Dealing with getting into the 100's

[Lea]

Hi everyone,

This is not an issue I'm complaining about. I started low carbing again in December at 250 lbs and I'm now down to 209 and thrilled. What I've noticed is that as I'm approaching that below 200 lb mark I'm starting to feel hesitant and anxious. This weekend I bought clothing for the first time in 20 years in a regular store not a large size store. It was a size 20 and that's down from a size 26.

I was hoping to hear from people who have moved past significant markers and might be able to give me some ideas about relaxing around it and strategies that you found helpful. I'd be interested to in the messages you gave yourself around the anxiety.

I haven't posted much but I read everyday and have learned so much from the site. Thanks for all the great info.

Lea :)

[Talon]

I to started feeling a bit "out of place" once I got to about 210 pounds - I was losing enough that I and other people notice - I am not sued to getting peoples attention (other than disgust) at the way I look. Very uncomfy. :( Also I beleive it stems from I am starting to have realy hope that this diet will work, but then I have the little voice in back of my head that says: "Don't get used to it, all the other diets you've tried and failed. Why should this one be different?"

I occasionaly have to have a chat with myself. I keep telling myself that I am worth it, this diet WILL work (is working) and that if people notice me more now, I'll get used to it eventually. But I am doing this for ME, MYSELF and I.

This thinner version of me looks and feels different, but it is still good old me!

[Marlaine]

Originally posted by Lea
What I've noticed is that as I'm approaching that below 200 lb mark I'm starting to feel hesitant and anxious.

Hi there Lea.....

I think that this is a very common experience that you are having and your awareness of the feelings are a step in the right direction. I believe that one of the secrets of handling the weightloss and being able to maintain it, is doing some soul searching about what motivated us to use food for comfort in the first place. It may be uncomfortable, but I think it's a key ingredient to our success.

I know that personally, I feel much more vulnerable without the extra weight. Taking up strength training has helped me a lot with dealing with this feeling. I may not have the pounds to protect myself from the world, but now I have the strength instead.

Spend some time looking at yourself in a mirror and enlist a good friend to take photos of you. It will help you adjust and come to terms with the mental image you have of yourself. It takes time......be sure to give yourself plenty of that. And one last thing.....start talking to yourself like you would to a very dear friend. Be kind and gentle with yourself.

Marlaine

[DWRolfe]

I know what you mean about fearing success...

Just as Marlaine pointed out, it's important to consider what it was that caused you to turn to food for comfort in the first place. The same reason might be ready and waiting to sabbotage your efforts now.

Being thinner and more healthy will cause people to take more notice of you. That might not be a good thing if you happen to be a private person that prefers to be unnoticed.

But living life to the fullest and participating rather than watching from the sidelines is really a major part of this WOE/WOL, I believe. So it would be a good idea to identify what scares you now as you approach goal.

Being successful does not have to mean being more vulnerable. Instead you could transfer that new found control over food to other aspects of life as well. With success comes confidence.

Good luck and thanks for posting this thoughtful thread..

Donald :wave: