SIX MONTHS THE SAME - Weight Loss Part 23

It’s officially six months since I reached my weight loss target and I’m pleased to say that I’ve managed to maintain my weight during that time. Has it been easy? Far from it… But I’m doing it! I even managed to get through a failed relationship without any weight gain. No ice cream binges in this house!

Completing my 100k walk, Brighton, June 2018

The first few weeks were probably the hardest. Trying to figure out how to stop losing weight, but at the same time, not pile the pounds back on. But after a few weeks I noticed that the scales were staying steady. I introduced a few more carbs than before and allowed myself to eat cake more regularly. The latter probably isn’t the best idea, but if having soup without bread means I can then have something sweet, I’m ok with that. And it’s not as if I do this every day of the week. We are allowed to treat ourselves every now and again…

One thing that has changed is that I have stopped drinking diet coke! I used to have a can with my lunch at work, but I realised that I was starting to drink more and more of the stuff. Instead of cutting down however, I decided to cut it out completely. After a week I stopped craving it and when I did have a can about a fortnight later I didn’t enjoy it. I’m now about two months “sober”! But what has this got to do with maintaining my weight. Nothing really. It’s just me choosing to not drink something that isn’t particularly good for me.

Another naughty treat I allow myself is a chippy for dinner when I’ve been on a big hill climb. I feel in this case I’ve definitely earned it!

Feeling on top of the world! Beinn na Caillich, Kyleakin, October 2018

One fail I had was during a full day of kayaking. I burned a lot of energy that day and ended up eating more than usually, but stopped myself from eating what I thought was too much. When I nervously stood on the scales the next morning however, I realised that I had lost a fair amount of weight and was actually at my lightest yet at 10st 6.5lbs. This was lighter than I wanted to be. Although this was a shock, I was glad I did stand on the scales that morning as it showed me that I did not need to worry about how much I ate when I’d done a serious amount of exercise. Hence the chippy treat after the hill!

The worry I had that day though is something I deal with every day. The fear that I will pile on the pounds again, all that effort for nothing, all those new clothes not fitting anymore, even though most of them came from a charity shop. But I also know that it’s a healthy fear that helps keep me in check. And I know that one day, once I am more confident that I am eating correctly, still exercising regularly, and less likely to pile on a stone over night, I will become less reliant on the scales.

30 dresses and counting 

Knowing how I feel now compared to how I felt before, both physically and mentally, also helps keep me on the straight and narrow. I am a lot happier with what I see in the mirror these days. When I try on a new piece of clothing that fits well and shows off my new figure, it makes me smile, especially if it’s something I never thought I’d be able to wear.

Physically I have so much more energy than I used to. Things that used to tire me out easily, such as climbing the stairs, I now do with a spring in my step. My normal walking pace is faster. I no longer suffer from knee or back problems, or from regular headache, due to being obese. And things I once thought impossible, for me at least, I am now achieving with leaps and bounds! I never thought I would climb one Munro, let alone a dozen in less than a year. I’ve even started running! Something I never thought possible because of the previous problems I had with my knees…

A pair for every occasion!

All of this helps keep me going. I am healthier, I am happier, and I see a brighter future!

I really need to do something about my new found addiction to buying dresses from charity shops though. I have SO many dresses! Several for every occasion…