This 100 Pictures challenge suggested by Chris in the comments section of the recent weigh-day post, is proving to be very effective. My brain doesn't perceive me to be 500 pounds anymore, but it certainly doesn't see me as I am. This psychological exercise of mental images is profound.
At my heaviest it was exactly the opposite. The mental image I had of myself was always much smaller than reality. That's why I hated pictures so much. The pictures always debunked the image I held, an image that made it a little easier to remain where I was at over 500 pounds. I can't count how many failed weight loss attempts I launched based on the encouragement of a photograph.
I'm in a position now where I must recognize my smaller self, debunking the slightly larger image my brain insists is correct. The goal of this exercise is to assist in my transition from weight loss mode into maintenance mode. It's a transition that requires increased calories/nutrition, especially as my physical activity and fitness level increases and that's not an easy thing to accept.
My turnaround from relapse and a 164 pound regain has me firmly in recovery mode. It's more than a mode, it is and I pray will forever be, my way of life. Adjusting the sensors of my internal "excessive consumption alarm" is imperative in order for me to find the balance I need moving forward.
I had a good day at work. I prepared breakfast and lunch in the studio's employee kitchen, with things I planned, packed and brought from home. This daily planning and follow through is essential to setting a solid foundation for another good day.
Another essential tool is staying connected with support friends. This element is even more important when going through something stressful and emotionally difficult to process/handle. I'm going through a big one of those right now. You wouldn't know it by reading this blog, because it involves someone I love dearly and I must respect and protect their privacy. Most of my support friends know of the challenge. My boss at the radio station knows. In fact, he asked me today what keeps me from seeking comfort in ice cream?
My answer: Staying connected in positive support exchanges. Because I can remind myself all day long that ice cream doesn't fix anything--but if I keep that thought in the same brain space as the more powerful thoughts to the contrary created by my emotions and stress--and I keep it all exclusive to my head, the more powerful thoughts will eventually win out. Before that can happen, I must call in back up. And it works.
Okay--it's picture time. I had a voice-over session for a special project at a private studio this afternoon. I asked the client to snap some candid shots. I didn't know when she was snapping them--no posing--just me doing my thing, oblivious to the camera.
My head doesn't hold on to this 500 pound-plus image--but it most certainly doesn't see the image of that guy wearing the headphones in the above shot.
I'm not complaining. This is a good issue to have. Ignoring the issue could lead to excessive weight loss. Seeing these pictures is helping me close the gap between old mental imagery and reality.
One of the employees at the Y was nice enough to snap a few more for me tonight. It's very awkward asking for this assistance. Most everyone at the Y is familiar with my transformation, and that helps clarify and make it easier to understand the request, especially after my brief description of the concept.
This running thing is very interesting. I've pretty much just started and already I'm noticing progress. Tonight was easier than last night. I'm convinced that I will continue to evolve with practice and I will hit my goal of running that 5k non-stop at the end of September.
I always heard the runners say things like, "it gets easier" and "it becomes addictive" and "you'll be so glad you did this." But I was too busy creating reasons why it wasn't possible for me, instead of exploring the steps making it possible.
It reminds me of listening to people who spoke about their abstinence from refined sugar long before I committed to being abstinent. I simply couldn't imagine ever doing it. I didn't want to do it. I heard their words, I read their blog posts all about the peace and calm that overcomes, the stability, the binge free experiences--and still, my reluctance to try it out for myself, kept me far away. Finally, in my moments of surrender, I let go and followed a path worn by those before me. And I discovered they were right--everything they said I would experience, I did.
A really good support friend shared with me tonight, something Herbert Spencer wrote:
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance--that principle is contempt prior to investigation."---Herbert Spencer
My open minded investigations are ongoing.
