There are more diet plans out there than I could even begin to list. When I read your blogs I notice that people are using a lot of different plans to lose their weight and get more fit. Some use a program such as Weight Watchers, and others are just doing their own thing.
I think whatever you do, it’s important to own your plan.
What do I mean by own your plan? I mean take ownership of the method you are using to lose weight. Take ownership in your own mind and heart. Why?
Because when you really take lessons into your heart they stick around. At least that’s the case with me. When I’ve had struggles in my life and really understood the lessons I learned during those hard times, I tend not to repeat that particular error.
Same thing with a weight loss plan. When I finally figured out a way that worked for me, I owned the plan, took it into my heart, and believed that I could live with it for a lifetime.
That’s why I have a problem with the Jenny Craig’s and those types of prepackaged weight loss programs. Sure you can lose weight by eating prepackaged meals 24/7, but what lessons have those people learned along the way? There are some long-term successes, but I’d venture to say from my own experiences, not too many.
Making your weight loss plan your own is important because this is a plan that you will use as a model for the rest of your life. It’s vital to think of what you are doing now as something that must be continued forever.
Sure you can have a few more calories after you reach your goal, but the lessons you are learning right now are the lessons that will carry you through forever.
Kinda scary/exciting to think about isn’t it? It was for me.
As I journeyed from weight loss into maintenance I was so thankful that the way I lost weight was life sustainable. It was healthy, manageable, and not complicated. It meant that maintenance didn’t require any huge changes in how or what I ate. Rather maintenance just meant I kept living my plan. Because I owned it.
Past things I tried weren’t sustainable for me, and even though I never made it anywhere close to goal, looking back I know I couldn’t have kept it up. I would have regained.
Do you feel that your plan is your own? Have you thought about how you will continue on your healthy path once you reach your goal weight? Diane
The image was created using Wordle
You know, I don’t “own” my plan. Even though I am within normal limits, as I look back on my method of maintenance, it is really frequent, periodic dieting. Though it works for me, I still fluctuate about 8 pounds. More than I’d like. I have to rethink this…..
I did Weight Watchers years ago but didn’t own it. This time, however, I do own it and it feels awesome! For the first time in my “dieting” attempts, I actually feel like this has become a way of life for me instead of something I need to do in order to lose some weight. It’s just different this time. I think it’s because I finally accepted that there is no such thing as dieting and that in order for me to be healthy, I have to really change. And I am!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Holy scrapple batman! ~ Dave =-.
Yes, I do own my plan right now it is working and if the day comes when it stops working I will tweak it again. I’m really close to getting back to “maintence” again:) Like you I believe this is for a lifetime and its a lifestyle.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Slip that leads to a Binge =-.
My plan is definitely my own.
I always read people say that they compare themselves to other bloggers and are often depressed/sad/whatever that the bloggers seem so perfect/fit/happy and they just feel lazy/boring/whatever in comparison.
Like, some bloggers exercise 6 days a week. That is awesome for them. But I gotta do what works for me and right now, exercising 6 days a week just doesn’t work for me. It’s not about time, even. I think 4/5 times a week is enough for me. And I see myself continuing to do that the rest of my life. 6 times a week? I’d probably start great and enthusiastic and even lose weight faster but after some weeks I’d lose that momentum and start going less and feel guilty about it. There is no need to put this kind of pressure on yourself. Just do it your way.
.-= Diana´s last blog ..Family love =-.
I totally agree with you about the prepackaged plans like Jenny Craig , Medifast and others. Making a life change involves doing it in the middle of your very real life, where there will be cheap weeks, birthday celebrations, meals on the fly and a lot more. You will live in a world filled with very real food ( good and bad) and you have to learn how to manage the choices before you. I also believe that there is no one plan that will work for everyone on earth, so you have to test the waters and learn what works for you. In the 80′s someone coined the term “Designer Diet”, which refereed to picking and choosing elements from all of the plans out there and finding the points that work for you and rolling them into your very own plan. It was ultimately what I did at that time, and what I am finding myself doing once again. I own it. It may not be what works for everyone else, but it does not matter. In the end I am the one who has to do the work, live the plan and still live the rest of my life while doing this.
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Salad Days =-.
I recently revamped my plan after hitting a plateau. I’m loving it! I’ve made a commitment to running (which I used to hate), but it is SO effective. I feel strong and energized, and running also puts me in competition with myself. I’m pushing beyond what I ever thought I could do! sa-weeet! This is a enjoyable lifestyle. Not the pre-packaged meal kinda life. ka-BOOM!
.-= Yum Yucky´s last blog ..I Have a New Man – And a Cake Eating Announcement =-.
I have never used a “packaged” plan to lose weight or even revamp mine eating plan. I have always done my own thing & you are right Diane, when you do that, you not only own it but learn from it. It gives you a knowledge base to work from when things need to be changed or tweaked to get better results OR as we age. I am so glad I did this my way because I have been able to change things along the way based on past experience & knowing my bod better too.
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog .."Reaching out is IN. Suffering in silence is Out." – Book Review & GIVEAWAY! =-.
