There will come a day, if there hasn’t already, when the fight you’re fighting will become draining. You will begin to think, “Will this never end? Will I always be fighting? Will it never get any easier?”
You will feel emotionally, physically and mentally wiped out.
The enthusiasm you feel right now about your journey toward better health will be tested. Your resolve will be tried. Your determination will be weighed.
This weight loss journey is just like everything else you face. It will be a constantly changing and evolving part of your life. There will be seasons of boundless energy and there will be seasons of drought.
I’m not trying to paint some bleak and depressing picture. I just want you to be prepared.
I want you to know in advance how you’re going to deal with it when it comes.
Has this happened to me since I started my journey back in December of 2010? Absolutely!
Here is my advice to you: Take a break.
I heard that gasp.
“But, but, but . . . how is that not like quitting? You said never give up. You said to keep on fighting.”
It’s okay. Taking a break does not equal giving up.
What will this look like?
It depends.
Before we left on our Oregon vacation, I was entering one of those dry seasons of my journey. I was tired of counting calories. I was tired of getting up at 4:20 to make it to the 5 AM class at the gym. I was tired of trying to plan healthy meals that both my children and my husband and me would enjoy. I was tired of constantly thinking about what I’m going to eat, what I’ve eaten, what I shouldn’t eat, etc. . . . I was just plain tired.
I needed a break.
Oregon provided the perfect setting.
I loved enjoying wine without wondering if it was the right serving size. I loved eating food without measuring or weighing. I loved the freedom of not looking things up on My Fitness Pal.
It was a time of refreshing for me and by the end of that week . . . I missed my 5 AM class, I missed planning dinners and I missed My Fitness Pal.
I came back inspired, motivated and re-energized.
I got my mojo back. I was ready to put my boxing gloves back on and get back in the fighting ring again.
Note: Avoid prolonged breaks.
Keep them short. One week should not lead into two weeks into months. Then, we’ll be talking about avoiding avalanches again.
Yes. Breaks. We need them. A vacation is a perfect break. They are usually only for a certain period of time (often short) and it provides just the right amount of mental and physical break our bodies need at times. Great post.
puttin this one in my back pocket. might also text you crying.
Breaks are excellent, you’re totally right. On a side note, I just heard a report on the radio today about weight loss and sleep and immediately thought of you!
The study found that those of us that get less than 7 hours of sleep or interrupted sleep (think new moms!) on a continued basis will have trouble loosing weight and can even gain weight. Something about fat lipids and such, not sure of the details, but thought you might be interested. I’ll be getting my 8 hours, thank you! If you want to read the article: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/10/17/163018568/poor-sleep-may-lead-to-too-much-stored-fat-and-disease ANd please don’t judge because I listen to NPR! 