Failure in the Guise of Girl Scouts
I came across this quote from Martha Beck in a recent issue of O Magazine: “The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people fail more.” It really struck home because I think of my writing journey and how it took a whole lot of failures before I hit the success track, and how even that track hasn’t been without its failures along the way. But then this morning, I was reading about a woman who made this incredible weight loss journey and it got me thinking about...
...how we try and fail at weight loss all the time. Like most people, I make that same resolution every January 1 to take off those stubborn twenty pounds, or thirty, or whatever has crept up over the winter on top of the ten or fifteen I already needed to lose (and after I had my son, it was more like 70, a few years back), but then I get partway through the journey, and start self-sabotaging. I blame it on the Girl Scouts. They start selling those damned cookies in February around here. How am I supposed to stick to my diet when they are RINGING MY DOORBELL, COOKIES IN HAND???
It’s easy enough to skip the cookie aisle in the grocery store, or to avoid cookies if you don’t have them in your house already (you can’t eat what you don’t have) but when that little pixie-faced Brownie shows up at your door in sub-zero winter temps, begging you to buy just one box of Peanut Butter Patties because her troop really wants to go to Six Flags this summer...
Diet failure is inevitable.
So I read Lynn Haradlson’s weight loss journey today (she was on CNN and Oprah) and thought about all the times I had tried and failed, tried and failed. She, too, had done the same thing over the years to lose weight. Then one day she was trying to climb some stairs (19 of them to be exact) and it was too hard. That was when she decided that was IT. She was DONE. She would do this, Girl Scout cookies be damned, and stick to it. For years, actually, because she lost 168 pounds, which doesn’t happen overnight (though we all wish it could!). She did it the old-fashioned way, too.
If she can do it, then what am I whining about? Okay, I really do love Girl Scout cookies. In fact, I love cookies of all kinds. And Valentine’s Day is days away, and celery sticks in a box just doesn’t say I love you the same as chocolates. Whoa...whining again. I guess I better just re-read Lynn’s blog for inspiration. But wait--
My doorbell’s ringing. And yes, there’s a little girl in a green uniform with a wagon full of bright-colored boxes waiting outside. Temptation, thy name is Girl Scouts. ;-)
Shirley
PS: I’ll give away one copy of my calorie-free tempting read, PRETTY BAD, the last of the romances with recipes books to one lucky commenter this week!
Weight Loss
I lost 12 lbs last year through a combination of Bikram yoga and what I call the Rockstar diet. When I told my high school friend I was on the Rockstar diet she gave me this astonished look and said, "You've taken up beer and cigarettes at your age?"
Nope. Nickelback's Rockstar - we all stay skinny 'cause we just don't eat....much, in my case.
That said, I'm getting a box of Thin Mints and a box of Peanut Butter Patties. I love Girl Scout cookies.
Good for you!
See, that's what I need to do...just not eat ;-)
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Yeppers
I quit diets last year after losing 15 lbs the summer before on Weight Watchers, gaining it back, struggling to stay on it, and finally I just said ENOUGH. None of these things work, or they only work if you never go off of them.
I love to cook, I love to eat, and I'm a 45 year old woman who's never going to look like Jennifer Anniston, and why would I care? If I got hit by a car, I don't want my last thought to be obsessing over what I just put in my mouth -- who the hell cares??? Honestly...
So, I did this. I ate what I want, made better choices (fruit on waffles instead of butter), eat only when I'm hungry, eat better, move more... and I lost 17 lbs last year by August. Then, I decided screw it, I'll just try to keep those 17 off and see how it goes. And by December I had gained 4, all over Christmas, but that was a net loss of 13 with no dieting, and no particular exercise outside of walks, and normal activity.
So, I'm doing it again this year. I went back to "normal eating" after the holiday, same strategy, and lost the 4 almost without trying. I go to BK, I have a burger with no mayo and no cheese, only eat half the fries, etc -- it works. We have gotten used to eating this way, more fruits and veggies etc, but with all the other foods we love. Haven't given up a damned thing, but do eat a little less, and better. And move more. When I am "maintaining" I can have one can of Coke a day -- when I want to lose I drop that and only have a Coke when we go out, that kind of thing. Easy.
