Comments on: One Foot In Front Of The Other: Mentally Preparing For Weight Loss http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/ Culturally Sound Tools, Tips, and Advice Tue, 22 May 2012 22:22:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Frances http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-627607 Frances Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:48:21 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-627607 I definitely needed to hear this this week. I've been so focused on getting through each evening when I would usually have a ton of snack or a couple glasses of wine, and I've come to realize after reading this that it's okay to do whatever it takes to end the endless strain on my will power. Instead of sitting with my man and forcing myself through lame prime time television shows that I hate because this is what he considers "quality time" I am going to take that time to do what I need to do to keep my mind occupied - reading, catching up on work, or going to sleep early. Just the idea of giving up the struggle with my will power, and allowing myself to avoid temptation altogether is insanely freeing. Thanks! I definitely needed to hear this this week. I’ve been so focused on getting through each evening when I would usually have a ton of snack or a couple glasses of wine, and I’ve come to realize after reading this that it’s okay to do whatever it takes to end the endless strain on my will power.

Instead of sitting with my man and forcing myself through lame prime time television shows that I hate because this is what he considers “quality time” I am going to take that time to do what I need to do to keep my mind occupied – reading, catching up on work, or going to sleep early.

Just the idea of giving up the struggle with my will power, and allowing myself to avoid temptation altogether is insanely freeing. Thanks!

]]> By: Nichelle http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-627598 Nichelle Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:37:00 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-627598 I am trying to create the new habit of waking up one hour early and exercising before I go to work. I know that this is the only way to get it in because by the end of the day, I am spent. I am looking forward to the challenge! I am trying to create the new habit of waking up one hour early and exercising before I go to work. I know that this is the only way to get it in because by the end of the day, I am spent. I am looking forward to the challenge!

]]> By: donna_b http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-535750 donna_b Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:18:35 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-535750 Wow. And I thought it was just me. My failures lead into such a deep and long self loathing. I fall off not just for a moment after I fail to meet my self imposed expectations. My pity parties go on for months. That evil voice in my head says see, that's why you might as well just stay as you are. You've been this way all your life. It isn't going to change. Stop trying. And I quit. Then I get on a kick for a few weeks, mess up and quit. Wondering. What does it take for that consistency to come in? Where do you hit that point? Where did you? Just curious. The ups and downs are a major disturbance for me. To the point I stopped trying. I get "motivated" have great intentions to follow through. Have that amazing workout, and then my cycle comes with all the emotional drainage. Or I fall to temptation of eating that crap food. Or my funds are low, food runs low and it goes from buying that healthy (but expensive) food to economically sound stuff that might not be so good for me but cost less. Or to cutting down to eating a meal or two a day instead of three and two snacks in between. Then my academic semester starts and my time gets tight, and stress is piled on from that, and work and money concerns. It all piles up and when I look up I've turned to food...in the end... Want this sick cycle carousel to stop. Wow. And I thought it was just me. My failures lead into such a deep and long self loathing. I fall off not just for a moment after I fail to meet my self imposed expectations. My pity parties go on for months. That evil voice in my head says see, that’s why you might as well just stay as you are. You’ve been this way all your life. It isn’t going to change. Stop trying. And I quit. Then I get on a kick for a few weeks, mess up and quit.

Wondering. What does it take for that consistency to come in? Where do you hit that point? Where did you? Just curious. The ups and downs are a major disturbance for me. To the point I stopped trying. I get “motivated” have great intentions to follow through. Have that amazing workout, and then my cycle comes with all the emotional drainage. Or I fall to temptation of eating that crap food. Or my funds are low, food runs low and it goes from buying that healthy (but expensive) food to economically sound stuff that might not be so good for me but cost less. Or to cutting down to eating a meal or two a day instead of three and two snacks in between. Then my academic semester starts and my time gets tight, and stress is piled on from that, and work and money concerns. It all piles up and when I look up I’ve turned to food…in the end…

Want this sick cycle carousel to stop.

]]> By: Linda http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-429872 Linda Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:47:21 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-429872 Thank you so much for the article I has help to start baby steps and make hard decisions for my health. Thank you so much for the article I has help to start baby steps and make hard decisions for my health.

