FarmerJeannine's Journal, 27 Mar 18

I’m really happy to see this. Slow, steady Long term success is the goal.  

Thank you - that's my game-plan, at least. Of course, I'm not really "dieting", but changing my whole lifestyle for good (in both the literal and punish sense) - I need to get my total and LDL cholesterol levels down and keep them there. I plan to still be eating and exercising like this a decade from now.... :) 

By "punish," I actually meant "pun-ish" - I'm not a masochist!! :) 

And along that same thought line. I have always suggested to “my people” to eat as you should on those ho-hum days when you are just working, cleaning, whatever. Then on Thanksgiving, BD, a special event where family bring the good stuff, look at the table and pick the things that will be part of making this day special for you. Use your own portion control guidelines to eat those things and enjoy every single bite. Good common sense needs to come into play here, obviously. No guilt is required. You are not “cheating. You are enjoying a happy event. Then you just continue on with your life. One of the many people that I have worked with was an entertainer, a singer at one of the big local tourist attractions. She was pushing 375 lb. her fellow employees went out on an occasional Friday night for pizza and beer. She never went because she felt guilty going, eating and having a good time. She eventually became isolated and was severely depressed. This pizza night was a big deal to her. When we started I told her not to tell anyone that she had started a lifestyle/weight loss program. She went out with her friends, ate 1 or 2 pieces of pizza depending on the size and split a beer with her friend. Her depression lifted. She only told people what she was doing when the costume department kept having to adjust her costume. She exercised in the pool (that is where I met her), walked with a friend instead of meeting for lunch and over 2 years she lost more than 200 pounds. She has never put it back on. No depravation, no guilt. Slow steady progress. I look forward to following your progress.