Why are goals hardest to achieve when you’re 95% done?
Hi Heather, I feel like I always message you when I am in a ‘deficit fatigue,’ and just the act of reaching out provides some relief. I’ve been a weight-cycler for my entire adult life and finally got ahold of it in 2022 when I found your podcast and embraced maitenance breaks. I started this recent journey in 2022 at 205 pounds and hit my goal of 165 in November 2023. From there, I bounced up a little and have been maintaining between 167-172. In June I decided I wanted to take the next 2 years to lose the last 20 pounds. I set a reasonable goal to lose 5 pounds from June-August. My new starting weight was 170.2. Right now I am 2 months into my summer goal and 165.5. I can feel myself wanting to throw in the towel and super binge-y. The cravings and lower brain chatter have been SO intense. I have been here before, and 165 is a ‘sticky’ weight with a huge story around it. I do plan to go to weekly weigh ins and stick to my habits as a coping tool. Even though I’ve been in this ‘almost there’ position so many times, that urge to give up at 95% of the way is indescribably strong. Did you ever feel this way? What did you do to break through to the other side? Thank you for all you do. You’re saving lives. I know you helped save mine. Bonnie
Food freedom
Hi Heather!! Absolutely love your content and your heart for helping - thank you! My question is about “food freedom”. It sounds fabulous and almost is made to be the righteous path. Unfortunately after swearing off “dieting” and giving up tracking food etc my weight crept up 20lbs and left me feeling awful. I have unfollowed all of the food freedom people, although I do think some of their perspectives are good - such as paying attention to hunger and fullness, not having good or bad foods, etc. I’m approaching my weight loss journey with blinders on and staying focused on what works for me. Tracking and meal planning are non negotiable. Can you share thoughts on food freedom and intuitive eating and how to think about them for weight loss success?
Hi Heather, like so many others I had an accident and couldn't exercise, which you haver said before that is a habit and it may not be there for weight loss and don't depend on it. I had been in maintenance for over a year and gave everything up when I couldn't get in my walking. I went back to binging and and gained in a short amount of time 25 pounds. I stopped weighing myself and had n clue it was that much. I am back on track and recognize am going to learn through this experience but I keep beating myself up. How do I move forward in a positive way and know there was a reason for this weight gain? Thanks for all you do!
Setting good example for teenage daughters
Hi Heather, I am 54 years old, 5'6" and weigh between 165 and 170. I am heavier now that I have been most of my life, and would like to lose about 5 or maybe 10 pounds, and I've listened to your podcast a lot and know how to do it. The trouble that I am having is that I have 3 healthy-weight daughters (ages 16, 19 and 22) and when they see me weighing or measuring my food, they accuse me of having an eating disorder. I REALLY do not want my daughters to develop unhealthy eating (as I did throughout my life) and if my weighing food is going to hurt their body images, I prioritize their mental health. This whole thought process discourages me from measuring any food in front of them, and hiding makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. So then I just guess on portion sizes. Any thoughts on how to not pass on unhealthy eating to teenage girls while also getting a few pounds off? Thank you!