]]> By: LaShanda Glover http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-295804 LaShanda Glover Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:58:00 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-295804 This is a great post! I started my weight loss journey in 2003. To do this day I still off times and good times. I still have to make so many decisions and realize the consequences for them. In the long run, I'm still successful at keeping the bulk of my 80 pounds off but there are times when I struggle with a few pounds and it feels like I'm starting all over! This is a great post! I started my weight loss journey in 2003. To do this day I still off times and good times. I still have to make so many decisions and realize the consequences for them. In the long run, I’m still successful at keeping the bulk of my 80 pounds off but there are times when I struggle with a few pounds and it feels like I’m starting all over!

]]> By: Perkisha http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-175937 Perkisha Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:31:58 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-175937 No truer word Erika! No truer words... No truer word Erika! No truer words…

]]> By: Latoya http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-112760 Latoya Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:18:16 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-112760 I really needed this article. Thanks :-) I really needed this article. Thanks :-)

]]> By: Carmel http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-112746 Carmel Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:35:10 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-112746 Ericka, I love everything I read on your blog but this one is so intended for me. I have all the tools I need to lose the weight but I have stalled again. Some stressful crap happened to me recently: fight with a frenemy, interviews but no work, bills... And I become catatonic. I lay there thinking about how I should go jog, how I should cook these veggies instead of having take out, I should zumba and yoga... I just lay there. And then I would read something inspirational and off I go again, working out, eating clean and feeling good... until the next stressful event. I am not weak, I am broken and I don't know how to repair myself. I will follow the advice of baby steps. Thank you for the post. Ericka, I love everything I read on your blog but this one is so intended for me. I have all the tools I need to lose the weight but I have stalled again. Some stressful crap happened to me recently: fight with a frenemy, interviews but no work, bills… And I become catatonic. I lay there thinking about how I should go jog, how I should cook these veggies instead of having take out, I should zumba and yoga… I just lay there. And then I would read something inspirational and off I go again, working out, eating clean and feeling good… until the next stressful event. I am not weak, I am broken and I don’t know how to repair myself.
I will follow the advice of baby steps. Thank you for the post.

]]> By: Shae B. http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-16387 Shae B. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:15:08 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-16387 I love this post. It teaches me that I must take the necessary steps to be successful at this healthier lifestyle. Sometimes our thinking can bit a little warp...thinking that I should just learn how to deal with passing my favorite food place and not respond to its call (I should be able to resist FOOD, shudn't I):/ . I was making it so much harder on myself "punishing myself". I am learning now to treat myself with kindness and love. Do the necessary things to make the necessary changes in my life, even if that means drivig a more difficult route or not going out to eat with friends because of the temptations. Thanks for this post, it really helps in my journey.. I love this post. It teaches me that I must take the necessary steps to be successful at this healthier lifestyle. Sometimes our thinking can bit a little warp…thinking that I should just learn how to deal with passing my favorite food place and not respond to its call (I should be able to resist FOOD, shudn’t I):/ . I was making it so much harder on myself “punishing myself”. I am learning now to treat myself with kindness and love. Do the necessary things to make the necessary changes in my life, even if that means drivig a more difficult route or not going out to eat with friends because of the temptations. Thanks for this post, it really helps in my journey..

]]> By: aisha http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-12954 aisha Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:28:51 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-12954 The mental preparation has been the most taxing part of my journey. It bothers me when people say "it's easy. burn more calories than you consume." Each person has to figure out how to make that a healthy, life long,reality. For example, I also had to take a different route to work as to not pass by starbucks. Really if I want Chai a couple of calorie free cardamom pods in my tea works just fine. That is also 50 dollars in my pocket. Sharing each of your personal tools would be a great blog series. The mental preparation has been the most taxing part of my journey. It bothers me when people say “it’s easy. burn more calories than you consume.” Each person has to figure out how to make that a healthy, life long,reality. For example, I also had to take a different route to work as to not pass by starbucks. Really if I want Chai a couple of calorie free cardamom pods in my tea works just fine. That is also 50 dollars in my pocket. Sharing each of your personal tools would be a great blog series.

