In my on-going, attempted, 3-year weight loss journey I've always been one to lay down the total number of pounds I aim to lose and give myself a timeframe in which I want to lose said pounds. The number is usually HUGE (50-80 lbs) and the timeframe is usually not as huge (5-8 months). While this kind of weight loss IS possible, I need to remember that I'm not the superhuman weight loss machine known as Greg.
As a result of my lofty goals, I usually fizzle out, get discouraged and put all the weight back on. For a while I figured that I just wasn't mentally focused enough or didn't "want it enough." Turns out that it has an actual, diagnosed name... "false hope syndome." (click for full article)
"Weight control experts call it the false-hope syndrome -- when dieters have unrealistic expectations about exactly how long it will take to shed excess pounds.
Unfortunately, research shows that unrealistic expectations boost the risk of dropping out of a weight loss program. And though at least one study has found that dieters may temporarily eat less if their expectations are too high, that undereating may be replaced by overeating at the very next temptation."
WHAT?! I have a SYNDROME? Lock me up in the asylum! I'm done for!
Ok, so MAYBE I'm being SLIGHTLY over-dramatic. But the article is spot on in describing my weight loss patterns. I set a huge goal, try to accomplish it, slip up, and binge uncontrollably because I slipped up. Writing it like that seems kind of sad.
Either way, it's time to buck this syndrome and kick it back to where it belongs - anywhere but with me. If you saw my last post, you know I can't afford to slip up again if I want to score a second half marathon!
But then again, setting that goal to lose 40 pounds in 2.5 months kind of falls right back into the same pattern described in this article...crap.
3 comments:
AHHHH! This cannot be unread. Dang it! I'm a fellow false hope syndrome member. Well maybe you should just do the dang marathon. Training for it will naturally lead you to lose weight. It's a win-win situation. hehehe. No need to deprive yourself from running/training. That's just the way that I see it.
Also, I LOL'd when I read the whole "slapped me two ways to Sunday." hahaha!
syndrome or not, a little ambitious thinking never hurt anyone! except Napolean. and Ceasar. and Amelia Earhart. Wow, i am really not helpful.
:)
Gee, thanks :)
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