Reframing (Relax!)
I was suffering last week from this ridiculous plateau. I mean after all my hard work at the gym, you would think the numbers would decrease eventually - but no… not even a tenth of a pound. I really worked hard at staying positive but when M asked me how I was doing on Friday, all my suppressed anxiety came rushing out. I blamed hormones. It’s always the hormones! He gave me some valuable advice… relax. I was wound up, doubting all my food choices and being too hard on myself as usual. He chastised me for getting on the scale everyday and then being disappointed with the lack of loss. I agreed to avoid it for two weeks starting Sunday. It is amazing but that little bit of advice really lifted my spirits about it. I made better food choices following that workout and just got through my day without stressing.
I think the whole issue was compounded as it followed my doctor’s appointment earlier that day. I discussed with Dr. S my recent lab work feeling that my results had not significantly changed in 3 months. While she was relatively happy with my progress, I was not. She increased my Lipitor (cholesterol) from 10 mg. to 20 mg. daily. While this is not a big difference, I am trying to eliminate medicines, not increase dosage! I feel her LDL goal for me is a bit unnecessary - ultimately I agreed to stay healthy on medicine until my body can take over.
I am consistently hearing the same criticism from 3 trusted sources - JG my lifecoach, trainer M and Dr. S - that I have to go easier on myself and give myself credit for the progress I have made to date. I have lost over 30 lbs., become a vegan, lowered my A1C to 6.6% (almost at goal!) and added a regular exercise routine to my schedule. That does look good on paper and is beginning to look good on me. 
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