]]> By: Karen http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-12948 Karen Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:29:16 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-12948 It's all about learning new habits. The things we do, both good and bad, have become ingrained habits. You have to learn new habits and constantly practice them in order to change. No change happens overnight but it can happen! It’s all about learning new habits. The things we do, both good and bad, have become ingrained habits. You have to learn new habits and constantly practice them in order to change. No change happens overnight but it can happen!

]]> By: Brandi http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-9056 Brandi Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:28:03 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-9056 I found your blog about a two weeks ago from twitter and I am hooked. You are truly an inspiration. I try to read at least two articles a day. I need to lose 90 pounds again. Yes I said again... :( I found your blog about a two weeks ago from twitter and I am hooked. You are truly an inspiration. I try to read at least two articles a day. I need to lose 90 pounds again. Yes I said again… :(

]]> By: Kym http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-290 Kym Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:07:11 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-290 You've said everything I already know, but just don't need to put into practice. Yes, it's difficult! I know my triggers and even as I sink my hand into the bread, I can hear my inner voice telling me to put it down and go write or something. Sometimes that voice wins out and sometimes it doesn't. I'm working towards more wins. You’ve said everything I already know, but just don’t need to put into practice. Yes, it’s difficult! I know my triggers and even as I sink my hand into the bread, I can hear my inner voice telling me to put it down and go write or something. Sometimes that voice wins out and sometimes it doesn’t.

I’m working towards more wins.

]]> By: China Blue http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-204 China Blue Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:37:01 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-204 This is really interesting. I've found that it's all in the mental mind - that's half the battle. Getting out there and doing the exercise, making the choices, that's the other half. The feelgood hormones reinforce the decisions you've made, make you feel that the hard work is worth it. The results speak for themselves.It's a neverending feedback loop. I have been using NLP - Paul McKenna, actually - to reprogramme my brain. The hardest part is looking at yourself and telling your reflection what you love, rather than what you want to change. It's as simple as this: 'what you visualise, you become'. Getting that part right sets up your journey for success, no question. This is really interesting. I’ve found that it’s all in the mental mind – that’s half the battle. Getting out there and doing the exercise, making the choices, that’s the other half. The feelgood hormones reinforce the decisions you’ve made, make you feel that the hard work is worth it. The results speak for themselves.It’s a neverending feedback loop.

I have been using NLP – Paul McKenna, actually – to reprogramme my brain. The hardest part is looking at yourself and telling your reflection what you love, rather than what you want to change.

It’s as simple as this: ‘what you visualise, you become’. Getting that part right sets up your journey for success, no question.

]]> By: Tanesha http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-133 Tanesha Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:09:13 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-133 someone retweeted your latest post and im sold. ironic that this topic is my next blog post. i'll be reading! someone retweeted your latest post and im sold. ironic that this topic is my next blog post. i’ll be reading!

]]> By: Nicci@NiftyEats http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-120 Nicci@NiftyEats Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:30:01 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-120 I just found you through twitter, can't wait to learn more. Great tips on weight loss too. I just found you through twitter, can’t wait to learn more. Great tips on weight loss too.

]]> By: James Anderson http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-118 James Anderson Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:15 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-118 Thanks for sharing your thought..There is no short cut in achieving BMI at the healthy range. Weight loss is gradual process involving lifestyle changes. To lose weight, make sustainable changes to eating and exercise habits. The amount and type of food taken determines the energy (calorie) intake. Energy in food comes from carbohydrates, protein and fat. There is weight gain when consistently intake of calories is more than the physical activity. Thanks for sharing your thought..There is no short cut in achieving BMI at the healthy range. Weight loss is gradual process involving lifestyle changes. To lose weight, make sustainable changes to eating and exercise habits.
The amount and type of food taken determines the energy (calorie) intake. Energy in food comes from carbohydrates, protein and fat. There is weight gain when consistently intake of calories is more than the physical activity.

