I think everyone – at one point or another – struggles with weight-loss. Well, at least I know I do. And being over fifty doesn’t help. I’ve tried just about every diet out there and the only one that ever really worked for me was Weight Watchers. I used the online app and during that time (this was two, maybe three years ago), I lost 40 pounds. Yay me! But then the summer came, and I didn’t want to be dieting during the summer. So, I shelved the diet for what I thought was going to be temporary. It wasn’t temporary. But, what was great was that I didn’t gain it back. My habits had changed enough that I was able to maintain my new weight. Easily, in fact.
Time went by, and I kept meaning to jump back on the diet-wagon, but just didn’t. I lacked motivation. Flash-forward to 2020, Covid, and – yikes! I realized I had gained 15 pounds! Not happy about that, I tell ya. But I knew I wasn’t alone. During our Thursday Night, Girls’ Night, it was something that we all regularly grumbled about . . . while we were eating. And drinking. And ordering extra cheese on our nachos. 😬
Peer pressure (that is actually helping us lose the Covid 15)
So, we hatched a plan on how to lose the Covid 15. Every Thursday morning, we would weigh ourselves and take a picture of the scale to share in our group text. That’s true friendship right there. There isn’t much I don’t share with my friends, but my weight – well – that was my dirty little secret and mine alone. But realizing public humiliation is a strong motivator, I thought it was worth a go.
You know what – it’s working!
We are all one month in, and we’ve each lost 10 pounds (give or take). I’m not sure if it’s because we’re just a little too competitive, or that we are good at encouraging each other, but regardless, it’s working. Thursday nights were always a bad night for us regarding eating, but since we are all motivated, we’re good at making sure we eat better. We cheat a little bit (to celebrate our morning victory – whether it was a .5-ounce weight loss, or 2 pounds), but come Friday we’re back on the wagon. By Monday, when the weekend is behind us, it’s full-on diet mode. We’re all determined not only to lose the Covid 15 – but even more!
Exercise – even if it’s just walking
I hate all forms of exercise, but my son encouraged me to start walking and my daughter helps me by coming with me most days. When I come home, she’s sitting there, dressed and ready to go. So, there is no escaping it. My Apple watch has also helped because it tells me when someone I share info with, has closed their exercise ring. I tend to feel obligated at that point to close mine. Again, I hate it . . . I’d rather continue to click through Netflix shows, but I get off my butt and go for a walk.
So, we’re all 10 pounds down and it’s made me realize – all the good times and bad times I’ve gone through in my life, I’ve always had more than a little help from my friends.
Why did I think weight loss would be any different? ❤️
– Darlene
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