Head Up, Heart Strong

It's key to both good form and good ethic in the gym.  But it can be just as meaningful when applied to dieting.  Dieting, as I long ago learned, does not produce constant linear weight loss.  It is why weighing oneself every day can be counterproductive when trying to stick to a weight loss program, ESPECIALLY if one is doing it the right way -- combing diet AND exercise, specifically a rounded cardio/strength building program of exercise.

My last two weigh-ins have had somewhat of a counterproductive effect on my willpower.  Somewhat, not entirely.  And that's because I've been at this long enough to know that allowing the numbers on the scale to validate my progress or worth is a huge mistake.

Friday weigh-in day two weeks ago, I was down only .6 lbs for the week.  And so I likely ramped up the exercise last week, thinking, "Okay, I'll show you.  I'm gonna train even harder this week and I'll see a bigger loss on the scale."  Not.  This past Friday's weigh in, I weighed exactly the same.  Shocking, actually, because my clothes were fitting better (of course they were) and I looked leaner in the mirror (of course I did) and I even had someone at the gym walk up to me and TELL me that I was looking leaner.  People are noticing.  And so why let that numbers game mess with my head?

Head up.  Heart Strong.  I know in my head that I'd been diligent with my diet and with my workouts.  And I know in my heart that I want this bad enough that nothing -- not even a stubborn number on the scale -- is going to stop me from pushing forward.

I've got this.  I'm a strong woman, both in mind and body.  Which is why I'll keep going, make the sacrifices, and put in the work.

This past weekend I had a few off-plan indulgences one evening.  I ate things I shouldn't and I know that I will have to make up for that with a little extra calorie burning.  But I can't allow that to become habit, "just a small and harmless indulgence."  I know better.

The frustrations will come and go.  I can give in and give up, or I can stay the course.

This morning I made myself a green tea cocktail for an added cleansing of toxins to counter the weekend's excess.  Made with three green tea bags, it also serves to dull my appetite.  I'm back on plan.  But this is not just a diet.  I have to remind myself that I feel awesome when I eat this way.  At so many levels.

Don't just live.  Live strong.