I work my own plan right now, but I did a packaged meal delivery for about 6 months a couple years ago, and I am really glad I did. I was at the point where I was plateauing and regaining and I was so sick and tired of thinking about food. I just wanted to go for a while with someone else telling me what to eat and when so I could take a break, you know? And it worked. I actually was able to concentrate less on food and put it back into perspective in my life. I did learn some things from that plan as well, like making sure to incorporate protein into my snacks and not just meals. Those type of programs aren’t all just about the food, although that is why most people do them. They also offer a lot of learning tools to help you.
The thing about plans, programs, delivery services, etc is that they are just tools that we implement. You can learn something from every single plan out there, even if it is what not to do. The weight loss registry says that most maintainers have a hybrid program that they cobbled together.
.-= Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Bagel day and improvements. =-.
This is the fundamental distinction that so many people attempting weight loss never really pick up on. Those who are successfully (as described by the CDC as losing 30 pounds or more and keeping it off for 1 year) are successful because it’s is owned by them, regardless of the vehicle which brought them there. That is, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, other plans and systems that are out there, never really helped anyone lose any weight. The weight was lost because the choice was made to start, and all the little choices (what you call ownership) that were made along the way.
Peoople lose weight because they choose to — and they keep choosing to, day after day after day.
.-= Emergefit´s last blog ..Homo Karate-us… =-.
Totally Diane! That’s why I did calorie counting and then Weight Watchers. I could learn to cook real food and make it a life decision and not a diet. And now it just is life and the other stuff are treats.
.-= Cynthia (It All Changes)´s last blog ..Big Liar =-.
I tend to do my own plan. I seem to adjust to meet my daily needs and monthly goals
Have a great week!
=-.
.-= Staci´s last blog ..31 Things for my 31st Birthday
Absolutely agree with you….many plans, all work, just not for everyone. Owning helps make it you..yours.
.-= Trish @IamSucceeding´s last blog ..Menu Plan 4.11 – 4.17.2010 =-.
I’ve never tried an official diet plan like WW or Atkins but I do feel like I own my plan.
I love what Bob Greene said in Best Life Diet: You don’t go on it, then off it as the term diet typically implies. It is, instead, a diet in the traditional sense of the word: a way of eating – for life…
.-= ‘Drea´s last blog ..Where Your Butt Is Right Now =-.
This is one for me to print and read over and over.
Very good. I think I’m finally finding my way into owning my plan and seeing it as workable for life.
Thanks for the great post for Monday. Have a good week, Diane!
AMEN!!!
My problem was that I tried to fit into a plan. That always worked for a while, then…back came the weight!
Plans ‘made’ by someone else were artificial. IF they did not work I had an excuse why, “It didn’t work for me.” That was my way out. That gave me the liberty to not eat healthier, exercise or eat less.
I had to make and become my own plan. I have no excuses now. I rule my weightloss destiny. If I cheat, if I don’t move…no one else to blame but me. I also realize that works for me might not work for others, and I say that often to someone who asks me “How are you loosing all that wieght?” My ‘plan’ may not work for them. They have to want it themselves.
Sorry, I’m getting preachy…You hit a button for me!
I’ll just say it again…AMEN, Preach it, sister!
.-= mamajuliana´s last blog ..Thinking about "the Fall" or How much of a sick puppy am I really? =-.
Diane, You spoke to me again. I realize that I have not been owning my plan. I like to make plans and read about others’ plans, but I have not owned a plan of my own. Thank you for inspiring me to take ownership and be committed to a plan.
This is so true! The biggest thing to learn is that you have to change the way you live and eat forever, or you will just go back to the way you were.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Gastronomic Paris… =-.
I don’t know if the plan is my “own,” but basically, my plan was to eat less and workout more, and gradually that has transition become to eat the right foods and keep working out. Even at not quite 21, I knew that counting “points” or carbs or anything remotely complicated would not be sustainable for me; I didn’t want to live that way. Calories in, calories out … of course, now I know it is the right calories that make the difference.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Blogger lunch + pizza confessions =-.
Yes, I own my plan, though maybe not so much a plan as a general direction. I am mostly comfortable with my eating, lifestyle, exercise, though I have to be a bit careful with my psychology sometimes. This is most likely due to past eating disorder stuff, but it means that basically, I mind my mind, keep track of where I’m headed, and steer myself gently that way.
My way seems dramatically different from most trying to lose weight, and it sometimes intimidates me. As Diana says, we have to do what works for us, not pressure ourselves for keeping our own pace.
.-= julie´s last blog ..wheels keep spinning =-.
I’ve got to my goal and rebounded again. A few times. It’s no fun. I think the important thing for me is to always exercise…lots, and keep the portions and social situations in check. I have to dissociate food and social anything!
.-= Nicole, RD´s last blog ..Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese =-.
I tell my husband “If I was a South Beach purist I wouldn’t…” So I own the plan because I have made some small accommodations that make it fit my life better. I think that is a good thing:)
.-= WaistingTime´s last blog ..My Century Mark =-.
