And while you can change things with grit and determination, you can change things more permanently and healthily by changing the behaviours that got you into trouble in the first place.

Paul McKenna has exploited these theories to good effect with his weight loss programme - it's horribly hyped-up and commercial and ugh, but it's based on very sound principles - it includes things like tapping to help ward off cravings etc., but it comes from that principle that if you are kind to yourself, only eat what your body really wants (not what your mind wants), and get yourself out and being active, the rest takes care of itself.

I've lost about 15 lbs that way - it's hard at the moment because I can't exercise, and food is difficult with Ste's illness, but I haven't put back on what I'd lost. Previously I lost about 28lbs with calorie/fat control and exercise through a slimming class, but it all piled on again, and more, when I finally cracked and couldn't take the discipline any more.

I hope that's helpful. Whatever you decide is the best route for you, make sure you're being kind to yourself, okay? *hugs*