So, I figure I'll hope to lose maybe another 10 by August, and then hold it until 2009. Then next year, maybe another 10 or so.. it doesn't matter even if it's only five. It will mean I lost, then, over 30 lbs in three years, and that's fine by me. By the time I'm 50 or so I will have lost all the weight I want, and I'll not have to change my lifestyle to keep it, because it IS my lifestyle.
I'm not losing for a special event, I'm losing to be healthy, to feel better, and who cares if it takes 5 years or so?
So, this is my method, and it works, and it means I can have cookies if I want them, and because of that, I have more self-control than I ever did while "dieting"...
Sam
wanted to add
I also rarely weigh myself -- scales are the enemy. By Oct, I needed new jeans, one size smaller, so I ordered those and just use them as a measure of how I'm doing and maybe weigh myself once every other month or so -- it helps get away from obsessing over pounds, which I think is a bad thing.
Sam
I need that scale...
Because if I avoid it, I just assume all is well and keep on reaching for that mac and cheese ;-). But everyone is different. I do like your theory, though!
I was pretty cool about my weight, and had lost all that second baby weight, until my mom got sick and I was at the hospital with her for months on end, until she passed. Too much hospital eating and stress gave me thirty pounds back, most of which I'm still arguing with ;-).
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
I'm the same way
Shirley - I weigh myself virtually every day. If I don't, the weight creeps back on.
That said, I *love* Sam's theory, not to mention attitude, plus new jeans totally rock. And, given that I totally screwed up my knees overdoing the Bikram...maybe I should give it a try!
LoL
Well, it's not really a theory, since I actually do it and it works (for me, anyway), LOL -- now I am just being picky.
I am just the persnickety sort that the moment someone tells me I can't have something, I want it, and so diets don't work. So just moderating makes more sense for me, in all things. I used to go crazy at the gym, there was a time I would spend my entire morning working out, and didn't lose weight because all that working out made me hungry, LOL. So, I'm actually good, health wise -- good bp, good cholesterol, had every test known to man run last year, and so I know I'm in a healthy place and I'm just trying to lose a little each year, because the real challenge actually isn't losing it so much as keeping it off. So the 6 months to lose, and 6 months to keep it off, seems to work...
Sam
Thin Mints vs Cinnaspins
I live with a Girl Scout. Technically, she's a Brownie and when she came home saying she needed to sell 150 boxes I about fell over. "No way," I said, "We'll just do the best we can and if you miss out on the American Girl field trip, you'll have to console yourself with the three American Girl Dolls you currently own." Gnashing of teeth and wailing ensued.
But then Dad got involved and instead of 150 boxes of Girl Scout temptation laying around, he saw "A Challenge". Harps, angels singing, bright yellow light - happy, "I've always loved Daddy best" child.
On Thursday, I will not have 150 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in my house. There will be 157. That comes to $549.50 worth of cookies and I'm wondering how the DH will enjoy the trip to American Girl that I'm planning on signing him up to chaperone!
The part I enjoy most is although we sold these cookies in the height of the "I will lose weight this year" resolution - almost no one bought the 100-calorie pack Cinnaspins. When it comes to Girl Scout cookies Thin Mints rock!
-Tasha
LOL! My daughter used to be a Girl Scout...
Which I probably should have mentioned (because one year I bought not one, but ELEVEN boxes of Peanut Butter Patties and ate EVERY LAST ONE myself...hence my inability to resist them), so I hear you!! I'm not surprised no one bought the skinny cookies! When it comes to GS cookies, the fattening ones do rock!!!
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
It's Girl Scout Cookie Season???
I was a girl scout many years ago and still feel obligated to buy a box or two. The cookies have changed in taste but, my faves are still my faves. Peanut Butter Patties (now Tagalongs) and Samoas (they tried calling them s'mores for a while). Okay, I was a GS before Samaoas were available. And yes, I still remember how much less the cost all those many years ago. They were under $2 when I started and under $1 when my mom started.
About 15 years ago, there was a picture of girls in life jackets on one of the boxes. We're not 100% sure but, one of them might be me. It was a picture taken at one of the NY GS summer camps. Ah, my 15 minutes of fame.
Gotta find me a Girl Scout!
