Your post comes in good timing. This week I've been going up & down emotionally, from feeling so great about being in the best shape of my life, to feeling mad at myself for not being under 140 pounds by now. (stupid, yes?)
I was reading the PN forum today at lunch and found this - it was just what I needed to read.
From
Critical Precision Nutrition Tips - Precision Nutrition
Quote:
1) IT'S NOT A NUMBERS GAME.
People often judge their happiness based on their numbers. They're happy if they lose a pound or a percent in a given week. They're sad if they don't. Well, remember, this isn't JUST a numbers game. You're also doing this to improve your health, longevity, how you feel, etc. The body comp stuff is just a great side effect. Keep this in perspective.
2) DON'T EXPECT WEEKLY, NEVERENDING PROGRESS.
The body doesn't functional linearly. Things can happen in jumps. So you may lose 3 lbs the first 3 weeks. Then nothing. Then, 3 weeks later lose another pound. Remember, you're in this for the long haul.
3) UNDERSTAND WHAT REASONABLE PROGRESS IS.
If you're a woman at 30% fat and you're losing 1% fat a month, by the end of a year you'll be 18%. That's defined as "athletic". You'll have gone from obese to athletic in one year.
If you're losing 1lb every 2 weeks, you can expect around a 26lb weight loss over 1 year. What seemed like crappy progress to you doesn't seem so crappy now, does it?
Seriously, perspective people!
4) DECREASE YOUR CALORIES
If you're a chronic undereater, you need to increase your calories. When you jump on PN that's the first thing you should do. This helps increase your metabolism. But the new, higher intake off sets that increase. So you shouldn't expect to see any decrease in weight! The decrease in body weight and fat happens when you re-set that metabolism and then decrease your calories according to the individualization guide (about 250kcal per 2 weeks).
5) MAINTAIN YOUR PROGRESS
As your body gets leaner, it'll fight more to keep the fat. So you'll have to outwit it.
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I edited a bunch out to highlight the stuff that made me think "YEAH THAT'S RIGHT!" I just need to remember these things. Sometimes I lose sight of the forest. I should be happy with what I've accomplished so far, not beating myself up for not having done better.
I also bought a book on photography to help me with my other hobby. I'd really like to become skilled at it - I think I have a talent for it, I just haven't worked on developing it. I found a website for a photo club around here and emailed the guy about it, but it doesn't look like the website's been updated since 2007 so I'm not holding my breath...