Pat- August 6, 2010

August 9, 2010 10:01 AM

Surfing is one of my favorite past times, internet surfing that is, articles, blogs and message boards pertaining to weight loss and maintenance seem to be top on my list. When I come across a topic that “speaks” to me I write it down in a special notebook.
I wrote down something the other day about someone who had asked how long it will take before maintenance would ever truly become a lifestyle and you have control over eating? After reading the responses from some of the other readers and pondering their replies, my answer to the question is, you need to accept the way you choose to eat as a lifestyle, not a diet. I hope you noticed I said “the way you choose to eat”, it is all up to you. I speak for myself when I say I am not cured of food addictions, but I am able to manage my condition. The way I manage it is getting easier in that it is becoming more of a habit. I still need to be mindful of my choices, put thought into my planning, practice will power and discipline, forgive myself for indulgences, and reward my successes to make this work for a lifetime.
I challenged myself the past couple of weeks to go back to basics to regain control. I had a wonderful July and a few pounds had crept up on me after being in vacation mode. I pulled out some old journals and used them for my meal planning. It really helped and it felt good to be back in total control. I am so happy that I was able to enjoy my indulgences and get right back on track which makes me to realize this IS the way I want to manage my eating.

"Though you can't go back and make a brand new start, you can start now and make a brand new ending."

Keep on keepin’ on. 24/100%
Pat

Click here to read Pat's Success Story


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comments (4)

Keep on keepin’ on... 24/100%

June 29, 2010 12:00 AM

I am coming up to the one year anniversary of reaching my weight loss goal. One year of not having to wish, resolve, pray or plead “Please Lord, help me loose these extra pounds.” It is a pretty awesome feeling when I take the time to think about it. But I mostly use my time in thinking about how to stay at goal. Perhaps I should mention I have been here two previous times in my life. This time is different for a lot of reasons. The most important being, I still attend or watch a meeting weekly (usually both), I still stop eating when I feel satisfied, I still plan what I am going to eat and I still weigh myself everyday. I know daily weighing doesn’t work for everyone but that’s what works for me. I try new foods and new recipes all the time. I have built up a support system in my family, my friends and my colleagues. Some come to me for help, that is so cool and really rewarding. This is not a diet that has an end, I consider this the way I eat. If I start to struggle, I watch an archived meeting after talking about it with my sis. My favorites are the early ones, like Draw Your Line In The Sand and This is for L-I-F-E! It still is a challenge for me to keep on keepin’ on , maybe that’s why I can stay motivated most of the time.

My three goals for the summer are 1. get to the gym, 2. get rid of all the clothes that no longer fit, 3. remember to take multi-vitamins daily. Did you make your summer goals yet? It’s not too late and it really helps to put them in writing.

"Though you can't go back and make a brand new start, you can start now and make a brand new ending."

Keep on keepin’ on. 24/100%
Pat

Click here to read Pat's Success Story


Want to be a guest maintenance blogger?
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comments (9)

This is for LIFE!

May 12, 2010 6:04 AM

MAINTENANCE. That's the goal! It's why we pay our weekly fee and measure our protein and write in our journals. Once we get to maintenance all will be right with the world ... right?

Well, just in case that's not exactly how it goes with you. Just in cast there is still some struggle inside and you find yourself seeking others working on the same issues, we've started this blog. Here's a few other reasons:

• I receive TONS of email about life AFTER you hit that number on the scale. (So much that I'm writing my second book for Random House on maintenance and life since my weight loss).
• Maintenance needs a special focus. It is just as crucial a time as the actual weight loss journey and I don't think any other program focuses enough on KEEPING you at goal once you GET to goal. We're going to be different.
• We already have SO many of you who have gotten to goal and we value YOUR input, too. This MAINTENANCE BLOG will be a blog where others at goal, on maintenance, can share their thoughts and offer suggestions. Anyone can read this blog, but only members who have reached goal and are maintaining their weight can be guest bloggers.

Hey ... it's one more reward for when you get there!

Want to guest blog? HERE'S HOW YOU DO IT...

1. If we choose your blog, we will contact you for more information on your weight loss journey. If you are already a STAR on our site, we will link the blog to your STAR page. If not, we'll make you a STAR first. Readers will then have a good idea of who the guest blogger is. Check out our STAR PAGES.
2. Think about what you'd like to share. What's the most important tip you could give someone that you've learned on maintenance. How do you KEEP the weight off? What did you do different THIS time to be successful long-term.
3. Decide how you want share that tip. You might weave your information around a story or a conversation you had with someone. Personal details (well, not TOO personal) are a great way of keeping your blog interesting and relatable. Most importantly, make it YOUR blog, written in YOUR style.
4. Kim will introduce or wrap up the blog with a few thoughts of her own.
5. Blogs should be between 350-400 words in length. Email it to contactus@kimbensen.com with MAINTENANCE in the subject line. Make sure you put in your username!

Look forward to blogging with you!

Now the legal stuff: KimBensen.com retains all rights to use guest blogs and STAR story information on the kimbensen.com website and in promotional material FOR their site (like Kim's eNews or in references in Kim's books).

comments (22)