LOL I used to have 2 girl
LOL I used to have 2 girl scouts and I just ordered two boxes from a neighboring girl scout - then there's all the friends and family members to buy from (sigh). I eat and do about the same things I've always done but unfortunately as you age you gain weight that way. I really need to get more exercise and the computer hasn't helped with that at all.
During the summer, my
During the summer, my husband and I run between 24-30 miles a week. This tends to let a person eat what they want and not gain weight. But...when school starts, we drop down to about 6-8 miles a week and the weight creeps back on. So, we quit eating dinner. We eat a big breakfast, big lunch, then have popcorn or a bowl of cereal for dinner. (High volume, low cal foods that make you feel full.) If we're hungry, we eat more, but we've found that generally we're willing to do this in exchange for eating what we want for breakfast and lunch. The problem is, you can't do this with a family at the table. We had to wait until the kids left home.
I like this
This is kind of the reverse of my day, but same principle -- I eat just cheerios or a waffle with fruit for bfast, because that's what I like, and then sometimes I forget about lunch, because I'm busy, and I don't have a whole lot of need to eat during the day - too big of a lunch often makes me feel ick. But I do like to eat in the evening, so I don't eat much all day, just what I need and then I have whatever I want for dinner more or less and an evening snack/dessert... I don't binge and I don't drink soda except when I'm out. I need to lose probably 30-40 lbs to be where I'd like to be -- I could lose 80, honestly I don't see the reason why I should, LOLOLOL.
Sam
Right on, Sam,
I am a huge believer in following your body's signals--unless it is signaling you to get a donut four or five times a day, lol. That's why Atkins won't work for me. I'm a carb person and I lose weight eating what my body craves because it satifies me.
If you don't eat a big breakfast and lunch, then that's the way your body is wired and you're smart to go with it.
Both my mom and step-dad--in their 70's--have lost a lot of weight by cutting portion size and using smaller plates. If they're still hungry after eating what's on their plate, they get more. I think telling yourself you can have more if you want it makes it easier to eat less.
This sounds like me
I eat what I like and live on carbs and run a lot. If I want to lose a couple of pounds, I run more and eat less at dinner. That said, I don't usually even buy stuff like cookies.
And now........ Little DD has just joined the Brownies. If all the boxes I'm morally obligated to buy are just lying around the house, I'm going to be in trouble :::runs in place:::
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Thin Mints
Why can't Thin Mints be thin in calories and fat? I try not to eat more than a few cookies each time, but the temptation is great. My favorite form of exercise is walking. Yoga is great too, but I need to do it more often.
Weight lose
I don't even want to think about it. No matter how had I try to lose weight nothing seems to work. I have tried exercise and cutting back eatting. Seems like if I lose a few lbs. I wind up gaining back that and a few more. I think all I have to do is look at food and I gain weight, its discusting. I am 52 right now and trying to lose the weight I gained during holidays. Have not lost a lbs as of it yet. Exercising every day with no luck. DIETS DON'T WORK.
Temptation lurking just outside the grocery store...
or it will be pretty soon around here ;) I have a couple friends with GSs and I just missed their pre-order deadline--oops! Seriously, it's just as well, because I totally agree, Shirley--it's the non-diet varieties that taste the best :) I do really enjoy that chocolate covered peanut butter one... *sigh*
Good for you, Sam! That's awesome--I do think that it's a whole lifestyle/mindset change that will stick, not a diet of some kind.
Following Rules
I'm giggling inside about the GS Cookies. They are 'evil'.
I hate to follow 'diet' rules or any rules for that matter. I have an inner voice aka the Rebel that says, "Don't tell me what to do/eat" whatever the case may be.
I started weight watchers at work in September to get motivated. I needed someone to be accountable to, plus I could get half my money back if I participated and made progress. So I thought what is there to lose, but pounds. I lost 5lbs the first 12 weeks. Not great, but a loss. I signed up for another session. I maintained during the holidays, but then started walking at the mall 3-4x a week, really watching my portion sizes and didn't eat if I wasn't actually hungry, add in a little stress and Viola! I'm down another 5lbs. 10lbs in six months is no record breaker, but I'm betting that I'll keep it off for awhile. Not because I followed a certain plan, I did not eat as many veggies, fruit, nor milk servings as I should have, but because I listened to my body. And the rebel did not have to express herself.
BTW, I did not sign up for another session. I'll do it MY WAY! :D
Like Minds...
