Do you remember the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza impresses his girlfriend’s mother until he is caught by her eating a discarded chocolate éclair out of the trash can? George assures Jerry it was clean and on top of the heap. But from Jerry’s perspective George has crossed some invisible line between man into bum.
It’s a hilarious episode. Funny, unless, you’ve done the same thing. Guilty. That’s right. Me and George have something in common. We have a problem with food.
It’s been a lifelong battle. In 7th grade I weighed 200 pounds. With each passing year my weight bounced up and down; mainly up. At one point I tipped the scales at nearly 300 pounds. When I look back at pictures from those days I still tear up. But there’s good news to this sad story. I discovered how to lose weight. I got down to 185 pounds. After losing over 100 pounds I looked in the mirror and made a solemn vow. I swore to never again put the weight back on.
That was then, this is now. The one thing about suffering from a weight problem is everyone knows it. People who haven’t seen me in a while don’t need to be told I’m struggling. All they need to do is look. They know. The weight is gradually coming back. And I’m afraid.
Do you resonant with any of this?
The fear is a good thing. It is a powerful motivating factor. It’s forcing me to admit the excess weight is even more dangerous as I age. At 61 it is literally do or die time.
[Click HERE to read an earlier post where I address this issue.]
It is time to put up or shut. It is time to end the bounce once and for all. Failure to lose weight is not an option. It’s go time.
Four weeks ago I got back on track. I’ve lost 13 pounds. It’s the beginning of a long road. But I’m all in.
Why am I sharing my personal story with you? It’s because I believe I’m not alone. You too have struggled with your weight. For some readers you’ve added a few pounds here and there. But for other readers you know it is getting dangerous. It’s time for you too to put up or shut up. For you it’s also go time.
That’s why I’m inviting you to take the journey with me. This is not a case of “misery loves company.” Nope. It’s the realization there is strength in numbers. I need you. Maybe you need someone like me to prod you into taking the scary and difficult journey of losing weight. Have you been looking for a friend to travel with you as you drop the weight? I’m applying for the position.
I have a proposition for you. I propose together we take the 30 Day Eat Less Challenge starting November 1.
What? You’ve not heard of it? Neither have I. I’m creating it. This is something new. If anyone else has done this I’m unaware of it. Let me explain what I have in mind.
How many diets have you tried? Here’s my partial list. Maybe you also have a long list of tried and failed diets.
- Atkins.
- Cave Man.
- Richard Simmons.
- Ayds Candy.
- South Beach.
- Fasting.
- The Zone.
- Weight Watchers.
In spite of my best efforts the weight came back. There were too many rules. It became complicated. I was expected to eat salads and crummy food each day. Who wants to write down everything you eat? Am I really suppose to add points or calories? And there’s this: I went ON a diet (notice the first three letters of the word) looking forward to the day I could get OFF the diet.
What if we threw all the weight loss rules in the toilet? And what if we only had One Rule? One Rule to rule them all? It’s The Rule I used to lose 100 pounds but abandoned. It’s the same Rule I put into play four weeks ago and started to lose weight. It’s The Rule which will also start you down the path of weight loss.
Before I give you The Rule there’s something you must know. It’s hard core. You ought to know this isn’t going to be easy. But then, with only one rule, wouldn’t you expect it to be challenging? Take a deep breath. Ready? Here is The Rule:
Eat three meals a day until comfortable and consume zero calories at any other time.
What does this mean? Exactly what it say. Do not eat a single bite outside of meal time. Do not drink any beverage with calories outside of meal time. Here’s some examples of how The Rule applies to your life:
- no food samples at the grocery store.
- no food at the party unless it’s your meal.
- no coffee or tea with sweetener or creamer outside of meal time.
- no eating between meals.
- no bedtime snacks.
- no Coke outside of mealtime.
You were warned. The Rule will anger you. It’s tough. It might drive you to tears. If you accept the 30 Day Eat Less Challenge you initially will hate The Rule. The temptation to violate The Rule will rush over you like a tsunami. It’s oppressive.
BUT it works for me. I’m betting it works for you.
I’ve thought of the alternative path. If I don’t keep The Rule I’m convinced I’ll die before my time. If I don’t take the weight off I’m facing knee replacements. Unless the weight comes off I’ll keep looking in the mirror and see the face of someone who failed to lose.
Following The Rule might change your life forever.
Do I have your attention?
I’m inviting you to be part of the 30 Day Eat Less Challenge starting on November 1. Every Tuesday until we start, I plan to write additional posts clarifying The Rule; followed by invitations to join the Challenge.
For us older weight loss warriors it is time for victory. Who’s with me?
What is your biggest concern about the Challenge?
(If you know anyone who might benefit from The Challenge please consider sharing this post. It might be one of the most loving things you’ve ever done for them.)