After a wonderful weight loss in the first two weeks of the new plan, I’ve had a frustrating week. I’m still carefully following the plan. However, I not only haven’t lost weight, I’ve gained a couple of pounds. There might be a couple of things factoring into my body’s reaction. I did three challenging rowing workouts this week. I wasn’t great early in the week with drinking enough water. My digestive system has been extremely sluggish. Even knowing all of these things and absolutely knowing that I have not deviated on the plan, it’s hard to not be disappointed.
I will give myself permission to feel frustrated and disappointed. However, I am determined to not let it throw me off of the wagon. We already know that I have an unhealthy obsession with the number on the scale. I cannot afford to let that be the only, or even the main, measure of my success. It is definitely a great time for me to reconnect with Non-Scale Victories or NSVs.
Here are some of my other successes from the past week. I went to a business dinner last Tuesday and, on Wednesday, we ordered from a restaurant for lunch one day. At the dinner, I bypassed the dinner roll and the white rice and only ate foods that are on my plan. For lunch, I did not order my favorite sandwich. Instead, I ordered a great wedge salad and supplemented it with protein I brought from home.
I really, really worked hard at each rowing class. Not that I don’t work hard every time, but these three classes included some challenges we haven’t tried before. On Friday, when doing sprints, I hit a personal best on power – hitting 222 watts of power on several strokes.
I’ve faced temptations — then turned my back and walked away.
Even today I went to a big luncheon fundraiser. I declined a cocktail. When dessert came, I ate the whipped cream and fresh berries (both on the plan), took one forkful of the cake and then stood up and placed the plate out of my reach. Later one when took a trip to the supermarket, I cruised by all kinds of food items that I would normally buy and eat. Instead, I stuck to my list and that was that.
Although I wish the number on the scale would go back down, I can see the overall weight loss. I can also feel that even just 11 pounds — or 8 with the weird gain – has reduced the pressure on my right knee. I have less pain in that joint. That’s huge. Last month I was so depressed by how much and how frequently my knee hurt. To be aware of the improvement is not just a physical thing. It’s a real mood booster.
Three weeks into working a strong food plan, and working it so well, creates such an improved attitude. OA has a saying that nothing tastes as good as abstinence feels. Alleviating the compulsive overeating is a relief. I feel better about my plan, my progress and, yes, about myself. This, my friends, is a NSV beyond measure!
Weighty Matters 
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