My Tweets Today:
Good Monday morning! Extra strength dark roast (additional 1/2 scoop) w/2 tablespoons half & half. X 2 cups. 80 cal. pic.twitter.com/LOGQNzP7T5
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 10, 2015
Avocado omelet w/2 whole eggs, 1 egg white & 111g avocado seasoned w/salt & pepper. 9.4oz peach. 438 cal. pic.twitter.com/8aXk9SZWTu
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 10, 2015
3 cups water with lunch. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/ZewpxEzrAc
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 10, 2015
FF/SF Bean (130g) & Chicken (3oz) tostadas w/salsa & swiss (2 slices). 8.3oz pear, 158g strawberries. 612 cal. pic.twitter.com/eZoFTSIZOJ
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 10, 2015
Dark roast evening cup w/2 tablespoons half & half. One cup now, one after dinner later. 80 cal. pic.twitter.com/9rvuS7SDYu
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 10, 2015
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
Surf & Turf. 4oz tilapia, 4.5oz sirloin, 225g swt pot. w/onions, squash & zucchini prprd w/OOspray, asparagus. 572cal pic.twitter.com/0iHzkT3BTi
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
Dinner in MFP... pic.twitter.com/y3mQgSTEsX
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
Weights and then walk/jog on indoor track. 2 cups water. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/zqfOGMpZdS
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
Excellent training walk/jog. More than half was jogging time. Good strength training on the weights. #endorphinparty pic.twitter.com/Q0TsCJNoVa
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
Fast fruit run... pic.twitter.com/i5EBa03ELJ
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
164g golden delicious apple, 100g seedless grapes & two cups unsweetened cashew milk. #lastfoodofday 210 cal. pic.twitter.com/BAt1SHOhnb
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 11, 2015
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
You look so healthy! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine! I feel incredibly well!
DeleteLooking good!!
ReplyDeleteRobin, thank you! I feel very blessed to be where I am--not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It's a profound difference over anything I've ever known.
DeleteAnd I have to say one more thing. I feel like when you do a blog you expect opinions , questions, comments, etc....I hope I never offend you. It feels like it should be an open forum.
ReplyDeleteIt is an open forum, Robin! And you'll never offend me, I promise! I welcome all comments, questions and opinions, always-- I just sometimes take a while to respond. :)
DeleteI congratulate you on making it through a very stressful, emotional time and sticking to your program! You are loving your body enough to nourish it with goodness instead of ice cream! You are pure inspiration! Thank you Sean!
ReplyDeleteNancy, thank you!! I'm feeling fantastic. I'm going to keep on keeping on! :)
DeleteWhich day of the week have you chosen to weigh in and are you going to share that with us? It will be helpful for when those of us that have not reached our goals, will be at maintenance. Thanks Sean!
ReplyDeleteN~
Every Wednesday for a while. And yes, of course I'll share it! I'm looking forward to it! You're very welcome!
DeleteAll I can do is echo everyone else.. You do look great!
ReplyDeleteMore importantly still after reading your blog for a while now... your food always, always looks outstanding!
Rosie :)
Thank you Rosie! I really give it some effort in the food department. Eating well doesn't have to be boring or unappetizing. It can most certainly be delicious and very appealing!! I think that's what I've set out to prove to myself. I believe it now.
DeleteYour dinner looked awesome tonight! If you wouldn't mind, can you give a general estimate of how much you spend on groceries to eat as healthy as you do? I always want to buy healthier food, but it always seems more expensive.
ReplyDeleteTim, no problem at all. I truly need to keep a more accurate account of this... I would estimate my weekly expense is roughly 40-50 dollars. Thank you for the reminder. I'm going to start keeping a better count.
DeleteI will say this-- I honestly believe I spend less now than I did at my heaviest. One night recently, I prepared orange roughy--it's something I rarely eat because of the expense, but I love it-- so I splurged. It's $20 for four servings. I prepared one for 5 bucks--and then added up the expense of everything else on my plate--and the total came to not much more than 6 bucks (I forget the exact number)... then I compared that to the cost of a double Quarter Pounder w/Cheese value meal at MCD (over seven bucks here)... Back when I didn't care and was far from ever losing weight, I might spend upwards of 15-20 a day in fast food--meals, snacks---secret little binges...it all added up--and I'm certain the total would exceed what I spend on food today.
I think you are totally right about it costing less than a diet of fast food and junk. I guess I am scared of the time commitment and learning how to cook a lot of that stuff. Fast food is so easy, its hard to break the habit. Anyway thanks for the reply
DeleteYou look wonderful, Sean! So happy for you.
ReplyDeleteKate, thank you! I feel so fantastic!
Delete