Why it Works

I have tried Weight Watchers 2 times before this time. I lost about 20 pounds and quit. I don't exactly know why I quit, it was apparent that it was working. I followed the program, ate all the things I was supposed to and I consistently lost weight for about 2 months. I don't know if I got bored or if I just wanted to eat foods that looked really good (oh heyyyy Zaxbys). But then the weight I lost came back and it brought friends. I really wasn't a fan of the friends it brought either, this time around it brought an extra 15 pounds of friends, and when I quit weight watchers the second time I was NO WHERE near my goal. I am not even exaggerating when I say I prolly had about an additional 40 pounds go to (at that point) to feel happy about my self and my self image. 

(in case you were wondering, that's what excessive Zaxby's and a messy room look like)

So I quit, and I stopped caring and then what happened? My clothes didn't fit, I loathed taking photos, I felt uncomfortable wearing anything that wasn't yoga pants (and even those made me feel self conscious). Then I started making up excuses, the weight will come off if I deprive myself of the things I want, and I even tried the mental thought process of  "the weight really isn't THAT noticeable to anyone but me". If you can think of an excuse or a way to put myself in denial, odds are I've said it to myself and maybe even to my friends. When both my friends and I both knew I was looking pretty porky. 

I became embarrassed and ashamed. I started looking back at old photos of when I was in the weight loss process and became upset that I gave up when I was looking SO good compared to my "before" photos.

But now, 8 months later, I realized why it didn't work the first or second time. I was doing the whole program wrong. I was guilting myself on cheat days, I was depriving myself of the foods I wanted, I wasn't being very adventurous with trying new healthy alternatives to the things I liked and I was being SO hard on myself if I gained .2 pounds. Yes, you read that right, I got overly upset over something that could have been water weight. I also didn't like the meeting I went to, I couldn't relate to them and they usually got wound up in a ton of negativity (which I get is really easy to do). But it was not helpful to me when I was looking for support and instead I got a bunch of negative Nancy's telling me how they have it worse off. 

It also didn't work because I chose to be ashamed that I did weight watchers, I wouldn't tell anyone and I was so, so embarrassed that I was so overweight. I can't tell you how helpful it is to have your friends (on the program or not) to support you. There have been countless times this go around where I feel discouraged or down, but my friends have uplifted me and told me that it's a process and I am doing so well. I also got a buddy to do the program with, my best friend and boyfriend was attending meetings with me and one day decided he too wanted to count his points and attend meetings "for real" with me. I was so elated that my best friend chose to join me on this journey. Then, my best friend and partner in crime also joined, and even though she is in Denver it's so helpful to have her doing this with me. She constantly holds me accountable to go the gym (even when I'd rather stay in bed and watch Gilmore Girls).

It also didn't work because I put myself down for not losing weight one week. Let's be clear here, some weeks you will not lose weight, you will stay constant and you might even gain a pound (for whatever reason). But this time around the program has taught me to not let that ONE pound affect 20 or 30 pounds lost. Seriously when you think about it one pound gained for one week in the grand scheme of a new life style is NOTHING. And when you aren't losing and you are staying constant, realize your body is adjusting to a new life style and just like your brain adapting to new portion sizes and new foods to eat, your body has to do the same. Your body has to adjust and change with you so some weeks you may look so thin but on the scale you didn't lose, and I gotta tell you, that's perfectly okay. 

So why does this program work for me? Because it teaches me portion control, it provides a support system of completely amazing people. Seriously, once you find a Weight Watcher leader you love, and a meeting you love everything seems to fall into place. A huge round of applause for my meetings, I really hope that everyone who tries weight watchers doesn't give up after attending one wonky meeting (they do exist). Try another, and if that one doesn't fit you, try another. Just like how you need to try different foods to succeed, you also might have to try other meetings. 

So, all of this to say I am not ever giving up. I don't have any expectations for myself but to take each day one day at a time. It works, I am not embarrassed and I don't think anyone should ever be embarrassed for doing something to better themselves. 

(and because you probably want to know where I am now, and where a new healthy life style will get you, here is my work in progress self.). 

Keep Calm and Carry On 

xoxo

Melissa