]]> By: Tracy http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-117 Tracy Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:55:08 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-117 Erika, I agree with the idea of making everything from scratch. I CAN NOT WAIT until I get my own place so that I can undertake the task of becoming the Martha Stewart/B. Smith of southeast Louisiana. I have a ton of recipes just waiting to be carried out in my own little kitchen... A girl can dream, can't she? Erika, I agree with the idea of making everything from scratch. I CAN NOT WAIT until I get my own place so that I can undertake the task of becoming the Martha Stewart/B. Smith of southeast Louisiana. I have a ton of recipes just waiting to be carried out in my own little kitchen… A girl can dream, can’t she?

]]> By: Erika http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-114 Erika Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:35:01 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-114 Gina, I'm glad you agree! :) Tracy, some of the information I've read - and I'll have to put this in a post, I see - says that you CANNOT retrain the brain. Think about that for a moment! It's not about retraining the brain, but more about finding new coping mechanisms, and developing new habits to overpower the old ones. Very important! Kenya, mental preparation is hard and it's really neverending. It's not about will power at all - it's about developing habits that allow you to never NEED your will power. I know that sounds crazy, but think about it - I don't keep a single processed food item in my house. Cookies? I make 'em from scratch. Cupcakes? Scratch. If I can't make it from scratch (and put in the time it takes TO make it from scratch), then I can't have it. I don't have to worry about will power if the opportunity isn't there, you know? Gosh, I guess that'll have to be a post, too! Thanks for the comments, y'all! :) Gina, I’m glad you agree! :)

Tracy, some of the information I’ve read – and I’ll have to put this in a post, I see – says that you CANNOT retrain the brain. Think about that for a moment! It’s not about retraining the brain, but more about finding new coping mechanisms, and developing new habits to overpower the old ones. Very important!

Kenya, mental preparation is hard and it’s really neverending. It’s not about will power at all – it’s about developing habits that allow you to never NEED your will power. I know that sounds crazy, but think about it – I don’t keep a single processed food item in my house. Cookies? I make ‘em from scratch. Cupcakes? Scratch. If I can’t make it from scratch (and put in the time it takes TO make it from scratch), then I can’t have it. I don’t have to worry about will power if the opportunity isn’t there, you know?

Gosh, I guess that’ll have to be a post, too! Thanks for the comments, y’all! :)

]]> By: Kenya http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/its-all-mental/one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-mentally-preparing-for-weight-loss/#comment-113 Kenya Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:38:27 +0000 http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/?p=322#comment-113 I agree with this completely, the mind can totally derail you if you let it. You are right, you have to prepare for this thing mentally. And it takes time to erase old habits. I've been at this thing for a while, and have fallen many times. My falls come when I don't plan meals and make sure to take food out to cook. Or when I don't take my lunch to work. That's when I'm tempted to stop at McDonalds and Taco Bell. It's all about identifying what triggers you and trying to overcome it. And I have fallen, but the difference is I don't let my thoughts derail me. In the past, I would eat bad and say "oh okay eff it, I'm already down this path and have failed, this is going to effect my loss so just eff it." Now, it's like you know, I fell, but I can get back up and just get back on track. It takes TIME, and that is something I have to remind myself every day. This is very inspiring, I am glad to share this journey, and have these posts to view as I travel this long hard road. Thanks! I agree with this completely, the mind can totally derail you if you let it. You are right, you have to prepare for this thing mentally. And it takes time to erase old habits. I’ve been at this thing for a while, and have fallen many times. My falls come when I don’t plan meals and make sure to take food out to cook. Or when I don’t take my lunch to work. That’s when I’m tempted to stop at McDonalds and Taco Bell. It’s all about identifying what triggers you and trying to overcome it. And I have fallen, but the difference is I don’t let my thoughts derail me. In the past, I would eat bad and say “oh okay eff it, I’m already down this path and have failed, this is going to effect my loss so just eff it.” Now, it’s like you know, I fell, but I can get back up and just get back on track. It takes TIME, and that is something I have to remind myself every day. This is very inspiring, I am glad to share this journey, and have these posts to view as I travel this long hard road. Thanks!

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