Before I get into the meat of this entry, I’d just like to give an update: I appear to have gotten past my plateau! High-fives all around! I followed a few of the tips I outlined in my last column. Increasing my exercise and varying my workout time worked like a charm.
My goal is to lose 80 pounds. I’ve lost 42; I’m more than halfway there, guys. This is really exciting for me. I don’t know how many of you are in the same boat as I am, but whether you need to lose 15 pounds or 50 pounds, I hope I’ve been inspiring you and steering you in the right direction. But there’s one essential piece of the puzzle that I’ve failed to really talk about, without which I’m sure I couldn’t have gotten this far. I’m talking about support.
Having people around you to root for your victories and say, “Hey, you’ll do better next time,” when things aren’t going so well is a must for anyone seriously attempting to lose weight. It happens to be the last Key to Weight Loss Freedom, according to Dr. Phil (remember? The book that inspired me?).
But let’s say you’re the loner-type and would actually prefer to do things alone. You’re a strong, confidant, put-together individual, so why the hell not? This head-on attitude might get you through a few weeks, but the truth is, it will end up backfiring on you. The minute you start to get discouraged, you’ll start slipping, and what makes it even worse is that you’ll start rationalizing your bad decisions, with no one around to whom you’re accountable.
When I decided I wanted to lose weight, none of my good friends were overweight, and I didn’t think they’d understand my struggles. So I turned to the one person who’s been there for me ever since I can remember: my mom. My mom and I actually went to Weight Watchers together at one point and we both definitely have our issues with food and weight, so she was the perfect candidate. Though she’s more than 800 miles away in Texas, I told her that I was going to commit to lose weight and that she was the person who I wanted to make sure I was staying on track. My accountabili-buddy, if you will. I’ve been sending her weekly updates ever since. In fact, today I sent my mom an e-mail while I was putting off studying for a midterm. My mom is like my cheerleader, and I know that she’s proud of what I’ve accomplished. And when I falter, she always says I’ll do better next week.
In addition, most people close to me here at Northwestern at least know that I’m trying to lose weight, and will understand when I decline to go to dorm munchies or if I can’t hang out because I have to go exercise. And when people tell me I look good or that they can see how hard I’ve been working, it just further encourages me to stay the course. (I was graced with the best adjective ever used to compliment me today: “You look more… compact.” Those grad students — such a command of the English language!)
Of course there are always more formalized settings to turn to in case you think none of your friends will understand or that their support won’t be enough. Check out these options:
Weight Watchers- I’ve discussed them before, but they’re worth mentioning again. Practically the most well-known name in group weight loss, Weight Watchers has helped and continues to help a lot of people. I do, however, think they need to get a new celebrity spokesperson/success story — when was the last time you heard the name Fergie and thought of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York? The nearest meeting location in Evanston is the McGaw YMCA on Maple Avenue.
TOPS- Take Off Pounds Sensibly with these guys. It’s a much less structured plan but for a much lower price, and they even offer retreats. The closest meeting place for men and women is St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Skokie.
Overeaters Anonymous- Food can be an addiction just like any other substance. The difference is, alcoholics don’t have to take another drink in their life after they quit, but those with food addiction have to face their foe on a daily basis. OA can help. If you or someone you know has extreme problems with food, OA is a viable option, and it requires no fees or dues. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Hinman or St. Matthews Episcopal Church on Lincoln both hold meetings.
You wouldn’t go hiking in unknown woods alone, so why would you embark on a weight-loss journey alone? True, there are no snakes or drop-offs, but there are definitely hamburgers and cheesecake. Having the guidance and support of others, whether or not it’s in a structured setting, can make all the difference between success and failure.