Reasoning

I'm reading this great book, at the recommendation of a friend. It's called "The Beck Diet Solution" and you can find it here. It's a series of exercises (cognitive, not like working out!) that will help retrain my thinking so that I "think like a thin person." I'm not sure how much stock I put in the whole theory behind it, but since I know that my rationalizing and thinking sabotages my weight loss all the time, I thought I'd give it a try. It's an easy, good read so far - I do recommend it to you if you're looking to freshen up your mindset.

The first exercise is to come up with a list of reasons for why you're losing weight. This list is supposed to be your "rescue" card - what you look at when you're at a crisis and are about to overeat or about to not workout or about to sabotage your diet in any way. They suggest that you write it on an index card or something that you can carry with you - or post it in a prominent place in your home, etc. As I was reading, I thought, "What can be more prominent than the blog?" I'm admitting to you guys and to myself - in black and white - just why this is important to me.

So, drumroll please, my reasons for trying to lose weight:

1) I want to feel better about myself.
2) I miss running.
3) I want to be able to run and play with the boys.
4) I don't want to embarrass my children, because I'm the "fat" mom.
5) I don't have any money and can't afford new, bigger clothes.
6) I would really like to be able to fit into my winter coat.
7) I will feel so much healthier if I lose weight.
8) I had a rough delivery with Baby #3 due to blood pressure issues. I want to do everything I can to prevent that happening again, if we decide to have more children.
9) I feel good when I cook and eat healthy foods.
10) I will be able to shop in the "regular" section of a store - which has clothes that are age-appropriate for me. I'm not ready to shop in the "women's" section yet.


So, there it is. The top 10 reasons why I'm setting out on this weight loss adventure. For me, the weight loss is first and foremost my goal. I know some of you have other goals when it comes to parenting or your own self. What are your reasons for taking on this task? It's not easy - we will all hit obstacles. Write out (or admit) your reasons for heading out on the journey, and maybe they'll help remind you of your motivation when you hit those obstacles.