Very timely post, as usual, Diane! Thank you so much for this!
I have to start living according to my plan. Right now I’m not very good at it. I haven’t thought about a plan if I reach my goal weight. First I have to get there, or at least be a few kg’s away from it.
I don’t like the Jenny Craig or sort of programs either: they don’t learn you anything, just tell you what to eat.
.-= Fran´s last blog ..A day in my life: Monday April 12th 2010 =-.
I “own my plan”. From day 1 I kept an eye on the future…if I couldn’t keep up what I was doing then it went to the wayside. It really IS about the rest of your life and if you can’t keep it up because it’s too expensive/inconvienient/difficult, it has to go.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..The Art of Gratefulnes =-.
I do… definitely I do! Consistancy is so key… whatever you decide to follow to lose weight… that one ingredient will get you to your goal! So totally agree
.-= Amy S.´s last blog ..Weigh in and ramblings =-.
I’m following Weight Watcher’s and I think it’s a good plan but I can see ways that I could make it my own too. Maybe I don’t follow it to a T, and if I did I would lose more weight and be healthier.
.-= Alissa´s last blog ..Weigh In Day =-.
I totally agree with you. If you don’t own it then it will never work. I feel like I am owning it this time around. It is all about finding something that I can do the rest of my life. Prepackaged food is not a reality for me. I need something that I can see me doing 20 years from now!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Day 178, 179 & 180 =-.
I’ve tried a variety of diets and right now I’m on Weight Watchers. This is the first program I’ve done that I can see lasting a lifetime. I’m four pounds away from my goal weight so I’m experiencing exactly what you’re talking about. The transition from a weight loss program to a sustainable life plan is a toughie. In the past I’ve gotten to my goal weight and then just let myself go. It’s almost like I know how to put on weight, and I know how to lose it. What I don’t know is how to maintain my weight. WW has helped me take the weight off and thankfully the program includes maintenance. I’ve already decided I’m not doing this again. This time I’m sticking at goal weight.
.-= Bella (Stilettos on the Streetcar)´s last blog ..Celebrate good times =-.
Great post! I do own my plan (and thank you for asking *g*), and it’s one I think I can live with for a really long time. I’m too picky and stubborn to follow someone else’s meal plan. Wish I had figured that out earlier in life.
While I don’t think Jenny Craig-type programs are sustainable for a lifetime, I’ve known a few people who used them simply to learn how to eat better, to get a better sense of portion control and meal combinations. I also knew one guy who did one of those programs just because he didn’t like to cook. It’s better than KFC and Pizza Hut, I suppose.
.-= Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Rambling about Designing Women =-.
Excellent post and very relevant to me right now as I approach a place where I need to start seriously considering maintainance. I do think that I completely own my plan and, once more, I totally agree with you that having a program that works for the individual for the rest of their lives is a huge key to success!
.-= 266´s last blog ..What A Difference A Year Makes =-.
I think you are right. It’s a learning experience and you have to own it otherwise it’s just a temporary fix.
.-= AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Weigh-in #15 2010: Weekend problems =-.
I totally agree!!!! People ask me all the time why I didn’t go back to WW if I had such success with it. And as I say all the time, any program/diet that is healthy works. You just have to find what speaks to YOU. And for me counting points for the rest of my life wasn’t realistic. With JC or Nutrisystem, I doubted that I’d truly learn how to keep the weight off. But those programs supposedly DO teach you how to maintain…if you do it long enough. I’m doubtful about it (like you) but it is so important to OWN it! I couldn’t have said it better myself!
.-= PhluffyPrincess´s last blog ..Weekend Successes!!! =-.
Owning my plan definitely made the difference for me this time. I tried all the different plans out there, but they never worked. When I finally came up with what worked for me I was successful. I needed something easy so I didn’t feel overwhelmed. Dr Oz’s advice to keep your breakfast and lunch pretty much the same really helped me.
.-= Sandi´s last blog .. =-.
I definitely own my plan and for the same reasons you pointed out. It’s for life so it’s got to be easily doable and it is.
.-= John´s last blog ..Weekly Weigh In #6 =-.
So true Diane! My “plan” has changed a lot since Day 1 … as I learn what my body likes and wants and needs, I’ve adjusted my plan accordingly. Great advice.
.-= Josie´s last blog ..Run for Music 10K – WOW! =-.
Yep. I think your ‘plan’ is about what works for you, so yes, you need to own it. But, as several people have mentioned, the plan may change through time as you learn what suits you better.
Although they didn’t really work for me I don’t see a problem if it means picking up someone else’s ideas (WW, South Beach or whatever), either for initial help with weight loss progress or to learn different habits but ‘your plan’ has to ‘fit’ you as an individual… and ‘fit’ your life… and definitely be sustainable. Quick fix diets are just not the answer.
.-= Deniz´s last blog ..A rollercoaster ride =-.
I couldn’t agree more! After all the diets I decided to make my change a way of life versus a diet. I now own my plan and I am driven from the heart. Thanks.
howdy, superb writing.