Instant Gratification….NOW

Ah, instant gratification.  You can get what you want whenever you want it.  No longer do we have to get up to turn the channel on the television, get out of car to order a meal, walk up to the bank for a transaction, send an e-mail rather than walk down the hall to talk to a co-worker, and open a box to stick in the microwave.  We want what we want when we want it.

We’ve grown accustom to ‘instant gratification’ and I think it’s really hurt us.  I know it’s hurt me.  I’m very impatient and expect immediate results when I try something.  With weight loss, we tend to want the weight to melt off when we make the decision we want to lose weight.  It took a long time, usually years, or in the case or weight regain it could have been months, yet it should be “poof” gone.  Over the years and especially with my own weight regain, I’ve learned results just don’t happen over night.  No, it’s not fair, but it’s the way it is.

I believe having to work at losing weight once when I originally had surgery and then twice to re-lose weight regain, I truly appreciate my health and weight loss.  I think twice before indulging in something that will cause me to re-lose it.  In these times of financial turmoil, it has made me truly appreciate how much things really cost.  I often pause and think twice before I spend any money on anything because I think how many paid hours or clients it will take to pay for this item?

When your food triggers hit, the same holds true with eating and exercise.  Is it really worth it?
How many miles will I have to run in order to indulge in a food choice?  How long will I have to workout to lose the weight from a trigger food.  My list of things that are “worth it” are very short.  There’s a reason why we don’t wear our wedding dress on a regular basis.  It’s saved for a special occasion.  Just because it’s Friday night, a vacation or holiday, why is that a special occasion and our reason for drinking and eating too much?

I was always one to convince myself that “I deserved it after a long hard week” and I bought into that and racked up 147 excess pounds.  Well, that may be true, but really I deserved a break a time to relax, not to over indulge and throw my nutrition and exercise program out the window to the wind.

So, as you prepare for your success in October remember you are planting seeds and your time for harvest may not happen for many months, but all of the preparation and caring for your “soil” will pay great dividends in the months to come.  Plant a good foundation of nutrition, activity, weight loss and feeling great!

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator