Beyond Willpower

Joey and I just got back from a vacation, where I'm certain I gained at least 5 lbs (in crab), but I don't know/won't know because I'm not weighing myself. I weigh myself a week or so before going to the Dr. and that is it. It seems, aside from pigging out on vacation, that I have maintained a 25 lb loss but haven't lost any additional weight to my knowledge. Maintaining it get's a great big 'huzzah!' from me, because I haven't even been doing anything except eating when I'm hungry and stopping when I'm full. I have managed to maintain a 25 lb loss doing that alone. So, now Joey and I are home, and on the same page about our weight loss goals. We are eating meat, but far less of it and have decided to make veggies half of our portion at dinner, a tiny bit of meat and a grain. Tonight we had a giant salad and a bit of chili and rice. It was very filling, I didn't even finish my chili, but I must say it was quite fab. Lean ground beef, ...

So, when I started this journey at 299 lbs, I wanted to weigh 145-155 at goal. But the closer I get to that goal, the less it seems like where I want to be. I had posted on a weight loss support forum, and said that at 220 lbs, my current weight, that I feel pretty good about myself and my blood work and health is in order and that my new goal is more like 175-190. I remember being 190 lbs in 2004 and feeling very confident and good about myself, although I was far less healthy because I didn't lose it in a healthy way. (atkins/crash diet), but now, I feel great! This is me at 280some lbs and now at 220 lbs This is me at 190 lbs I want to have a realistic goal that I can maintain for the rest of my life, instead of a goal that will kill me trying to maintain only to get frustrated and re-gain it.  I feel like I looked good at 190 and I think I'll look great at 175, but I honestly can't see myself smaller than 175.  I kind of like being chubby. I've al...

So, the daily spark blog posted this article the other day asking if people would be willing to give up a year of their life in return for the perfect body.  16% of women who were normal or underweight answered yes.  WHAT?! This is more than a bit upsetting. Someone made a really good point in the comments section, they said: " Too bad people aren't willing to give up poor self esteem, a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy amounts of unhealthy food for a "perfect" body. 'cuz then they'd get to KEEP that year, and likely earn more of 'em...   Just sayin'  " (I couldn't find the original poster of the quote so I couldn't give credit.) There really isn't much more to say than that on the subject, it's so true. Some women would have given up graduate degrees, promotions and college degrees with honors for a perfect body. Some reason I doubt men would be willing to make these bargains. Although the pressure on them is getting worse...