Yes, this sounds very much like my route... I like doing it my way, too, though my way is just accumulated common sense after years of dieting, LOL. But I think 10lbs in 6 months is GREAT especially if it stays off -- that's the real trick. Good for you! You and I both have that "Rebel" and she needs careful handling -- she definitely does not like rules, does she? The minute someone tells me I have to do it "this way" forgetaboutit....
LOL
Sam
Accumulated common sense
Sam said: "The minute someone tells me I have to do it "this way" forgetaboutit...." Right on Sista!
At least we are accumulating something...besides extra pounds. I'm not going for the girl I was at 20 or even 30, I'm 40 and so is my body. Thank goodness my mind is young ;)
PS I'm not against WW, it's a tool and it has helped many. I'm just not a meeting type of gal.
motivation
I've struggled with weight and missed all my self-imposed deadlines for getting rid of it.
In January I was invited to be on a panel in early March with other professionals. They're all in way better shape than me and are many years older. As a result, my motivation level has improved significantly and I've lost a couple pounds by eating less and exercising. The tricky thing is figuring out what to eat to get more pounds off.
Just saw in Ladies Home Journal that carbs are what make fat. Meat and even eggs are okay. Everywhere you look there's a different theory. When you finally get motivated, it would be nice to know what you're supposed to be eating...
So, my question is, if cookies aren't good when you're dieting, what about dark chocolate M&M's?
The first thing I lose when I'm on a diet is the will to live.
I'm totally fine with the
I'm totally fine with the curves. It's the stretch marks that I can't stand!!!! And no amount of dieting will get rid of those (and frankly, a plumper figure helps disguise them.) :)
M
Read in bed!
www.meganhart.com
WEIGHT
I love GSC but stay away from them since they are addictive. We used to buy them annually and enjoy them. My body unfortunately the past year seems to have changed which makes portion control,food choices and exercising a necessity. No easy way to confront this issue and I want results quickly if possible.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Unless I take action when I notice a slight change I will regret it. Meaning gaining a few pounds will be hard enough to get rid of at my age and just ignoring it won't be a smart move so I have no choice in this matter. Get moving, watch every morsel, and hopefully positive weight loss will occur. It does take time and is very slow which is discouraging so no yummies at all.
TEMPTING
It isn't fair to have to deprive yourself of goodies and favorite treats but in order to achieve success in losing weight I cannot eat whatever I want. Not one of the lucky ones out there. Yes, it is better to eat healthy, to exercise and to look good but it requires perseverence and a lifelong commitment. Guess I have no choice since I have to fit into my Spring clothing and now it is tight and uncomfortable.
Weight I hate it and it hate me!
I have a little problem of starvation mode, I just don't eat that much. I'm not hungry. So my body tends to save all the food I did finally eat. I have noticed that if I do eat alot of food, and I mean pig out, I will drop five pounds in two to three days. But unfornately I always go back to not eating and put the weight on. My sister-in-law who loves to eat but has to watch what see eats hates that about me. Most people would love to eat what they want and when they want. Don't get me wrong I don't diet, never will diet. I won't deny myself food when I want it. I just wish that when I'm not hungry I didn't get pushed for not eating.
FOODIES
Weight is an issue that I find is the most difficult to conquer. It is a constant in our lives since we obsess about what we should eat, how much we should eat and when we should eat. I store the weight which is unfair and this has been my way since I was young. Being curvy and having to be careful gets to be a bore. But in order to stay healthy and have clothing fit it is vital to choose the best foods, move and hope.
Girl Scout Cookies
I'm lucky because we barely have the boxes of Girl Scout cookies open, and my hubby and kids devour them! I'm usually not fast enough to get more than one or two. But that's my "diet" plan anyway--it's fine to treat yourself occasionally, just don't over do!
Peg
Cookies!
Ugggh! Imagine having to forgo for wheat allergies and weight! And I totally love thin mints. I admire those who are able to accomplish those goals. I think 10 pounds is admirable as well. Actually, now I am more about the healthy eating and trying to walk more. We'll see how that works!
Girl scout cookies
All this talk about Girl Scout cookies just reminded me that we order four boxes that should be in any day now. I wonder if they will come by before my husband and kids get home so I can actually have some.